In a significant departure from traditional global rankings that prioritize GDP and military power, the Responsible Nations Index (RNI) 2026 was launched in New Delhi on January 19, 2026. The index, unveiled by former Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, evaluates how countries exercise their power toward their citizens, the planet, and the international community.
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India has secured the 16th position among 154 nations, outperforming major powers like France, Italy, and the United States.
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Top 10 Responsible Nations (2026)
The rankings are dominated by European nations and Singapore, reflecting a strong commitment to ethical governance and sustainability.
| Rank | Country | Rank | Country |
| 1 | 🇸🇬 Singapore | 6 | 🇧🇪 Belgium |
| 2 | 🇨🇠Switzerland | 7 | 🇬🇪 Georgia |
| 3 | 🇩🇰 Denmark | 8 | 🇨🇿 Czechia |
| 4 | 🇨🇾 Cyprus | 9 | 🇦🇹 Austria |
| 5 | 🇸🇪 Sweden | 10 | ðŸ‡ðŸ‡· Croatia |
Notable Mentions:
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India: 16th
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China: 68th
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USA: 66th
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Pakistan: 90th
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The Three Pillars of Responsibility
The RNI framework moves beyond economic metrics to assess a nation’s “moral compass” through three core dimensions:
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Internal Responsibility: Focuses on human dignity, social justice, and the well-being of citizens.
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Environmental Responsibility: Measures a nation’s commitment to climate action, renewable energy, and ecological protection.
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External Responsibility: Evaluates contributions to global peace, ethical diplomacy, and respect for international law.
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Why the RNI Matters
The index is an initiative of the World Intellectual Foundation (WIF), developed in collaboration with JNU and IIM Mumbai. Unlike “power-centric” indices, the RNI aims to:
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Promote Ethical Governance: Encourage nations to use their influence for humanitarian values.
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Redefine National Success: Shift the global lens from “How strong is a country?” to “How responsible is a country?”
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Highlight Emerging Leaders: Show that responsible conduct is driven by political will rather than just wealth.
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