India has improved its position by four places to rank 45th in the Network Readiness Index 2025 (NRI 2025), according to a report released on February 4, 2026, by the Portulans Institute.
India’s overall score rose to 54.43 out of 100 in 2025 from 53.63 in 2024, reflecting steady progress in digital and network readiness. The index assesses 127 economies based on four key pillars—Technology, People, Governance, and Impact—covering 53 indicators that map how countries leverage networked technologies for growth and development.
The report highlighted India’s strong performance across multiple indicators. India ranked first globally in annual investment in telecommunication services, AI scientific publications, ICT services exports, and e-commerce legislation. It secured second place in FTTH/building internet subscriptions, mobile broadband internet traffic within the country, and international internet bandwidth, while ranking third in domestic market scale and income inequality.
According to the NRI 2025 findings, India demonstrates higher network readiness than would typically be expected given its income level. Among lower-middle-income countries, India was ranked second, underscoring its growing digital capabilities and the expanding role of technology in driving economic and social outcomes.
The report noted that India’s progress reflects sustained investments in digital infrastructure, policy frameworks, and technology adoption, strengthening its position in the global digital economy.