In the 2025 Global Hunger Index, India ranks 102 nd out of 123 countries with sufficient data to calculate 2025 GHI scores. With a score of 25.8 in the 2025 Global Hunger Index, India has a level of hunger that is**serious.** Global Hunger Index
This GHI Score is based on the values of four component indicators:
12.0%
of the population is undernourished
32.9%
of children under five are stunted
18.7%
of children under five are wasted
2.8%
of children die before their fifth birthday
It is important to note that GHI scores, rankings, and indicator values are comparable only within each year’s report, not between different years’ reports, owing to revisions of the source data and methodology.See Frequently Asked Questions Global Hunger Index
Frequently Asked Questions (selected excerpts)
- What does the 2025 GHI tell us about the hunger situation in India?
India’s 2025 GHI score is 25.8, considered serious according to the GHI Severity of Hunger Scale. This is an improvement from its 2016 GHI score of 29.3, also considered serious, and shows considerable improvement relative to its 2000 and 2008 GHI scores of 38.1 and 34.6, respectively, considered alarming and serious. India is ranked 102nd out of 123 countries included in the ranking in the 2025 GHI report.
India’s child wasting rate, at 18.7 percent, is the second highest child wasting rate in the report; its child stunting rate is 32.9 percent; its prevalence of undernourishment is 12.0 percent; and its under-five mortality rate is 2.8 percent. Global Hunger Index
- Can the 2025 data and ranking be compared to data and rankings from previous reports?
The 2025 GHI report provides comparisons between countries for 2000, 2008, 2016, and 2025 GHI scores and indicator values. It is not valid, however, to compare the data and ranking published in the 2025 GHI report with the data and ranking published in the 2024 GHI report, or any other past reports. This is because each year, the data are revised, the set of countries included in the ranking changes, and the methodology may also be revised (see Appendix A of the 2025 GHI or the explanation of the methodology on our website). Global Hunger Index
- What changes would be needed to improve India’s ranking?
A substantial body of evidence exists that shows what types of programs and strategies can successfully address hunger and undernutrition. Along with a careful diagnosis of the constraints to food and nutrition security and an evaluation of the context in a particular area, this literature combined with experience on the ground must help guide the creation of programs that will successfully address food and nutrition insecurity in the future. The types of interventions and the findings mentioned here are just a small sample of the evidence base. Global Hunger Index
Separately, criticism and political backlash over GHI-related statements have circulated on social platforms. Union Minister Smriti Irani was criticised after claiming the Global Hunger Index is calculated by “calling 3,000 out of 140 crore people and asking them if they are hungry” while speaking at a conference; Opposition leaders called the remark “insensitive” and pointed to the four indicators used by the GHI (undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting and child mortality). India Today
A provided X (formerly Twitter) trends link returns a “Page not found” response when accessed: “Page not found / X — Don’t miss what’s happening.” X
Compare: Nepal’s 2025 GHI entry (for regional context) — Nepal ranks 72 nd out of 123 countries with a score of 14.8 (moderate). Global Hunger Index — Nepal
Join the Discussion
- What impact could India’s 2025 GHI score have locally or regionally, given the GHI’s indicator makeup? Global Hunger Index
- Can the 2025 data and ranking be validly compared to previous reports in public debate and policy-making? Global Hunger Index
- What lessons or policy changes would you prioritise to address the high child wasting and stunting rates highlighted by the report? Global Hunger Index
- How should public figures and media platforms discuss and contextualise index findings to avoid misinformation? India Today