India Makes History by Entering Top 100 in Global SDG Ranking—How Close Is China?

India’s recent achievement of entering the Top 100 in the Global SDG Ranking for the first time marks a significant milestone in the country’s sustainable development journey. This achievement comes at a time when global progress on sustainable development is facing mounting challenges, including the rising impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, and socio-economic inequalities.

In the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s 2025 SDG Index, India now ranks 99th out of 167 countries with a score of 67. This is a notable improvement, considering India’s position in previous years: 109th in 2024, 112th in 2023, and 121st in 2022. For India, this achievement highlights a growing commitment to addressing critical global challenges and improving the country’s sustainability standards. But how does this compare with other nations, particularly China? In this article, we will explore this landmark achievement, the context of India’s progress, and how close China is to achieving its own sustainability goals.

India Makes History by Entering Top 100 in Global SDG Ranking

India’s entry into the Top 100 in the Global SDG Rankings is an encouraging milestone in the country’s sustainable development journey. While India has made impressive progress in areas like renewable energy, education, and poverty reduction, the challenges ahead are substantial. Addressing climate change, improving governance, and ensuring equitable growth for all citizens will be crucial for India to continue climbing in the SDG rankings.

As we see with China’s position in the rankings, achieving sustainable development is a complex task that requires comprehensive, long-term strategies. With continued commitment and action, India can play a significant role in shaping a more sustainable and prosperous future for its people and the world.

India Enters Top 100 In Sustainable Development Goals Rankings For First Time https://t.co/NGg8anMyOQ pic.twitter.com/OE11GxWa3b

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Context: What is the SDG Index and Why Does It Matter?

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 global goals established by the United Nations in 2015, aimed at addressing urgent global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. These goals provide a blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all.

The SDG Index is a tool developed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) that tracks the progress of countries towards achieving the SDGs. The index ranks countries based on how well they perform in terms of sustainable development. Countries are given scores based on their achievements in various areas, such as health, education, gender equality, clean water, and climate action.

India’s entry into the Top 100 of this global ranking signifies the country’s increasing commitment to these goals, which are critical for long-term prosperity and global stability.

India’s Journey: From Struggles to Achievements

India’s SDG journey has been marked by both progress and challenges. The country’s population of over 1.4 billion people presents both opportunities and challenges in achieving the SDGs. India has made impressive strides in areas such as poverty reduction, education, and renewable energy. However, the road to sustainable development has not been without hurdles.

Key Areas of Improvement

1. Renewable Energy: India has made significant strides in promoting renewable energy, particularly solar power. The country is now one of the world’s largest producers of solar energy, with ambitious targets to increase renewable energy capacity in the coming years. In fact, India is on track to meet its target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. This is a critical component of India’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and addressing climate change.
2. Poverty and Education: India has also made progress in reducing poverty and expanding access to education. School enrollment rates have significantly improved, and the government has launched several initiatives to improve education quality and increase literacy rates. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan program, for instance, aims to provide free education to children from marginalized communities, ensuring no child is left behind.
3. Health: The National Health Mission and the Ayushman Bharat Scheme have contributed to significant improvements in public health and healthcare access, particularly for the underprivileged. Ayushman Bharat, often referred to as the world’s largest health insurance scheme, covers over 500 million people, offering financial protection against catastrophic health expenses. Additionally, India’s immunization programs have led to higher vaccination coverage, reducing the spread of infectious diseases like polio and measles.

Challenges India Faces

Despite these advancements, India still faces several challenges:

• Climate Action: India remains vulnerable to climate change impacts, including rising temperatures, water scarcity, and extreme weather events. The country has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, but the path ahead is challenging. The government’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) focuses on eight key areas, including solar power, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture, but more robust efforts are needed to meet the SDGs related to climate action.
• Biodiversity Loss: India is home to diverse ecosystems, but deforestation and habitat destruction pose serious threats to its biodiversity. Protecting endangered species like the Bengal tiger and the Indian elephant remains an ongoing challenge.
• Corruption: Corruption remains a persistent issue in India, hindering sustainable development in many sectors. Despite reforms such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Jan Dhan Yojana, corruption in local governance and public services continues to undermine development.

How Close Is China?

While India has made notable improvements, China is performing better on the SDG Index, ranking 49th with a score of 74.4. This reflects China’s stronger economic performance, investments in infrastructure, and advancements in technology. China has been able to achieve rapid industrial growth and significant poverty reduction, lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty in recent decades.

