UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index 2026

India has achieved its highest-ever ranking in the 2026 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, securing 94th position among 167 countries.

• India obtained an overall SDG score of 68.3 out of 100, improving from 99th rank in 2025.
• According to the Sustainable Development Report 2026, India has risen 18 places since 2015, moving from 112th to 94th, making it one of the world’s fastest-improving countries in the SDG rankings.
• The report is published annually by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).

India’s Performance

• Despite the improvement, India ranks behind four South Asian neighbours Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
• The report notes that India continues to face challenges in 13 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Goals Facing Major Challenges

India faces major challenges in the following 7 SDGs:

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 14: Life Below Water
• SDG 15: Life on Land
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Goals Facing Significant Challenges

India also faces significant challenges in:

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Key Observation

• Under SDG 2, the only indicator currently on track is cereal yield, which reached 3.6 tonnes per hectare of harvested land in 2023.
• However, progress on key nutrition and health-related indicators under SDG 2 continues to lag, highlighting the need for stronger interventions in food security and nutrition.

About the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• The United Nations adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• The SDGs aim to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, promote prosperity, and ensure peace and inclusive development by 2030.

Source: DTE

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