UN warns slow Sustainable Development Goals progress as India pushes toward third‑largest economy

The United Nations reported that despite measurable gains – such as billions gaining access to safe drinking water, electricity and health services – progress toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains too slow and uneven. Only 36% of the 139 sub‑targets are on track, half are lagging, and 15% are regressing. Ten percent of humanity still lives in extreme poverty, while climate‑related disasters and conflicts are worsening the outlook.

India, highlighted as a rising economic power, aims to become the world’s third‑largest economy within five years. Recent national data show marked improvements in health and digital inclusion: hospital births rose from 88.6% to 90.6%, prenatal care reaches 95.9% of expectant mothers, and full child immunisation climbed to 87.1%. Health‑insurance coverage expanded from 41% to 60.2% of households. Child stunting fell by 24% and severe acute malnutrition by 30%, though childhood under‑vaccination still affects about 13% of kids. The country also faces a “double burden” of rising adult obesity and non‑communicable diseases, prompting calls for healthier diets and lifestyle campaigns. Digital platforms are accelerating service delivery, especially for women, supporting India’s broader agenda to meet SDG targets while pursuing rapid economic growth.