India has achieved a notable milestone, securing the 99th position out of 167 countries in the latest Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Index for 2025, marking a steady improvement from previous years. With a score of 67, India’s progress reflects a significant climb from its 2024 ranking of 109th, 112th in 2023, and 121st in 2022.

Comparatively, China holds the 49th spot with a score of 74.4, while the United States stands at 44th with 75.2 points. Among India’s neighbors, Bhutan ranks 74th with 70.5 points, Nepal at 85th with 68.6, Bangladesh at 114th with 63.9, and Pakistan at 140th with 57 points. Maritime neighbors Maldives and Sri Lanka secure the 53rd and 93rd positions, respectively.

The report highlights a global slowdown in progress, with only 17% of SDG targets projected to be achieved by 2030. Key barriers include conflicts, structural vulnerabilities, and limited fiscal capacities. Despite strong rankings, even top-performing European nations struggle with climate and biodiversity goals due to unsustainable consumption patterns.

Additionally, the report emphasizes global commitment to UN multilateralism, with Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago ranked as the top three supportive countries. In contrast, the United States, having withdrawn from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO), and opposing the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda, remains at the bottom of the rankings for the second consecutive year, at 193rd place.

This year’s index underscores both India’s progress and the global challenges that impede sustainable development efforts worldwide.