Singapore Tops Responsible Nations’ Index; India Ranks 16th in Global Responsibility Assessment
Singapore has been ranked the world’s most responsible nation in the inaugural Responsible Nations’ Index (RNI) , while India secured the 16th position among 154 countries. The index, launched in New Delhi by former President Ram Nath Kovind , introduces a new global framework that evaluates nations not by power or wealth, but by the ethical and responsible exercise of authority .
Global Rankings and India’s Comparative Standing
According to the index, Singapore leads the rankings, followed by Switzerland and Denmark in second and third places respectively. At the other end of the spectrum, the Central African Republic ranked last.
India’s 16th rank places it well ahead of several major global powers, including the United States (66th) and China (68th) . Within South Asia, India significantly outperformed Pakistan , which stood at the 90th position , highlighting sharp contrasts in governance responsibility across the region.
Philosophy Behind the Responsible Nations’ Index
The Responsible Nations’ Index is built on the idea that national power must be matched with responsibility —towards citizens, the international community, and the environment. Speaking at the launch, Ram Nath Kovind described the index as a “moral mirror” rather than a competitive scoreboard , emphasising that ethical governance, inclusiveness, and sustainability are essential for long-term national and global well-being.
The index seeks to challenge traditional global rankings that prioritise economic output, military strength, or geopolitical influence, arguing that prosperity without responsibility is ultimately fragile.
Framework, Institutions and Methodology
The RNI has been developed by the World Intellectual Foundation in academic collaboration with Jawaharlal Nehru University , with methodological validation provided by Indian Institute of Management Mumbai .
Its analytical structure is anchored in three core dimensions :
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Internal responsibility (governance, inclusion, social outcomes)
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Environmental responsibility (sustainability, ecological impact)
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External responsibility (global conduct, cooperation, peace)
These are further broken down into seven dimensions, 15 aspects, and 58 indicators , offering a multi-layered assessment of national behaviour.
A Shift from Power Metrics to Ethical Governance
According to Sudhanshu Mittal , the index represents a fundamental shift in global evaluation frameworks by asking a simple but profound question: How responsibly does a nation exercise its power?
By foregrounding humane development, environmental stewardship, and responsible international conduct, the Responsible Nations’ Index aims to encourage governments to integrate ethics into policymaking and global engagement.
Exam-Focused Points
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Responsible Nations’ Index evaluates 154 countries .
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Focus is on ethical and responsible governance , not power or wealth.
Month: Current Affairs - January 21, 2026
Category: Governance | Ethics in International Relations