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.

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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