India ranks 16 among 154 countries on Responsible Nations Index

The concept of 'responsible nationhood' has gained significant traction in international discourse, moving beyond traditional metrics of economic might or military power. This shift reflects a growing global consensus that a nation's true strength lies in its holistic conduct towards its populace, its environment, and its role in the global community. The launch of the 'Responsible Nations Index' by the World Intellectual Foundation is a testament to this evolving understanding, providing a new framework to assess national performance on these critical dimensions.

Historically, the measure of a nation's success was often confined to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or per capita income. However, decades of experience have shown that high economic growth does not automatically translate into equitable development, environmental sustainability, or social justice. Issues like climate change, widening inequality, and global health crises have underscored the need for a more comprehensive evaluation of national conduct. This background sets the stage for indices like the Responsible Nations Index, which aims to capture the essence of good governance and ethical global citizenship.

India's achievement of the 16th rank among 154 countries in this newly launched index is a noteworthy accomplishment. The index evaluates national conduct across three broad pillars: responsibility towards citizens (e.g., social welfare, human rights), responsibility towards the environment (e.g., climate action, biodiversity protection), and responsibility towards the world (e.g., international cooperation, peace initiatives). The finding that developing nations often outperform wealthier ones in key areas challenges the conventional wisdom that economic prowess automatically leads to responsible behavior. For India, a large developing economy with immense demographic and developmental challenges, a top-20 ranking suggests a significant commitment to these principles.

Several key stakeholders are involved in shaping a nation's 'responsible' character. Foremost is the **Indian Government**, encompassing the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary. Their policies, laws, and judicial pronouncements directly influence citizen welfare, environmental protection, and foreign relations. For instance, the government's commitment to social welfare schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) or Ayushman Bharat, or its environmental initiatives under the National Action Plan on Climate Change, directly contribute to India's performance. **Citizens and Civil Society Organizations** also play a crucial role by demanding accountability, participating in governance, and advocating for social and environmental causes. Their collective action often pushes the state towards more responsible policies. Finally, the **World Intellectual Foundation**, as the creator of the index, acts as a global monitor, providing a comparative framework that can influence national policy-making and international perceptions.

This ranking holds significant implications for India. On the **international stage**, it bolsters India's 'soft power' and enhances its credibility as a responsible global actor. This can translate into greater influence in multilateral forums, stronger diplomatic ties, and a more favorable environment for international collaborations. Economically, a high ranking can attract ethical foreign direct investment (FDI) from companies and funds that prioritize Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria. Domestically, it serves as both validation and a mirror. It validates the efforts made in areas like social inclusion and environmental conservation, while also highlighting areas where further improvements are needed. This aligns closely with India's commitment to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a global blueprint for a more sustainable and equitable future, adopted by India in 2015.

India's constitutional framework provides a strong foundation for responsible nationhood. The **Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)**, enshrined in Part IV of the Constitution (Articles 36-51), lay down the ethical and social guidelines for the state. For example, Article 38 mandates the state to secure a social order for the promotion of welfare of the people; Article 39 directs policies towards securing adequate means of livelihood, equitable distribution of material resources, and prevention of concentration of wealth; and crucially, Article 48A directs the state to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife. Furthermore, **Fundamental Duties** under Article 51A include duties to protect and improve the natural environment (51A(g)) and to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity (51A(j)). Various acts like the **Environmental Protection Act, 1986**, and numerous social justice legislations are legislative manifestations of these constitutional mandates.

Looking ahead, India's 16th rank presents an opportunity for deeper introspection and strategic policy refinement. It encourages the government to identify specific sub-indicators within the index where India can further improve, thereby strengthening its commitment to citizen welfare, environmental stewardship, and global cooperation. It also positions India to play a more proactive role in advocating for a global order that prioritizes responsibility and sustainability over narrow economic gains. As India continues its journey of development, maintaining and improving upon this ranking will be crucial for its vision of becoming a leading, responsible global power, shaping a more equitable and sustainable future for its citizens and the world.