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SSC Foundation Offline cum Online Delhi Batch 2025 (FC-01)
02 July, 2025
Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025
Thu 26 Jun, 2025
Context
- The Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), ranks 163 independent states and territories according to their level of peacefulness. It is the world’s leading measure of global peace, incorporating 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators under three domains:
- Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict
- Societal Safety and Security
- Militarisation
Global Highlights of GPI 2025
| Aspect | Details |
| Top Ranking Country | Iceland (1st position – most peaceful for the 17th consecutive year) |
| Bottom Ranking Country | Afghanistan (163rd – least peaceful country) |
| Global Peace Trend | Overall peace has deteriorated by 0.56%, continuing a decade-long trend |
| Most Improved Country | Ukraine (due to ceasefire and reduction in battlefield deaths) |
| Most Deteriorated Country | Sudan (due to civil conflict and humanitarian crisis) |
India's Performance in GPI 2025
| Parameter | 2024 Value | 2025 Value |
| GPI Rank (out of 163) | 126th | 115th |
| GPI Score | 2.242 | 2.229 |
| Change from 2024 | — | ↑ Improved by 0.58% |
Key Points:
- India moved up 11 positions, marking its best performance in over a decade.
- Improvements were seen in violent crime rates, political stability, and external conflict intensity.
- However, India still ranks lower than all SAARC countries except Pakistan.
Current Geopolitical Context Behind the Rankings
Rising Conflicts and Military Spending
- Russia–Ukraine War continues to affect peace scores in Eastern Europe.
- Sudan's civil war, Israel–Hamas conflict, and tensions in the Red Sea region have raised instability.
- Global military expenditure reached all-time high, contributing to worsening global peace.
Positive Peace Factors
- Ceasefires in Ethiopia, Yemen, and Colombia led to score improvements.
- Multilateral peacekeeping initiatives in Africa and West Asia have begun stabilizing post-conflict societies.
Regional Comparison (2025)
| Region | Most Peaceful Country | Least Peaceful Country |
| South Asia | Bhutan | Afghanistan |
| Asia-Pacific | New Zealand | North Korea |
| Europe | Iceland | Ukraine (still recovering) |
| Middle East | Qatar | Syria |
| Africa | Mauritius | Sudan |
What Does India’s Improvement Mean?
India’s rank improvement reflects:
- Better internal security, especially reduction in insurgency-related incidents in the Northeast.
- Increased counter-terror cooperation and cross-border deterrence.
- Digital governance initiatives and focus on police reform at the policy level.
- India's growing role in peacekeeping missions, including recent participation in UN operations in Congo and South Sudan.
However, areas of concern remain:
- Communal tensions, border skirmishes with China and Pakistan.
- Occasional incidents of mob violence and political polarisation.
Conclusion
- While the Global Peace Index 2025 reveals a worsening global trend, India's rise to 115th place is a positive signal. For India to become a true Vishwaguru and fulfill its 'Panchamrit' global vision, sustainable peace—both internal and regional—must become the cornerstone of its growth and diplomacy.