New Delhi, June 28, 2025 — In a significant milestone for sustainable development, India has entered the top 100 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Global Rankings for the first time. This historic leap reflects the nation’s accelerated progress in areas such as clean energy, health, education, and climate action.
According to the latest Sustainable Development Report 2025, India now ranks 98th, a notable improvement driven by targeted policy reforms, grassroots implementation, and enhanced state-level performances. Among the states, Uttarakhand has emerged as a frontrunner, making substantial progress in clean water access, sanitation, forest conservation, and gender equality.
Uttarakhand: A Sustainable Success Story
Uttarakhand has been recognized for its exemplary work in environmental conservation and rural development. The state’s initiatives in organic farming, waste management, and eco-tourism have not only boosted local livelihoods but also aligned closely with the global SDG framework. The implementation of solar energy in remote villages and the ‘One Tree, One Family’ campaign have received special mention.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed the recognition, stating, “This achievement reflects the collective will of the people of Uttarakhand and our commitment to a greener, more inclusive future. We will continue to lead by example.”
National Progress and Key Drivers
India’s overall SDG score has improved due to marked progress in the following goals:
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Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Expanded healthcare access through Ayushman Bharat.
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Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Swachh Bharat and Jal Jeevan Mission successes.
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Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): Rapid adoption of solar and wind energy.
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Goal 13 (Climate Action): Enhanced commitment to net-zero by 2070 and disaster resilience.
The NITI Aayog’s localized SDG index has played a crucial role in tracking progress and encouraging competition among states, pushing regions like Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala to strive harder.
Global Recognition
Experts have hailed India’s entry into the top 100 as symbolic of a turning point in global sustainability leadership. With a population of over 1.4 billion, India’s commitment to sustainable development has global implications.
As the world moves toward the 2030 SDG deadline, India’s progress is being seen as both a challenge and a beacon — proving that large developing nations can balance growth with sustainability.
