Last Updated:January 19, 2026, 22:02 IST
The RNI assessed countries using data up to 2023 from international bodies such as the World Bank, the United Nations, the IMF, the WHO and the FAO.
Former President Ram Nath Kovind launched the Responsible Nations Index (Credits: X)
Former President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday launched the Responsible Nations Index (RNI) at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, introducing a new global framework that ranks countries based on how responsibly they exercise power rather than on economic strength or military influence.
The first-of-its-kind index evaluates 154 countries on three key parameters — responsibility towards citizens (internal responsibility), responsibility towards the global community (external responsibility), and responsibility towards the environment.
India’s Position And Global Rankings
In the inaugural rankings, India has been placed 16th, ranking one position above France. Singapore topped the list, followed by Switzerland, Denmark, and Cyprus.
The index also highlights notable contrasts, with powerful nations ranking lower on responsibility. The United States was placed 66th, one position below Libya, while Japan ranked 38th.
What Is The Responsible Nations Index?
The Responsible Nations Index is the first global ranking system designed to measure countries on the basis of responsible governance rather than power or economic capacity. It shifts focus to how nations treat their people, protect the environment and engage responsibly with the world.
The index was developed jointly by the World Intellectual Foundation, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai, and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
To assess national performance, the RNI used data up to 2023 sourced from leading international organisations, including the World Bank, United Nations, International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Ramnath Kovind Explains Idea Behind RNI
Speaking at the launch, Kovind explained the shift in global thinking behind the index.
“This index defines a responsible nation by how responsibly it behaves towards its citizens. This is a comprehensive index. At one time, countries were ranked based on economic and military capabilities. But the Responsible Nations Index (RNI) shows how a country treats its citizens,” he said.
He added that a nation’s true strength must be judged through three essential criteria — internal responsibility, environmental accountability and responsibility towards other nations.
The launch of the RNI marks a move towards redefining global progress, placing ethical governance, sustainability and human well-being at the centre of how countries are evaluated.
First Published:
January 19, 2026, 22:02 IST
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