Context:

Recently, India demonstrated improved performance on the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025, climbing four places to secure the 45th rank among 127 economies. The report was released by the Portulans Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based independent research organisation.

About the Network Readiness Index:

The Network Readiness Index (NRI) assesses how well countries are positioned to leverage network technologies for socio-economic development. The index evaluates economies across four pillars—Technology, People, Governance, and Impact—using 53 indicators that measure digital infrastructure, adoption, skills, policy environment, and outcomes.

India’s Performance in NRI 2025:

• • • • India’s NRI score improved from 53.63 in 2024 to 54.43 in 2025, reflecting progress in digital ecosystem readiness. This gain in ranking underscores sustained efforts in expanding digital infrastructure, policy reforms, and innovation initiatives.
      • The report highlights India’s top global performances across several key indicators:
        • 1st rank in annual investment in telecommunication services, AI scientific publications, ICT services exports, and e-commerce legislation.
        • 2nd rank in FTTH/building internet subscriptions, mobile broadband traffic, and international internet bandwidth.
        • 3rd rank in domestic market scale and income inequality.
      • These achievements reflect India’s expanding digital economy, rising research output, and strengthened connectivity infrastructure. According to the report, India also demonstrates greater network readiness than would be expected based on its income level, ranking 2nd among lower-middle-income countries.

Significance:

• • • • NRI rankings are significant as they provide a multi-dimensional assessment of digital preparedness, encompassing not only infrastructure but also human capital, governance quality, and societal impact. High rankings in telecommunications investment and ICT exports highlight India’s role as a global digital services hub, particularly in software and IT-enabled services.
      • The improved ranking also aligns with national initiatives such as the widespread rollout of 5G services, expansion of broadband networks under the National Broadband Mission, and increased emphasis on digital education and skill development.

Challenges:

Despite notable progress, India continues to rank below top-performing economies, indicating scope for improvement in areas such as digital literacy, governance frameworks, and equitable access to digital services. Strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure, improving data governance, and accelerating human capital development in emerging technologies will be critical to further enhancing India’s network readiness.

Conclusion:

India’s rise to the 45th position in the NRI 2025, along with improved scores across key digital indicators, reflects steady progress in building a resilient digital ecosystem. Through targeted infrastructure expansion, supportive policies, and a strong focus on research and innovation, India is enhancing its capacity to leverage network technologies for economic growth and societal transformation—an essential component of its broader development trajectory.