NITI Aayog Presents VNR 2025 at UN, Showcasing a Decade of SDG-Driven Progress

India reaffirmed its global commitment to sustainable development as Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, presented the country’s Third Voluntary National Review (VNR) Report at the Ministerial Segment of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

The VNR 2025 presentation marked a significant milestone for India as it captured a decade of wide-ranging reforms and achievements under the 2030 Agenda, transforming the SDGs into a powerful national movement. Shri Bery noted that India’s development model—anchored in inclusive growth, grassroots empowerment, and digital innovation—had enabled the nation to integrate the SDGs across governance frameworks and policy decisions.

A Whole-of-Society Approach to Sustainable Development

India’s VNR 2025 was formulated through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society process. NITI Aayog spearheaded a broad consultative exercise involving:

• Central Ministries and Departments

• All 28 States and 8 Union Territories

• Civil society and community-based organizations

• Development partners such as UNDP

• Academia and private sector players

The UNDP played a crucial role by facilitating the establishment of SDG Coordination and Acceleration Centres across States and UTs, accelerating localised implementation through institutional support.

Pillars of Progress: Key SDG Achievements Highlighted

India’s VNR 2025 captures measurable and impactful results across the SDG spectrum:

1. Poverty Reduction

• An estimated 248 million people have escaped Multidimensional Poverty (MPI) in the last nine years.

• Poverty alleviation programs such as PM Awas Yojana, PM Jan Dhan Yojana, and Direct Benefit Transfers contributed significantly to financial inclusion and upliftment.

2. Food Security

• The PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana ensured nutritional security to over 800 million citizens, particularly during COVID-19 and beyond, strengthening SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

3. Health and Nutrition

• POSHAN Abhiyaan focused on maternal and child nutrition through targeted interventions.

• Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY, the world’s largest health assurance scheme, provided free healthcare to over 500 million beneficiaries.

4. Clean Energy Transition

• Ambitious programs such as the National Green Hydrogen Mission, PM-KUSUM, and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana are propelling India toward energy self-reliance and climate resilience.

5. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• India’s rise as the third-largest start-up ecosystem globally was recognized.

• Initiatives like PM Gati Shakti, National Infrastructure Pipeline, and Industrial Corridor Development are building future-ready logistics and industrial networks.

6. Digital Public Infrastructure

• The Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile (JAM) trinity has created an inclusive digital foundation for service delivery.

• India Stack, UPI, and other digital tools have made the delivery of subsidies and welfare schemes seamless and corruption-free.

Data-Driven Governance and Localisation of SDGs

India’s data architecture underpins the localisation and monitoring of SDG progress:

• SDG India Index and North-Eastern Region District SDG Index provide granular data on state and district performance.

• National Multidimensional Poverty Index (NMPI) enables targeted interventions at the block and district levels.

• Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) ensure last-mile saturation of services, improving socio-economic indicators in the most backward regions.

South-South Cooperation and Global Leadership

India’s commitment to South-South Cooperation was also highlighted in the report. Through technical expertise, capacity-building, and grant-in-aid programs, India is supporting developing nations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America in digital governance, education, and healthcare.

The India-UN Development Partnership Fund and platforms such as International Solar Alliance underscore India’s proactive role as a development partner and climate champion.

SDGs and the Vision for Viksit Bharat @2047

India’s SDG journey aligns with its broader national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, a roadmap to becoming a developed, inclusive, and resilient nation by its 100th year of independence. The VNR 2025 underscores that India’s approach is rooted in inclusion, innovation, infrastructure, and institutional strength—all pillars of long-term sustainable growth.

A Blueprint for Global South

India’s VNR 2025 not only showcases national progress but serves as a model for other developing countries navigating the SDG agenda amid resource constraints and socio-economic diversity. By blending data, technology, decentralised governance, and community ownership, India continues to lead the Global South in reimagining development pathways.