India has dropped to 71st in the global Energy Transition Index (2025) according to the World Economic Forum, which tracks the performance of 118 countries in energy transition. Despite falling from 63rd last year, while China, has made advances in energy access and transition readiness.
Global ranking overview
Sweden continues to hold the first place in the Energy Transition Index to be followed by Finland, Denmark, Norway and Switzerland. China ranks 12th and the United States 17th, while Pakistan ranks 101st and ultimately at the very bottom is Congo. These three counties are mentioned inline with the highest 5 economies because they account for a huge part of global GDP, global population and global emissions, which can affect how other countries transition on both energy access and development.
India’s advancements in energy transition
India has made significant strides in energy equity. Establishing increased access to energy and clean fuels, has been a high priority. Along with energy transitions being measured in terms of improvements to energy regulations and investments in renewable technology, these stages in energy equity were essential milestones in establishing energy security and greater equity in energy sector’s.
Key elements impacting India’s ranking
The World Economic Forum marks several contributors toward India’s ranking. Improvements in grid reliability alongside greater energy access in energy deficient regions are primarily important. Supplementary concerns include reliance on imported energy which affects energy security. Ultimately, trillions of dollars in continued investments in infrastructure and renewable energy will be required for further progression.
Global Energy Transition Trends
According to the report, 77 of the 118 total countries saw improvements in their 2025 readiness scores. However, only 28% of the countries improved across all three energy dimensions – energy security, energy sustainability, and energy equity. The U.S. will lead on energy security, while India has made strides in energy efficiency and energy investment.
Patience is a Virtue
Not mentioned in the report was that there has been sufficient progress. There remain many challenges to the global energy transition. Rising tensions associated with geopolitical conflict could cause priorities to sidetrack necessary investments. A disconnect continues to exist with respect to clean energy innovation and getting those established securely into the most relevant implementation place actions. All these factors could serve to undermine the success in generating the momentum of the energy transitions in the world.
Future directions
The new Fostering Effective Energy Transition 2025 report tells us that commitments continue but unexpected challenges do come up. The report identifies “political will, financial resources, innovation and education” as being among the most important “readiness factors”. Just addressing these factors will go a long way in realizing a safe and sustainable energy future.
