Network Readiness Index 2025: What Boosted India’s Global Digital Ranking

India has strengthened its position in the global digital ecosystem by climbing four places to rank 45th in the Network Readiness Index 2025, reflecting steady progress in connectivity, digital infrastructure, and technology-driven governance.

Released by the Washington DC-based Portulans Institute, the latest report highlights how India is improving its network preparedness despite economic constraints, underscoring the country’s expanding digital ambitions.

Steady Rise in Global Digital Rankings

The Network Readiness Index evaluates 127 economies on their ability to leverage digital networks for growth and development. India’s overall score rose from 53.63 in 2024 to 54.43 in 2025, indicating consistent improvements across multiple sectors.

The index measures performance across four major pillars: Technology, People, Governance, and Impact, using 53 indicators. India’s rise in rankings reflects sustained investments in digital services, telecom infrastructure, and policy reforms aimed at building a resilient digital economy.

Government officials have credited this progress to long-term planning and focused implementation of technology-driven initiatives.

Leading in Investment, Connectivity, and Digital Exports

India emerged as a global leader in several high-impact categories. It secured the top position in annual investment in telecommunication services, artificial intelligence scientific publications, ICT services exports, and e-commerce legislation.

Strong performances were also recorded in broadband and internet usage. The country ranked second in fibre-to-the-home subscriptions, domestic mobile data traffic, and international internet bandwidth, highlighting the scale and intensity of digital adoption.

Additionally, India placed third in domestic market scale and income inequality indicators, reinforcing its position as the second-highest ranked country in the lower-middle-income group.

The report noted that India’s network readiness exceeds expectations for its income level, reflecting efficient use of resources and rapid technological adoption.

Policy Push and Infrastructure Expansion

Much of India’s digital progress has been driven by coordinated policy initiatives and infrastructure expansion. The Department of Telecommunications reported major gains in connectivity and self-reliance in 2025, including rapid 5G rollout and growth in indigenous telecom technologies.

A Year-End Review by the Ministry of Communications highlighted record levels of internet and mobile penetration, indicating that digital services are reaching deeper into rural and semi-urban regions.

A key milestone was the launch of National Broadband Mission 2.0 in January 2025. The programme aims to extend high-speed internet to villages, schools, healthcare centres, and other essential institutions, supporting inclusive digital growth.

This mission aligns with the government’s long-term vision of “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, which seeks to position India as a developed, digitally empowered nation.

Digital Readiness and India’s Development Vision

India’s improved ranking in the Network Readiness Index reflects more than statistical progress. It signals a broader shift towards a technology-led development model, where digital platforms support governance, education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.

As connectivity expands and digital literacy improves, India is increasingly positioned to harness innovation for social and economic transformation. The country’s performance suggests that sustained investment and policy continuity could further strengthen its global digital standing in the coming years.

(With inputs from ANI)