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India Rises to 45th in Global Network Readiness, Leads in Key Digital Areas

India has advanced four positions to rank 45th globally in the Network Readiness Index 2025, showcasing improved digital infrastructure. The country leads the world in several categories, including annual investment in telecommunication services and AI scientific publications. Its strong performance in network readiness exceeds expectations for its income level, according to the report. The progress is bolstered by initiatives like the National Broadband Mission 2.0, aiming for comprehensive digital transformation.

Key Points: India Climbs to 45th in Network Readiness Index 2025

  • Ranked 1st in AI publications & telecom investment
  • 2nd in FTTH subscriptions & mobile broadband traffic
  • 3rd in domestic market scale
  • 45th overall among 127 economies
2 min read

India climbs four spots to 45th rank in Network Readiness Index 2025

India jumps 4 spots to rank 45th globally in the Network Readiness Index 2025, leading in AI research, telecom investment, and e-commerce laws.

"greater network readiness than would be expected given its income level - Portulans Institute"

New Delhi, February 9

India has climbed four spots to secure the 45th position in the Network Readiness Index 2025 report, which was released on February 4, 2026. The report, prepared by the Portulans Institute based in Washington DC, highlights India's progress in its network-based readiness landscape across 127 economies. According to a Ministry of Communications release, the country improved its overall score from 53.63 in 2024 to 54.43 in 2025.

The index evaluates nations based on four primary pillars: Technology, People, Governance, and Impact, encompassing 53 different indicators. India has emerged as a leader in several categories, securing the first rank in "Annual investment in telecommunication services, AI scientific publications, ICT services exports, and E-commerce legislation."

The release notes that these achievements reflect a sustained commitment to digital infrastructure and services.

India also holds significant rankings in other critical areas. The report places the nation 2nd in "FTTH/Building Internet subscriptions," "Mobile broadband internet traffic within the country," and "International Internet bandwidth."

Furthermore, India achieved the 3rd rank in "Domestic market scale" and "Income Inequality." These metrics contribute to the country's standing as the 2nd-ranked nation within the lower-middle-income group.

The Portulans Institute report states that India has "greater network readiness than would be expected given its income level." This performance underscores the country's ability to leverage its network capabilities effectively despite economic constraints.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) closed 2025 on a high note, registering landmark achievements in connectivity, digital infrastructure, and telecom self-reliance.

A Year-End Review statement released by the Ministry of Communications in December 2025 highlighted unprecedented growth in internet and mobile penetration, rapid nationwide rollout of 5G services, and major strides in indigenous technology development.

One of the most significant milestones of the year was the launch of the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 in January 2025, aimed at accelerating India's digital transformation.

The mission envisions extending high-speed broadband to villages, schools, health centres and other anchor institutions, aligning with the government's vision of a "Viksit Bharat" by 2047.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Great to see India punching above its weight! "Greater network readiness than expected given its income level" – that's the key takeaway. It shows efficient use of resources. Hope the NBM 2.0 bridges the urban-rural digital divide soon. My village still has patchy 4G.
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Rohit P
The ranking in FTTH subscriptions and mobile broadband traffic is impressive, it matches my experience. 5G rollout has been rapid in metros. However, the cost of data and devices needs to come down further for true mass adoption. Affordability is still a barrier for many.
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Sarah B
Working in tech here, the focus on indigenous development and telecom self-reliance is crucial for long-term security and growth. Leading in ICT exports is a big deal. This progress needs to be sustained with continuous policy support and skill development.
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Vikram M
Good numbers, but rankings are one thing. On the ground, we still face call drops, fiber cuts, and customer service issues. The infrastructure is growing, but quality and reliability must keep pace. The mission to connect villages and health centres is the most important part.
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Ananya R
👏 Proud moment! 3rd in domestic market scale shows the power of our digital population. So many startups and businesses are thriving because of this improved connectivity. The link to lower income inequality (3rd rank there too) is promising if it translates to real opportunities.

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