India’s progress on Sustainable Development Goals: A cause for optimism, yet a call for a long-term strategic intervention

The post-pandemic years have been nothing short of an achievement for India and the citizens of the country. The country’s recent strides towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) deserve both recognition and reflection. The latest SDG National Indicator Framework (NIF) Progress Report 2025 from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India has revealed encouraging advancements in poverty reduction, social protection, maternal health, and sanitation.

The NIF this year tracked 284 indicators across 17 SDG goals, compared to 290 indicators tracked last year.

What does the data say?

The expansion of social protection coverage—from a mere 22% in 2016 to over 64% in 2025—is a remarkable achievement. This progress signals that a growing number of Indians are benefitting from safety nets designed to shield them from economic shocks and vulnerabilities. Coupled with a significant drop in poverty rates—from one in four Indians living below the poverty line in 2015-16 to less than 15% by 2019-21—these figures suggest that policy interventions are beginning to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Health indicators, too, paint a hopeful picture. The steady decline in maternal mortality rates reflects improvements in healthcare access and quality, especially for women in underserved communities. The success in declaring all districts open defecation free and ensuring widespread access to toilets underscores the government’s commitment to sanitation—a foundational element for public health and dignity.

Some broad trends emerge

India’s advancements on the SDGs are setting the stage for long-term, inclusive socio-economic growth. In terms of consumption inequality, the Gini coefficient of household expenditure has decreased from 0.283 in 2011–12 to 0.237 in 2023–24 in rural areas. For urban areas, it has declined from 0.363 in 2011–12 to 0.284 in 2023–24, showing a clear move towards more equal spending across both regions.

Meanwhile, the gross value added (GVA) in agriculture per worker increased to ₹94,110 in 2024–25 from ₹61,247 in 2015–16, indicating improved agricultural productivity and income per worker in the country. In education, the gross enrolment ratio—or number of students enrolled as a proportion of the school-age population—for tertiary education rose to 29.5 per cent in 2022–23 from 23.7 per cent in 2015–16.

• The significant reduction in multidimensional poverty suggests that more people are gaining access to basic needs like healthcare, education, and improved living standards. Over time, this can lead to a more productive workforce, higher consumer spending, and greater economic stability. As poverty decreases, social mobility improves, which can help reduce income inequality and foster a more inclusive society.
   
• Progress in areas such as maternal health and school enrolment rates points to better human capital development. Healthier and better-educated citizens are more likely to contribute positively to the economy, drive innovation, and participate actively in civic life. These improvements lay the groundwork for sustained economic growth and social progress.

The concerns

Yet, beneath these positive headlines lie critical areas of concern. Persistent challenges demand urgent attention if India is to realise its ambitious development agenda fully. More than half of wage and salaried workers outside agriculture still lack social security benefits, exposing a large segment of the workforce to economic insecurity. The decline in foreign direct investment and the shrinking role of manufacturing in the economy raise questions about the sustainability of India’s growth model and its ability to generate quality employment.

Inequality, although showing signs of reduction as measured by the Gini coefficient, remains a challenge, especially in urban centres, where disparities are more pronounced. Bridging these gaps requires not only targeted social policies but also structural reforms that promote inclusive economic growth.

The biggest threat, however, comes from climate change. The latest NIF data warns that climate change could impede economic progress. Moreover, according to the latest World Bank data, climate change could potentially push 45 million Indians into extreme poverty over the next 15 years if the situation is not addressed. Proactive climate policies are therefore critical for protecting economic gains and ensuring resilience.

The journey ahead

The date as presented through NIF serves as a vital compass, tracking progress and guiding policy decisions. While there is a growing institutional commitment towards growth, data alone is not enough; translating insights into effective action is the real test.

In this light, India stands at a crossroads. The progress made so far is commendable and should inspire confidence. But complacency is not an option. The country must intensify efforts to extend social protections, stimulate investment, and foster an economy that benefits all citizens equitably. Only then can India truly fulfil the promise of the SDGs and secure a prosperous, inclusive future for its people.

To understand how our initiatives reflect the SDG progress highlighted above, access our Sustainability Report 2024.

Click here to read our report