A significant milestone in India’s development has been reached, as the country has been ranked among the top 100 nations globally for its progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a score of 67, India ranked 99th out of 167 countries in the 2025 SDG Index. The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network published the 10th annual Sustainable Development Report on June 24, 2025, highlighting both India’s achievements and the challenges ahead. India ranks 99th in achieving Sustainable Development Goals, reflecting incremental progress in global sustainability benchmarks.

Understanding the SDGs

The United Nations unveiled a set of 17 global objectives, known as the Sustainable Development Goals, in 2015. By 2030, they want to steer countries toward inclusive, egalitarian, and ecologically responsible development. These objectives cover essential topics including gender equality, education, sustainable energy, poverty alleviation, and climate action. Ensuring that no one is left behind in the process of global progress is the fundamental tenet of these objectives. Although the objectives are universal, their implementation varies significantly among nations due to differences in infrastructure, economy, and government.

India Ranks 99th in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals: How It Compares

India’s SDG Index score of 67 places it just inside the top 100, an improvement from its 2024 ranking of 109th. While many challenges remain, the upward movement reflects forward momentum.

According to the report, global progress on the SDGs has stalled, with only 17% of the targets projected to be achieved by 2030. Countries like India face structural vulnerabilities and limited fiscal space, making it harder to achieve the full SDG agenda.

In comparison, China ranks 49th with a score of 74.4, while the United States ranks 44th with a score of 75.2. Within South Asia, Bhutan ranks 74th (70.5 points), Nepal 85th (68.6), and Bangladesh 114th, while Pakistan trails at 140th (57 points). Neighbours such as Sri Lanka (93rd) and the Maldives (53rd) also rank higher than India.

At the global level, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark lead the rankings. 19 of the top 20 countries are European, reflecting their advanced environmental and social policy frameworks.

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Why the Progress Is Uneven

The disparity in SDG achievement between countries is caused by more than just effort; it also involves financial capability and access to resources. The Sustainable Development Report states that emerging economies have fewer alternatives for expanding sustainable investments, as money is still mostly going to wealthier nations. This imbalance is likely to be a central theme at the upcoming International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Spain, where one of the key themes will be reforming financial systems to redirect capital to emerging and developing economies (EMDEs).

Despite being the world’s fifth-largest economy, India continues to struggle with issues such as gender parity, healthcare infrastructure, climate resilience, and social equity. While the country excels in digital infrastructure and clean energy adoption, it faces challenges in achieving balanced progress across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals. India ranks 99th in achieving Sustainable Development Goals, a position that shows these developmental imbalances.

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Pathways Forward

Although India’s index rise is encouraging, the future requires consistent political will, data-driven policymaking, and inclusive growth strategies. According to experts, the nation has to better incorporate SDG objectives into planning at the local and federal levels.

Greater investments in green finance, stronger public-private partnerships, and active community and youth engagement will be essential in scaling sustainable initiatives. With only five years left until 2030, India must act decisively to meet its SDG commitments.

India’s ranking reflects both progress and pending responsibility. India ranks 99th in achieving Sustainable Development Goals, but to rise further, the country needs to bridge the gaps in social services and environmental governance.

Lastly,

India ranks 99th in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. This rank should be seen not just as a measurement, but as a roadmap for targeted action. As the world looks toward equitable development financing and more substantial sustainability commitments, India’s participation and leadership will shape the next phase of the global agenda. The next five years will define India’s contribution to sustainable development and its long-term legacy.

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