India Strengthens Digital Standing in Network Readiness Index 2025

Context

India has advanced to 45th position in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025, registering a jump of four places compared to the previous edition. The country’s overall score improved to 54.43/100, reflecting growing digital capacity, expanding infrastructure, and deeper technology integration across sectors.

Understanding the Network Readiness Index

Nature of the Index:
The Network Readiness Index is a global benchmarking framework that evaluates how effectively nations deploy and leverage Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to drive economic transformation and social development.

Institutional Backing:
The index is compiled and published by the Portulans Institute, an independent research institution headquartered in Washington, DC.

Primary Objective:

To measure a country’s readiness to harness digital networks and emerging technologies.
To examine how ICT ecosystems contribute to innovation, governance quality, and inclusive growth.

Methodology & Evaluation Parameters

Coverage:
The 2025 edition assesses 127 economies across varying income levels.

Core Dimensions:
The framework is structured around four principal pillars:

Technological Ecosystem – Infrastructure, connectivity, and future-oriented technologies
Human Capital – Digital skills, inclusiveness, and workforce preparedness
Regulatory & Institutional Framework – Policy environment, cybersecurity, and trust
Socio-Economic Outcomes – Economic productivity, social progress, and environmental sustainability

Indicator Base:
Rankings are derived from 53 indicators, including broadband penetration, AI research publications, digital trade activity, ICT legislation, and market scale.

Highlights of India’s Performance

Overall Progress:
India’s score increased from 53.63 (2024) to 54.43 (2025), demonstrating steady digital advancement.

Global Leadership Areas:
India secured 1st rank globally in:

Investment in telecommunications services
AI scientific publications
ICT services exports
E-commerce regulatory framework

Connectivity & Usage Strength:
India achieved 2nd rank worldwide in:

FTTH/building internet subscriptions
Mobile broadband traffic
International internet bandwidth

Market Scale Advantage:
Ranked 3rd globally in domestic market scale, highlighting India’s large and digitally engaged population.

Income-Level Performance:
Among lower-middle-income economies, India placed 2nd, outperforming expectations relative to its income bracket.

Source : PIB