Singapore has emerged as the world’s most responsible nation, while India secured the 16th position in the newly released Responsible Nations’ Index (RNI), a global assessment that shifts focus from power and wealth to ethical and responsible governance. The index was formally launched in New Delhi by former President Ram Nath Kovind, marking the debut of a novel framework for evaluating national conduct.
Global Rankings and India’s Position
Singapore ranked first among 154 countries, followed by Switzerland and Denmark in second and third positions respectively. The Central African Republic was placed last. India, ranked 16th, performed ahead of major global powers such as the United States at 66th and China at 68th. Pakistan stood at the 90th position, highlighting sharp regional contrasts in governance responsibility.
Concept and Philosophy of the Index
The Responsible Nations’ Index is designed to evaluate how responsibly nations exercise power towards their citizens, the global community, and the planet. Addressing the launch event, Kovind emphasised that the index is intended as a moral mirror rather than a competitive scoreboard. He underlined ethical governance, inclusive development, and sustainability as core pillars for shaping future national and global outcomes.
Framework and Methodology
The index has been developed by the think tank World Intellectual Foundation in academic collaboration with Jawaharlal Nehru University, with methodological validation by Indian Institute of Management Mumbai. It is anchored in three core dimensions—internal responsibility, environmental responsibility, and external responsibility—operationalised through seven dimensions, 15 aspects, and 58 indicators.
Important Facts
- The Responsible Nations’ Index assesses 154 countries.
- It focuses on responsibility, not economic or military power.
- The index has three core dimensions: internal, environmental, and external responsibility.
- India ranked ahead of the US and China in the inaugural edition.
Shift from Power to Responsibility
According to WIF founder Sudhanshu Mittal, the RNI represents a paradigm shift in global assessments by asking a fundamental question: how responsibly does a nation exercise its power? The index aims to promote ethical governance, humane development, and global stewardship, reinforcing the idea that prosperity without responsibility is ultimately unsustainable.