However, like India, China faces significant challenges:

• Environmental Issues: China’s rapid industrialization has led to severe air and water pollution, making climate action a critical area for improvement. The country has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, but reducing emissions while maintaining economic growth will require significant policy shifts.
• Human Rights: Concerns about freedom of expression and human rights remain significant issues in China. Critics argue that China’s emphasis on economic growth and development sometimes comes at the cost of fundamental freedoms and human rights.
• Aging Population: China’s population is aging rapidly, which could pose a challenge to long-term economic growth and sustainability. The shrinking working-age population could limit economic productivity and strain social services.

While China is ahead of India in the SDG rankings, both nations face similar environmental and governance challenges, which need to be addressed to ensure long-term sustainability.

A Closer Look at Neighboring Countries

India’s neighbors are also making strides in sustainable development. Here is a look at how countries in South Asia are progressing:

• Bhutan ranks 74th with a score of 70.5. Known for its focus on Gross National Happiness, Bhutan has consistently embraced sustainable practices and environmental conservation. Bhutan’s commitment to being a carbon-negative country is a prime example of its sustainable development model.
• Nepal is ranked 85th with a score of 68.6, making steady progress in education, health, and climate action. However, the country still faces significant challenges related to poverty and access to healthcare in rural areas.
• Bangladesh stands at 114th with a score of 63.9, facing challenges in areas like climate resilience and economic disparity. Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to flooding, cyclones, and sea-level rise, which have been exacerbated by climate change.
• Pakistan is ranked 140th with a score of 57, struggling with issues such as political instability, corruption, and environmental threats. Pakistan faces significant challenges in terms of water scarcity and energy consumption.

These rankings highlight India’s leadership in the region, although it must work harder to surpass the global sustainability challenges it faces.

The Role of Technology and Innovation

Both India and China are using technology and innovation to drive progress on the SDGs.

• In India, smart cities, AI in healthcare, and technology-driven education platforms are helping to address various sustainability challenges. The Digital India program is playing a crucial role in expanding access to digital services and creating more inclusive growth. For example, the Ujjwala Yojana, which aims to provide free LPG connections to households, uses technology to enhance clean cooking and reduce air pollution.
• In China, green technologies and high-tech infrastructure projects, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, are shaping the country’s economic growth while simultaneously tackling environmental challenges. China’s focus on electric vehicles and clean energy is helping it lead the charge on green technologies. Huawei and other tech companies are pioneering innovations in 5G and artificial intelligence, which could contribute to more efficient energy systems and climate change solutions.

Both countries have made significant strides in integrating technology into their sustainable development agendas, although challenges remain in scaling these solutions.

The Private Sector’s Role

The private sector is crucial in both India and China’s SDG journey. In India, companies are increasingly adopting sustainable business practices, investing in green technologies, and focusing on social impact initiatives. For example, India’s leading tech companies like Tata Group and Infosys have committed to reducing their carbon footprints and contributing to sustainable development goals.

In China, companies such as Alibaba and Tencent are playing a role in sustainable growth by investing in clean energy, education, and healthcare innovations. Moreover, China’s Green Finance Initiative is encouraging companies to incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into their business models.

Both governments and businesses in these countries are realizing that sustainability is not just a responsibility but also an opportunity for long-term growth and success.

How India Can Continue Its SDG Journey

India’s progress in the Global SDG Rankings is encouraging, but there is still a long way to go. To continue improving, India should focus on the following:

1. Strengthening Environmental Policies

India must accelerate its efforts to combat climate change and biodiversity loss. This includes:

• Expanding renewable energy infrastructure.
• Promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
• Protecting and restoring ecosystems and forests.
• Increasing public awareness about environmental issues.

2. Improving Governance and Transparency

Tackling corruption and improving governance will be key for India to move higher in the SDG rankings. Effective governance is essential for:

• Allocating resources efficiently.
• Ensuring accountability.
• Implementing policies that benefit all citizens.

3. Investing in Health and Education

India must continue to invest in healthcare and education to build a more sustainable and inclusive society. This includes:

• Expanding universal health coverage.
• Improving quality of education, particularly in rural areas.
• Ensuring gender equality in both education and employment.

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FAQs

1. What is the SDG Index?

The SDG Index is a ranking system developed by the United Nations to track the progress of countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It measures countries’ performances in various areas such as health, education, environment, and equality.

2. Why is India’s entry into the Top 100 important?

India’s entry into the Top 100 reflects its improving efforts towards achieving sustainable development goals. It highlights the country’s growing commitment to addressing critical global challenges like poverty, climate change, and gender inequality.

3. How can India improve its SDG ranking further?

India can improve its SDG ranking by focusing on environmental sustainability, enhancing education and healthcare, and tackling governance issues such as corruption.