Context:
Recently, the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) released the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025. According to it, the global level of peace has deteriorated by 0.36 per cent. This marks the 13th consecutive deterioration in the global state of peace.

Scope and Methodology of the Report:
The GPI 2025 covers 163 countries, representing 99.7% of the world's population. The report evaluates peace using 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators across three key domains:

1.       Level of societal safety and security

2.      Intensity of domestic and international conflict

3.      Degree of militarisation

Key Findings:
• According to the report, there are currently 59 active state-based conflicts in the world, the highest since the Second World War.
• Over 1,000 conflict-related deaths were recorded in 17 countries in the past year.
• Since 2008, 17 out of 23 indicators have shown deterioration.
• In 2025, 94 countries recorded a fall in peacefulness, while 66 improved and 1 remained unchanged.
• Only 9% of conflicts end in decisive military victory, and just 4% are resolved through negotiation. This points to the growing trend of 'forever wars'.

India’s Position:
India ranked 115th in the GPI 2025 with a score of 2.229, showing an improvement of 0.58% in peacefulness. This marks a steady upward trend in India's rankings:
• 2024 – 116th
• 2023 – 126th
• 2020 – 139th
• 2019 – 141st
This improvement reflects gradual progress in internal security, border management, and political stability in the country.

Regional Analysis – South Asia:
The report highlights that South Asia recorded the largest average deterioration in peacefulness among all regions. In particular, Bangladesh and Pakistan showed significant declines. Afghanistan remains the most unstable and least peaceful country in both the region and the world.

International Perspective:
The report states that the world is heading towards a new phase of geopolitical polarisation. Increasing competition among major powers, the rise of mid-level powers, and an arms race in advanced military technologies (such as AI drones and space weapons) have further complicated global conflicts.
Additionally, the report notes that since 2022, every nuclear-armed country has expanded its arsenal. A recent report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) also confirms this renewed nuclear arms race.

Most Peaceful Countries:
According to GPI 2025, Iceland remains the most peaceful country in the world since 2008. It is followed by Ireland, New Zealand, and Austria.

GPI 2025

Conclusion:
GPI 2025 clearly highlights the continuing decline in global peace and the failure of traditional conflict resolution strategies. According to the report, investment in ‘positive peace’ is the only sustainable solution, which can drive economic growth, social welfare, and global stability. India’s improvement is encouraging, but the regional and global challenges remain significant.