The India vs BRICS HDI 2025 comparison sheds light on how emerging economies are progressing in terms of health, education, and income. While economic size and military power often grab headlines, Human Development Index (HDI) rankings provide a deeper look at citizensโ quality of life.
India has improved its HDI in 2025, but where does it stand among its BRICS counterparts โ Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa? This comparison not only highlights India’s standing but also identifies areas for policy focus and strategic growth.
๐งฑ BRICS Overview and HDI Significance
What is HDI?
The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite index measuring average achievement in three basic dimensions:
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Health: Life expectancy at birth
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Education: Mean and expected years of schooling
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Standard of living: Gross National Income (GNI) per capita
It is released annually by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and classifies countries into four categories: Very High, High, Medium, and Low human development.
Why Compare BRICS?
BRICS countries are among the largest emerging economies, representing nearly 42% of the worldโs population. Comparing their HDI performances reveals how effectively these nations are investing in human capital alongside economic growth.
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๐ฎ๐ณ Indiaโs HDI Performance in 2025
๐ Headline: India Shows Gradual Progress in HDI, But Trails in BRICS Group ๐ป
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Summary:
India ranked 130 out of 193 countries in the UNDP Human Development Report 2025, with a HDI score of 0.685. It remains in the “Medium Human Development” category. Notable gains in life expectancy (72 years) and education reforms (NEP 2020, Samagra Shiksha) have helped improve indicators. However, inequality continues to drag down India’s effective development potential, causing a 30.7% HDI loss.
๐ Points to Remember:
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India’s HDI Rank: 130
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HDI Score: 0.685
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Life Expectancy: 72 years
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Category: Medium Human Development
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HDI Loss Due to Inequality: 30.7%
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๐ BRICS HDI Comparison: Country by Country
| Country | HDI Rank 2025 | HDI Score | Category | Life Expectancy | GNI per Capita (2025 est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 86 | 0.762 | High Human Development | 76.3 years | $15,500 |
| Russia | 58 | 0.821 | Very High Development | 73.2 years | $25,000 |
| India | 130 | 0.685 | Medium Development | 72.0 years | $7,000 |
| China | 75 | 0.755 | High Human Development | 78.1 years | $17,000 |
| South Africa | 108 | 0.713 | Medium Development | 64.1 years | $13,000 |
๐ Points to Remember:
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Russia leads BRICS in HDI (Rank: 58).
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China and Brazil are in the high HDI category.
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India ranks lowest among BRICS in HDI.
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South Africa outperforms India despite lower life expectancy due to better income and education indicators.
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India has the highest inequality-induced HDI loss.
๐ Key Insights and Trends
1. Health Matters
China and Brazil boast better life expectancy due to stronger public health infrastructure. India and South Africa face challenges in public health access and quality.
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2. Education is Transforming
Indiaโs push through NEP 2020 and Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan is significant but still catching up with China’s universal schooling and Russiaโs high tertiary education enrolment.
3. Income Gaps Remain
Indiaโs GNI per capita is significantly lower than other BRICS nations. While it has grown fourfold since 1990, the pace and equality of income distribution remain challenges.
4. Inequality is Indiaโs Achillesโ Heel
A 30.7% loss in HDI due to inequality is the highest among BRICS, highlighting the need for targeted social policies and inclusive growth models.
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5. Technology and Human Capital
While India is emerging as a global tech hub, it must translate that into improved HDI outcomesโby investing in AI for healthcare, ed-tech, and digital literacy.
The India vs BRICS Human Development Ranking 2025 reveals that while India has made steady progress, there is a significant developmental gap between it and other BRICS nationsโespecially in health and income equality.
To narrow this gap, India must accelerate investments in public health, improve income distribution, and ensure equitable access to education and digital infrastructure. As BRICS continues to shape the global order, human development must remain at the core of national strategies.
๐ Additional Resources
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UNDP Human Development Report 2025 (DoFollow)
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BRICS Official Website (DoFollow)
