Network Readiness Index 2025 shows India rising to 45th position, leading globally in AI research, ICT services, and telecom investments, reflecting strong digital growth.
India Jumps Four Places in Network Readiness Index 2025: A Big Leap in Digital Ecosystem
Introduction to Network Readiness Index
India has climbed four places to reach the 45th position in the global Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025, showcasing substantial improvement in digital infrastructure, technology propensity, and network eco‑system effectiveness across the world’s 127 ranked economies. The report was released by the Portulans Institute, an independent research think‑tank based in Washington D.C., on 4th February 2026.
What is the Network Readiness Index (NRI)?
The Network Readiness Index is a global benchmark that evaluates how well countries can leverage digital technologies and network infrastructures to drive socio‑economic growth. It assesses four major pillars:
- Technology: Digital infrastructure and innovation capabilities
- People: Digital skills and user inclusion
- Governance: Policy environment, trust and security
- Impact: Socio‑economic and environmental influence
A total of 53 indicators — including broadband access, AI research output, mobile connectivity spread, and digital policy effectiveness — are used to compile this ranking.
India’s Performance in NRI 2025
In the 2025 edition:
- India’s overall ranking improved from 49th to 45th, highlighting steady progress in the digital realm.
- Its score increased from 53.63 (in 2024) to 54.43 (in 2025), indicating improvement in multiple digital parameters.
- India’s network readiness score was higher than expected for its income level, placing it among the top performers in its group.
This marks a significant achievement, considering India competes with high‑income economies in areas such as telecom investment and ICT services.
Areas Where India Leads Globally
One of the most notable features of the 2025 report is India’s top global rankings in several critical digital indicators:
- 1st place in annual investment in telecommunications services, scientific publications related to Artificial Intelligence (AI), exports of ICT (Information and Communications Technology) services, and e‑commerce related laws and policies.
- 2nd rank in FTTH (Fibre to the Home)/building internet subscriptions, mobile broadband traffic, and international internet bandwidth.
- 3rd position in domestic market scale, reflecting the depth and size of India’s digital consumer base.
These achievements underscore India’s strong performance not only in infrastructure but also in knowledge creation, digital policy, and services that contribute significantly to GDP and employment growth in the digital economy.
Significance of India’s Improved Digital Position
India’s advancement in the NRI is a reflection of its rapidly evolving digital ecosystem — supported by initiatives such as Digital India, expansion of 5G networks, growth in AI research and ICT exports, and active policy frameworks that promote innovation and connectivity.
This improved global standing has several implications:
- It positions India as a leading digital economy among developing nations, especially in the lower‑middle‑income group where it ranks 2nd.
- It strengthens the nation’s competitiveness in attracting global investments, particularly in tech and telecom sectors.
- It boosts confidence among stakeholders — from startups and tech innovators to policymakers — to further build robust digital infrastructure.
For government exam aspirants, this development is relevant for sections related to Economy, Technology, Governance, and International Rankings.
Conclusion
India’s notable rise in the Network Readiness Index 2025, along with top rankings in key digital indicators, reinforces the country’s digital growth story. The journey from a developing digital economy to a globally competitive network‑ready nation reflects strategic policy decisions and sustained efforts in technology adoption.
Why This News is Important
Boost to Digital India Vision
India’s jump in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025 highlights the success of India’s Digital India mission — a flagship initiative aimed at transforming the country into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. With a rise to the 45th rank globally and strong performance in key digital metrics, this progress demonstrates how policy frameworks, infrastructure investments, and innovation ecosystem support are translating into measurable outcomes on the global stage.
Relevance for Government Exam Aspirants
For aspirants preparing for government exams such as UPSC (IAS), PCS, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence and Teaching Exams, this news is significant because:
- It reflects India’s performance in international rankings, often asked in current affairs and general studies.
- It showcases India’s achievements in technology, governance and socio‑economic indicators, which are major themes in the UPSC GS paper.
- Questions related to global rankings, digital readiness, and economic competitiveness are common in prelims and mains, making this topic vital for exam preparation.
Historical Context: Growth of India’s Digital Ecosystem
India’s digital revolution began in earnest with initiatives like:
- Digital India (2015): Launched to enhance internet connectivity, digital services, and technology adoption across urban and rural areas.
- Rapid Expansion of 4G and 5G: Telecom advancements have increased internet penetration and mobile connectivity, transforming service delivery across sectors.
- Growth in IT and ICT Exports: India has emerged as a global leader in software services and IT exports, contributing significantly to GDP and employment.
- Increase in AI Research and Innovation: With universities and tech companies focusing on AI and emerging technologies, India’s research output has improved considerably on the global stage.
Over time, these developments have translated into improved global rankings such as the Network Readiness Index, solidifying India’s position as an emerging digital powerhouse.
Key Takeaways from “India Jumps Four Places in Network Readiness Index 2025”
| S.No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | India improved its ranking to 45th place in the Network Readiness Index 2025. |
| 2. | India’s score increased from 53.63 (2024) to 54.43 (2025). |
| 3. | The index evaluates countries on four pillars: Technology, People, Governance, and Impact. |
| 4. | India secured 1st rank globally in telecom investment, AI research publications, ICT services exports, and e‑commerce legislation. |
| 5. | Among lower‑middle‑income countries, India ranks 2nd for network readiness. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Network Readiness Index (NRI)?
The Network Readiness Index is a global benchmark that evaluates how countries utilize digital technologies and network infrastructure to drive socio-economic growth. It measures technology, people, governance, and impact.
2. Which organization publishes the Network Readiness Index?
The Portulans Institute, an independent think-tank based in Washington D.C., publishes the NRI annually.
3. What is India’s rank in NRI 2025?
India climbed four places to reach 45th position in the Network Readiness Index 2025.
4. Which areas did India top globally in NRI 2025?
India secured 1st rank globally in annual telecom investment, AI-related scientific publications, ICT service exports, and e-commerce related laws and policies.
5. Why is NRI important for India?
The index indicates India’s progress in digital infrastructure, technology adoption, policy framework, and global competitiveness. It is also relevant for government exam aspirants studying current affairs, economy, and governance.
6. What are the key pillars of NRI evaluation?
The four main pillars are:
- Technology (ICT infrastructure, innovation)
- People (digital skills and inclusion)
- Governance (policy, security, trust)
- Impact (economic and social outcomes)
7. How does India rank among lower-middle-income countries?
India ranks 2nd in network readiness among lower-middle-income countries, showing strong performance relative to peers.
8. How can government exam aspirants use this information?
Questions related to NRI rankings, digital India initiatives, and India’s global digital performance are often asked in UPSC, PCS, SSC, Banking, and Railway exams.
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