India is today world’s fifth-largest economy and we are confidently advancing toward the goal of becoming the third-largest economy. India’s determination to be competitive and play a significant role in the global arena has been evident through its remarkable improvements in various global rankings over the past decade. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the country has made substantial strides in sectors ranging from logistics to innovation, security, and cyber security. These achievements over the last ten years are not just about improved rankings but about reimagining India’s role in the global order.
A leap of 42 ranks in the Ease of Doing Business index between 2015 and 2018 positioned India as an investment-friendly destination with a business climate marked by fewer compliances and greater opportunities. Similarly, India’s jump from 71st in 2014 to 39th in 2018 on the Global Competitiveness Index highlighted advancements in infrastructure, market size, and innovation. In 2022, India’s aviation safety oversight mechanism made a quantum leap to the 48th spot, up from 102nd, surpassing countries like China, Israel, and Denmark. These milestones are a testament to India’s consistent efforts to strengthen its global standing and competitiveness.
In 2024, India’s meteoric rise on the global stage has been nothing short of remarkable, with key rankings and achievements showcasing its growing influence. From securing a spot among the top four nations with the largest foreign exchange reserves to climbing the ranks in the Global Innovation Index, India’s progress under PM Modi’s leadership has been transformative.
Economic Growth & Foreign Reserves
India’s economic growth trajectory under the leadership of PM Modi has been spectacular. India’s trade efficiency has increased with India’s jump in the Logistics Performance Index 2023 improving by a remarkable 16 places, now ranking 38th out of 139 countries. This leap underscores India’s growing strength in trade and infrastructure. Also, India has surpassed many developed nations in terms of ship-turnaround time becoming a becoming a major centre of global trade. There has been an increase in port capacity, investment in port infrastructure, and improved connectivity of ports under the Sagarmala Project. The turnaround time for ships at India’s major ports has come down by as much as 48.65 per cent from 93.59 hours in 2013-14 to 48.06 hours in 2023-24 Adding to this, India has crossed an extraordinary milestone its foreign exchange reserves have surged past USD 700 billion, placing the nation at the 4th position globally, just behind China, Japan, and Switzerland. In another impressive achievement, India’s rise in the Global Competitiveness Index 2024 to 39th position highlights the government’s relentless focus on economic reforms, making India a formidable player in the global market.
Over the last decade (April 2014 to September 2024), total FDI inflows amounted to $709.84 billion, accounting for 68.69% of the overall FDI inflow in the past 24 years.
In 2024, India became the world’s second-largest producer of crude steel, after China. It also secured the second position globally in mobile phone production, solidifying its status as a major manufacturing hub.
Emerging as an Innovation Leader
The Global Innovation Index 2024 is a clear reflection of this progress, as India has surged to the 39th position, up from 81st in 2015, showcasing the country’s transformation into a global hub for innovation. Further enhancing its technological stature, India climbed 11 spots in the Network Readiness Index 2024, now ranking among the Top 50 countries. India was ranked 1st in AI talent and ICT services exports, 1st in AI scientific publications, 2nd in FTTH subscriptions and mobile internet traffic, and 3rd in domestic market scale.This leap underscores the government’s efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure. India secures position in top 10 countries in Patents, Trademarks, and Industrial Designs: WIPO 2024 Report,reaffirming the nation’s growing leadership in intellectual property and its pivotal role in driving technological advancements. Not only this, India ranks 7th globally in “intangible asset intensity,” highlighting the strength of its non-physical assets such as patents and trademarks.
India’s Higher Education Gets Global Recognition
India’s education sector is experiencing remarkable growth, with the nation making significant strides in global academic rankings. The QS World University Rankings: Asia 2025 highlights India’s increasing prominence, with 7 of its institutes now ranked in the Top 100 in Asia. Not only this, India also became the most represented countryin QS Rankings twice in a row with 162 universities listed out of 984 institutions, surpassing Japan (115) and China (135). This achievement reflects the country’s commitment to providing world-class education and fostering research excellence. Institutions like IITs and IIMs are setting high standards, in India and on global scale. With ongoing focus on improving educational infrastructure and fostering innovation, India is poised to become a leading hub for higher education.
India Prioritising Cybersecurity
India’s digital infrastructure has grown rapidly over the years, and its achievement in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, securing Tier 1 status, underscores this transformation. India scored 98.49 out of 100 which places India among the top countries in the world for cybersecurity readiness. This milestone reflects the government’s ongoing focus on creating a secure digital environment for businesses and citizens. The Modi government’s emphasis on building strong cybersecurity frameworks can be seen through initiatives like Digital India, which not only expanded internet access but also introduced measures to enhance online security. Past efforts, such as the establishment of the NCIIPC and I4C, have played key roles in strengthening the nation’s cyber defense, positioning India as a leader in the global cybersecurity landscape.
Gender Equality
India’s remarkable progress in gender equality is evident in the 2022 Gender Inequality Index, where the country moved up 14 places, improving from 122nd in 2021 to 108th. This progress reflects Modi government’s strong commitment to women’s empowerment through initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, which focuses on education, healthcare, and women’s safety. As of 2023-2024, India continues to make strides, with more women participating in the workforce and political leadership roles. PM Modi’s vision for a more inclusive society is driving these changes, ensuring that women’s contributions are increasingly recognized and supported across all sectors.
A Flourishing Tourism Sector
India’s tourism sector has flourished, ranking 39th in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024. Initiatives like Incredible India and Dekho Apna Desh have boosted both domestic and international tourism, showcasing India’s rich cultural and natural heritage. In 2024, Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi inaugurates 52 tourism sector projects valued at over Rs. 1400 crore (US$ 168.5 million) under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD Scheme. India has risen to 3rd place in the Asia Power Index 2024, surpassing Japan. This reflects India’s growing regional influence, driven by strategies like the Act East Policy and active leadership in global forums. Under Modi’s leadership, India’s presence and power on the global stage continue to strengthen.
