India’s rise to the top 100 in the 2025 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index marks a significant achievement, reflecting progress in health, energy, and housing. However, persistent gaps in gender equality, nutrition, and ecological justice highlight the need for deeper systemic reforms.

India ranks 99th out of 167 countries in the 2025 SDG Index with a composite score of 67 out of 100. Advances in SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) are notable, with 169.40 GW of renewable energy under implementation and the Ujjwala Yojana reducing biomass dependency through LPG connections for low-income households. Health initiatives like Ayushman Bharat have expanded coverage in underserved areas, while the PM Awas Yojana sanctioned nearly 3 crore rural homes, boosting housing access. However, challenges remain. SDG 5 (Gender Equality) scores a low 49 out of 100, indicating slow progress in addressing gender disparities. Nutrition under SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) also lags, with one in three children under five underweight, over 35% stunted, and more than half of pregnant women aged 15–49 suffering from anemia, according to NFHS-5 data. These issues undermine human capital and economic productivity. While large-scale public programs have driven progress, quality often trails quantity, particularly in water and sanitation. The report emphasizes that India’s growth must align with social justice and ecological sustainability to ensure inclusive development by the 2030 SDG deadline.

Conclusion
India’s entry into the top 100 of the SDG Index is a step forward but exposes critical gaps in gender equality and nutrition. Moving beyond infrastructure to accountability and systemic alignment will determine whether this progress is sustainable and equitable.

Source:  Outlook Business,