Responsible Nations Index (RNI)

23 Jan 2026

Responsible Nations Index (RNI)

India ranked 16th globally in the inaugural Responsible Nations Index 2026, launched by former President Ram Nath Kovind.

About the Responsible Nations Index (RNI)

  • The Responsible Nations Index (RNI) is a global composite index that evaluates how responsibly countries exercise power towards their citizens, the world, and the planet.
  • Developed by: World Intellectual Foundation (WIF)
    • Academic collaboration: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
    • Methodological validation: Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Mumbai
  • Assessment Framework: The RNI is anchored in three core responsibilities and operationalised through seven dimensions, 15 aspects, and 58 indicators:
    • Internal Responsibility: Ethical governance, social justice, inclusiveness
    • Environmental Responsibility: Sustainability, climate action, ecological stewardship
    • External Responsibility: Global cooperation, peaceful conduct, humanitarian engagement.

World Intellectual Foundation (WIF)

  • WIF is a think-and-do tank that works to translate ideas into impact, focusing on governance, international relations, sustainability, and socio-economic development, guided by Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
  • Origin: WIF was registered on January 22, 2021
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • Objectives: To promote responsible global governance, support research-driven policy implementation, encourage social inclusion and humanitarianism, and facilitate knowledge exchange through dialogue-based global platforms.

Rankings (RNI 2026)Top 5 Countries

    1. Singapore
    2. Switzerland
    3. Denmark
    4. Cyprus
    5. Sweden
  • India: Rank 16 (Top-ranked Asian nation)
  • China: 68 | USA: 66 | Pakistan: 90
  • Last: Central African Republic (Rank 154)

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Significance

  • Represents a normative shift from GDP- and power-centric indices to ethics- and responsibility-based evaluation.
  • Encourages ethical governance, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability.
  • Aligns with global goals such as SDGs, climate responsibility, and humane governance.
  • Positions India as a responsible global actor rather than merely a power-seeking state.

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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