India has achieved major progress in forest conservation and climate action, moving up to 9th place globally in total forest area and retaining its 3rd position in annual net forest area gain, according to the Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The report also ranks India 5th among the world’s top carbon sink nations, with its forests removing 150 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) annually during 2021–2025.
India’s Rise in Global Forest Rankings
The FAO report credits India’s systematic afforestation, reforestation, and conservation initiatives for its impressive gains. India’s total forest area stands at 72.7 million hectares, representing about 2% of the global total of 4.14 billion hectares, which covers 32% of the Earth’s land surface.
Globally, Europe holds the largest share of forest area, while South America has the highest proportion of land under forest cover. More than half of the world’s forests are concentrated in Russia, Brazil, Canada, the United States, and China.
Carbon Sink Performance and Global Context
India’s forests sequestered an estimated 150 million tonnes of CO₂ annually between 2021 and 2025, ranking 5th globally in carbon removal. Worldwide, forests acted as a net carbon sink, removing about 3.6 billion tonnes of CO₂ each year.
In Asia, led by India and China, forest carbon removals reached 0.9 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually, with a sharp reduction in deforestation-related emissions. Global forest loss has also declined—from 10.7 million hectares per year in the 1990s to just over 4 million hectares between 2015 and 2025.
Expansion in Planted Forests and Agroforestry
India’s leadership in planted forests and agroforestry is another highlight.
- The country accounts for 11.8 million hectares of bamboo forests, about 40% of the global total.
- It ranks 5th globally in rubber plantations with 831,000 hectares.
- India and Indonesia together contribute nearly 70% of the global agroforestry area, totaling 55.4 million hectares.
These initiatives have supported rural livelihoods, enhanced biodiversity, and strengthened carbon sequestration.
Facts
- India ranks 9th globally in total forest area.
- India ranks 3rd in annual net forest area gain.
- India ranks 5th in global carbon sinks (150 million tonnes of CO₂ per year).
- Global forest area: 4.14 billion hectares (32% of Earth’s land area).
- India has 11.8 million ha of bamboo forests and contributes 9% of global wood removals.
Policy Initiatives Strengthening Forest Cover
Government schemes such as the National Mission for a Green India (GIM) and the National Afforestation Programme (NAP) have been pivotal in expanding India’s forest cover. Under GIM, India aims to increase forest and tree cover by five million hectares and improve quality over another five million hectares.
In the 2025–26 Budget, ₹3,412.82 crore has been allocated to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, marking a 9% annual increase. Initiatives like Mission LiFE and “Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam” are fostering citizen participation and sustainable lifestyles.
India’s consistent rise in global forest rankings reflects the effectiveness of its environmental policies and its growing leadership in global climate stewardship