Data justice for India in
80+ global indices
Data justice for India in
80+ global indices
Data Colonialism
In 2021, the World Bank abruptly killed its Ease of Doing Business index. Why? A WilmerHale audit exposed manipulated data that boosted China’s rank.
The scandal shattered trust — and proved what’s at stake when rankings are gamed.
As Alan Gelb of the Center for Global Development observed, “Global indices often lack rigorous verification, penalizing nations like India.”
“….. it is time to demand more transparency from both the think tanks and world Bank”
Sanjeev Sanyal, PM-EAC
When Rankings Become Weapons
Electoral Democracy Index
India: 105th — below Tunisia and Colombia, almost on par with Ukraine under martial law. Branded as a “backsliding democracy.”
“Democracy cannot be judged by checkbox frameworks.” — Dr. S. Jaishankar
World Press Freedom Index
India: 161st — below Nigeria, Rwanda, Bangladesh. Amplified to discredit India’s democracy.
“Ignore the noisiest, most diverse media on earth, and you measure only your echo chamber.” — NITI Aayog
Global Hunger Index
India: 105th (‘serious’) — alongside famine-hit Sudan and Angola, despite being food surplus. Paints India as starving while it feeds the world.
“Exaggerated, double-counted, statistically weak.” — NAAS
Environmental Performance Index
India: 176th — below Sudan, Ethiopia, Yemen.
Weaponised in climate talks to call India a laggard.
“A case of rickety rankings.” — PubMed Central, US National Library of Medicine
Human Development Index
India: 130th — behind Cuba, Palestine, