Global progress in human development has slowed to its weakest pace in 35 years but India has improved its Human Development Index (HDI) rank to 130 out of the 193 countries surveyed in 2023, reveals the UNDP’s Human Development Report, released on Tuesday.  

Previously India was at the 133rd position, the gain has been driven by improvements in life expectancy, education, and income. India’s HDI score rose from 0.644 to 0.685, placing it in the ‘medium human development’ category and inching closer to the high development threshold of 0.700.

When adjusted for inequality, India’s HDI drops sharply to 0.475 which is a 30.7% reduction, and also is among the highest in the region-highlighting significant disparities in health, education, and income.

The report, themed “A matter of choice: People and possibilities in the age of Artificial Intelligence,” highlights deepening inequalities and warns that the world risks decades-long setbacks if current trends persist.

The HDI is a composite annual measure of health, education, and income compiled by the United Nations. 

Life expectancy in India increased to 72 years in 2023 from 67.7 in 2022. Expected years of schooling remained steady at about 13, while mean years of schooling rose to 6.9. Gross National Income (GNI) per capita jumped to $9,047 from $8,475 (2021 PPP). The report notes that all of these improvements reflect sustained economic growth and efforts to reduce poverty.

Gender gaps are also present with India’s Gender Development Index standing at 0.874, while women lag behind men in key areas. The country ranks 102nd on the Gender Inequality Index.

Report highlights widening Human Development Index gap between countries

The UNDP report finds that, for the fourth consecutive year, the gap between countries with very high and low HDI scores has widened, reversing decades of narrowing disparities. Development challenges are particularly acute for nations with the lowest HDI, driven by trade tensions, debt crises, and jobless industrialization.

The report has highlighted Artificial Intelligence as both a challenge and an opportunity. India has reported taking the lead in AI skill development, given the country’s eminence in the global software industry. 

UNDP officials urge governments to focus on inclusive growth and international cooperation to address systemic gaps. “As Artificial Intelligence continues its rapid advance across so many aspects of our lives, we should consider its potential for development,” Steiner said.

Despite India’s progress, the report calls for targeted action on inequality and gender gaps to ensure that gains in human development are broad-based and sustainable.