Global Peace Index 2026

Why in News

The Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) released the Global Peace Index 2026, reporting that peacefulness has deteriorated worldwide, with armed conflict identified as the principal driver.

About the Global Peace Index

The GPI is considered the world’s leading measure of peacefulness. It assesses 163 countries and territories using indicators grouped under societal safety and security, ongoing conflict, and militarisation.

Key Findings of the 2026 Report

The report states that there are more active state-based conflicts than at any time since the end of the Second World War. The number of countries involved in external conflicts has nearly doubled since 2008. Major conflicts influencing the decline include the civil war in Sudan, the continuing war in Ukraine, and the Twelve-Day War involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.

Top Peaceful Countries

Iceland: remains the most peaceful country in the world for the 19th consecutive year, supported by the absence of a standing military, very low crime levels, and high social trust.

New Zealand: rose one position to become the second most peaceful country globally and recorded the lowest ongoing conflict score in the Asia-Pacific region.

India’s Performance

India experienced a 2.9% deterioration in peacefulness and is ranked 127th globally. The decline was attributed mainly to worsening conflict-related indicators, including increased tensions with Pakistan and Myanmar and continuing ethnic violence in Manipur.

South Asia Highlights

Bhutan: retained its position as the most peaceful country in South Asia and ranked 16th globally.

Sri Lanka: improved significantly, climbing 14 places to rank 67th globally, making it the second most peaceful country in South Asia.

Least Peaceful Country

Russia was identified as the least peaceful country in the world in 2025, largely due to its ongoing war in Ukraine.