India launches 'Responsible Nations Index' to rank countries beyond GDP and power

India launched the Responsible Nations Index (RNI), a new global framework ranking countries on ethical governance, social well-being, environmental stewardship, and international responsibility. In the inaugural RNI for 2026, India ranked 16th out of 154 countries, ahead of the US (66th) and China (68th); Singapore topped the list. The RNI, developed by the World Intellectual Foundation with academic partners, aims to shift focus from economic power to responsibility-led development and ethical governance.