Is India Making Remarkable Strides in the Global Innovation Index 2025?
Synopsis
India has made impressive progress in the Global Innovation Index, rising to 38th place in 2025 from 66th in 2019, as reported by the Economic Survey. This growth reflects a robust innovation ecosystem bolstered by government initiatives in manufacturing and technology.
Key Takeaways
India ranks 38th in the Global Innovation Index 2025.
Significant improvements since 2019 when it was 66th.
Government initiatives have spurred growth in manufacturing and technology.
The PLI scheme has generated substantial investment and job creation.
India leads in innovation among lower middle-income nations.
New Delhi, Jan 29 (NationPress) India's innovation landscape has exhibited remarkable and consistent growth over recent years, elevating the nation to the 38th rank in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 from 66th in 2019, as per the Economic Survey 2025-26 presented in Parliament today by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday.
The Survey emphasizes how government initiatives in manufacturing, research, startups, and technology have positioned India as a burgeoning global center for innovation and industrial advancement.
It pointed out that the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme has been instrumental in enhancing domestic manufacturing, particularly within the smartphone sector.
Numerous international mobile phone manufacturers have relocated their production to India, establishing the country as a significant manufacturing hub.
As of September 2025, actual investments under the PLI scheme surpassed Rs 2 lakh crore, resulting in additional production and sales exceeding Rs 18.70 lakh crore.
This initiative has also created employment opportunities for over 12.60 lakh individuals, both directly and indirectly.
The Economic Survey highlighted that India currently leads among lower-middle-income nations in innovation, ranking first in the Central and Southern Asia region.
Major cities such as Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai are recognized among the world’s top 50 innovation-centric clusters. Overall innovation output in the nation has also seen a substantial increase.
India has emerged as a crucial player in intellectual property, ranking fourth globally in trademark filings, sixth in patents, and seventh in industrial designs as of 2024.
The Economic Survey also noted significant advancements in the semiconductor sector. By August 2025, ten semiconductor manufacturing and packaging projects were greenlit across six states, with a total investment of approximately Rs 1.60 lakh crore.
Through the India Semiconductor Mission and the Semicon India programme, the government is developing a comprehensive domestic semiconductor ecosystem, as outlined in the Survey.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize India's progress in the Global Innovation Index as a testament to the collective efforts of government and industry. This advancement not only positions India favorably on the global stage but also enhances the potential for economic growth and job creation, aligning with our national aspirations.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Global Innovation Index?
The Global Innovation Index (GII) is an annual ranking that measures the innovation performance of countries worldwide, based on various metrics including research, technology, and economic development.
How has India improved its rank in the GII?
India improved its GII rank by implementing government initiatives in manufacturing, particularly through the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, which boosted domestic production and job creation.
What is the significance of the PLI Scheme?
The PLI Scheme incentivizes domestic manufacturing and has attracted global companies to set up production in India, contributing significantly to the economy and job market.
Which cities in India are recognized for innovation?
Cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai are among the top 50 innovation-intensive clusters globally, showcasing India's vibrant innovation ecosystem.
What role does intellectual property play in innovation?
Strong intellectual property protection encourages innovation by ensuring that creators can secure their ideas and inventions, fostering a culture of creativity and investment.
