India Enters Top 100 in Global SDG Rankings for First Time

India has secured a place among the top 100 countries in the Sustainable Development Goals rankings for the first time, ranking 99th with a score of 67. European countries top the rankings, with Finland ranking first. East and South Asia have shown the fastest progress since 2015, with Nepal and Cambodia leading the way. However, only 17% of the targets are on track to be achieved globally, with significant reversals in progress on targets such as obesity rate and press freedom.

India has made significant strides in the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) rankings, with four of its universities securing top spots in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025. This marks a notable achievement for the country, which has previously struggled to make a significant impact on the global stage in terms of sustainability efforts.

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and Lovely Professional University (LPU) are the standout performers among Indian institutions, ranking 41st and 48th globally, respectively. These rankings evaluate universities based on their progress towards the United Nations SDGs, with a particular focus on research, outreach, and campus operations. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has demonstrated strong performance in SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and scored 100/100 in lifelong learning and water sustainability. LPU, on the other hand, ranked 5th globally for clean energy, 6th for sustainable cities, and 8th for zero hunger, with an overall score of 92.6 [1].

The rankings also highlight the growing influence of Asian universities in sustainability leadership. While Western Sydney University maintained its top global rank for the fourth consecutive year, Asian institutions are increasingly prominent in the top tier. South Korea’s Kyungpook National University ranked third, while Universitas Airlangga from Indonesia secured a joint ninth position. This shift underscores the region's commitment to sustainable development and its impact on global rankings [1].

However, while Indian universities are making significant strides, the global picture remains mixed. Only 17% of the SDG targets are on track to be achieved globally, with significant reversals in progress on targets such as obesity rate and press freedom. This highlights the need for continued effort and investment in sustainable development initiatives worldwide [2].

Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that Europe faces the risk of economic stagnation if it does not take urgent measures to address slowing economic growth, weak investment, and escalating geopolitical threats. The IMF recommends deepening the EU single market and increasing fiscal budgets to revitalize productivity. According to the IMF, eliminating national barriers within the EU could increase the EU's GDP by 3% within a decade [2].

In conclusion, while India's universities are making significant progress in global sustainability rankings, the global picture remains challenging. The IMF's warning to Europe underscores the need for coordinated efforts and investment in sustainable development initiatives worldwide.

References:
[1] https://m.economictimes.com/nri/study/four-indian-universities-make-to-global-top-100-in-the-impact-rankings-2025/articleshow/121931528.cms
[2] https://news.metal.com/newscontent/103387185/imf-warns-european-economy-faces-risk-of-stagnation-recommends-50-increase-in-budget