NETWORK READINESS INDEX (NRI)

NEWS: India has improved its rank to 45th position in Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025, showing progress in digital infrastructure, ICT adoption, and digital economy development

ABOUT

• The Network Readiness Index (NRI) is a global index that measures how well a country uses:
• Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to promote: Economic growth, innovation, social development
• The NRI report is prepared by the Portulans Institute: An independent, non-profit research and educational instituteà Based in Washington DC

Objective of the Index

The main aim is to:

• Assess digital readiness of nations
• Evaluate ICT infrastructure and usage
• Measure digital transformation capacity
• Track digital inclusiveness and governance

Methodology of Network Readiness Index

• Technology: Internet infrastructure, mobile networks, broadband connectivity, data centers & digital infrastructure
• Focuses on: Digital skills, ICT usage by individuals, digital literacy
• Measures: Digital policies, cybersecurity frameworks, e-governance, regulatory environment
• Evaluates: Economic impact of ICT, social impact (inclusion, access), innovation ecosystem

Key Highlights of NRI 2025 (India-Specific)

• India ranked: 45th in 2025–>Improved by 4 positions
• 2024 Score: 53.63/100, 2025 Score: 43/100–> Methodological recalibration or performance change
• India secured 1st rank in: Annual investment in telecommunication services, AI scientific publications, ICT services exports, E-commerce legislation
• India Ranked 2nd: FTTH/Building Internet subscriptions (Fiber internet growth), mobile broadband traffic
• 3rd rank in Domestic market scale (large digital user base)à3rd in Income inequality indicator (methodological component)

Significance of NRI for India

• Higher NRI ranking reflects success of: BharatNet, digital India, UPI ecosystem
• Economic Growth & Digital Economy: ICT boostsà Startups, E-commerce, E-Governance
• Better ranking indicates progress in: Digital governance, online public services, transparent administration IT exports