Global indexes released in 2025 present a mixed but revealing picture of India’s standing on the world stage. The country has performed strongly in strategic, economic, innovation and climate-related indicators, while continuing to face challenges in social development, governance and human well-being.
India ranked 10th in the Climate Change Performance Index, placing it among the top global performers in climate action, renewable energy and policy efforts. In innovation, India stood at 38th in the Global Innovation Index, emerging as the world’s third-largest innovation ecosystem with notable strength in startups and ICT services. Strategically, India retained its position as the 4th most powerful military in the Global Firepower Index and ranked 30th in the Global Soft Power Index, reflecting growing cultural and diplomatic influence.
Economically, the IMF’s World Economic Outlook 2025 reaffirmed India as the 4th largest economy by nominal GDP and the fastest-growing major economy. Improvements were also seen in logistics, with India ranking 38th in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index, supported by infrastructure and digital reforms.
However, social indicators highlight persistent concerns. India ranked 102nd in the Global Hunger Index, falling under the “serious hunger” category, and 130th in the Human Development Index, indicating gaps in health, education and living standards. Rankings in press freedom (151st), peace (115th), happiness (118th) and corruption perception (96th) point to ongoing governance and institutional challenges. Gender inequality, though improving, remains significant with a rank of 108th.
Overall, India’s 2025 global rankings underline its rising economic and strategic influence, alongside the urgent need for deeper reforms in human development, nutrition, media freedom and governance to ensure inclusive and sustainable progress.
