India has registered a significant improvement in its global digital competitiveness, climbing four positions to secure the 45th rank in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025. The report, prepared by the Washington DC-based Portulans Institute, highlights India’s growing strength in digital infrastructure, innovation, governance frameworks and technology-driven economic impact.
About the Network Readiness Index
The Network Readiness Index evaluates the ability of economies to harness the power of digital technologies for development and societal well-being. The 2025 report assessed 127 economies across four key pillars — Technology, People, Governance and Impact — using a comprehensive framework of 53 indicators.
The index serves as a global benchmark to measure how well countries are positioned to leverage network-based technologies for inclusive growth, competitiveness and long-term sustainability.
India Leads Key Global Indicators
One of the most striking features of India’s performance in NRI 2025 is its leadership across multiple critical indicators. India secured the top global rank in annual investment in telecommunication services, underlining the scale and momentum of infrastructure development in the sector.
The country also ranked first in AI scientific publications, reflecting the rapid growth of India’s research ecosystem and its increasing contribution to global artificial intelligence knowledge. Additionally, India topped the charts in ICT services exports and e-commerce legislation, showcasing its expanding digital economy and robust regulatory environment.
Strong Performance in Connectivity and Market Scale
India’s progress was equally notable in connectivity-related indicators. The country ranked second globally in fibre-to-the-home and building internet subscriptions, domestic mobile broadband data traffic, and international internet bandwidth capacity.
These indicators point to rising internet penetration, growing data consumption and improved digital access across urban and semi-urban regions. India also secured the third rank in domestic market scale, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s largest and most dynamic digital consumer markets.
Network Readiness Exceeds Income Expectations
The NRI 2025 report observed that India demonstrates a level of network readiness that exceeds expectations for its income group. Among lower-middle-income economies, India ranked second, reflecting effective policy interventions and strategic investments in digital capabilities.
This performance highlights India’s success in narrowing the digital divide through initiatives aimed at improving access, affordability and digital literacy, while simultaneously fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Policy Focus Driving Digital Transformation
India’s improved standing in the index aligns with sustained government efforts to strengthen digital public infrastructure, expand broadband connectivity and promote technology adoption across sectors. Initiatives supporting e-governance, digital payments, start-ups and innovation ecosystems have contributed to measurable outcomes reflected in the report.
The leadership in e-commerce legislation further indicates India’s proactive approach to creating a transparent, secure and consumer-friendly digital marketplace.
Implications for India’s Digital Economy
Experts view India’s improved ranking as a strong signal of the country’s readiness to play a larger role in the global digital economy. The combination of scale, policy support, talent availability and technological capability positions India as an attractive destination for investment and collaboration.
As digital technologies increasingly shape economic growth, governance and service delivery, India’s progress in network readiness is expected to enhance productivity, innovation and inclusive development in the coming years.
With continued focus on infrastructure, research and governance reforms, India is poised to further strengthen its position in future global digital rankings.
