With a mere five years remaining until the pivotal 2030 deadline, India finds itself at a critical juncture in its ambitious quest to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A comprehensive analysis reveals significant strides have been made in numerous key areas, yet persistent challenges demand innovative policy responses and meticulously targeted efforts to fully realize the transformative global agenda.
Adopted by 193 Member States at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Summit in 2015, the 17 SDGs represent a resounding commitment to eradicate poverty, safeguard the planet, and ensure that all individuals enjoy peace and prosperity by the year 2030.
India’s framework for SDG implementation
India’s NITI Aayog serves as a nodal agency that is playing a pivotal role in orchestrating SDG-related initiatives across the vast expanse of the country.
Its responsibilities include mapping relevant government schemes, aligning policies to synergize with the SDG targets, and fostering seamless collaboration between the diverse states and union territories that constitute India.
Central ministries are entrusted with the crucial task of implementing sector-specific goals, leveraging their expertise and resources to drive progress within their respective domains. Recognizing the critical role of localized solutions, state governments are acknowledged to be key players in tailoring SDG strategies to address the unique regional challenges that define their territories.
The engagement extends beyond the government sector. The private sector and civil society organizations are also actively participating, contributing their invaluable expertise and resources to emerging areas such as technology and renewable energy, recognizing the power of innovation and collaboration.
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation monitors the performance of the SDGs and provides data for evidence-based policymaking. The UN Country Team in India also lends its unwavering support to key agencies to facilitate the alignment of global efforts with national priorities.
India’s SDG performance: Progress and persistent challenges
The latest edition of the SDG India Index 2023-24 reveals a score of 71 out of 100, marking a notable improvement from 66 in the previous edition. Since the SDG India Index began in 2018, the country has made significant progress towards the SDGs. Key achievements include improvements for SDG-1 (No Poverty), SDG-3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG-6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG-7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG-9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG-11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG-13 (Climate Action). Notably, SDG-7 received the highest score of 96 in 2023-24, while SDG-13 saw a substantial score increase from 54 to 67.
However, the SDG India Index also highlights disparities in performance across states and union territories. The scores range from 57 to 79, indicating a significant overall improvement since 2018, but also revealing the vital need for targeted interventions to address specific regional challenges.
Uttarakhand, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu are recognized as top-performing states, showcasing best practices and serving as models for other regions. Conversely, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Nagaland are trailing well behind and demonstrate the urgent need for focused interventions to accelerate progress in these regions.
Government schemes: Catalyzing SDG progress
Several flagship government programs have had a transformative impact on key development indicators, contributing significantly to the nation’s SDG journey.
The SAUBHAGYA Scheme, a landmark initiative aimed at electrifying every household in the country, has successfully provided affordable electricity to all households, transforming the lives of millions and empowering communities with access to essential services.
The PM Ujjwala Yojana, another impactful program, has supplied 103 million LPG connections to promote access to clean cooking fuel and reduce the burden of indoor air pollution, which disproportionately affects women and children.
These initiatives have contributed significantly to improving living standards, reducing health risks, and fostering a more sustainable and equitable society. They exemplify the government’s commitment to leveraging policy interventions to drive tangible progress towards the SDGs.
Climate action and environmental sustainability: India’s global leadership in renewable energy
India has emerged as a global leader in its unwavering commitment to renewable energy and has set ambitious targets for solar and wind energy production. The nation has invested over US$42 billion in clean energy infrastructure since 2014, indicating a strong commitment to transitioning towards a low-carbon economy and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
“Our commitment to reducing carbon emissions is not just a global obligation but a moral imperative,” commented Rajendra Pachauri, a renowned climate change expert. “India has the potential to become a leader in the global transition to a clean energy economy, and its commitment to renewable energy is a testament to its determination to address climate change.”
India’s renewable energy sector saw a remarkable 420% increase in capacity in June 2025, rising from 1.4 gigawatts (GW) in 2024 to 7.3 GW, according to a report by the India Brand Equity Foundation.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi announced that India has achieved a remarkable 4000% increase in solar capacity, which has risen from 2.82 GW to 117 GW, as well as a 140% growth in wind energy, increasing from 21 GW to 51.7 GW. Over the last decade, solar tariffs have seen an 80% decline. In 2023, India attracted Rs. 42,000 crore (approximately US$4.9 billion) in foreign direct investment in the clean energy sector.
Lifting millions from poverty
India has recorded an impressive decrease in extreme poverty, helping to lift 269 million people out of poverty and decreasing the rate from 27.1% in 2011 to 5.3% in 2023, the World Bank has reported.
Programs such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), a financial inclusion program, and various direct benefit transfer (DBT) schemes have played an important role in empowering marginalized communities by providing them with access to economic opportunities and essential resources.
The PMJDY in particular has been instrumental in bringing a vast unbanked population into the formal financial system. By providing access to bank accounts, individuals are empowered to save, access credit, and manage their finances more effectively. Coupled with DBT schemes that directly transfer government subsidies and benefits to the beneficiaries’ accounts, these initiatives have not only reduced leakages and corruption but also improved the economic security of vulnerable populations.
“India’s approach to implementing the SDGs has been holistic, recognizing that social progress cannot be achieved in isolation,” emphasized Dr. Amita Sharma, a leading sustainable development expert. “The focus on financial inclusion and direct benefit transfers has been crucial in empowering marginalized communities and fostering inclusive growth.”
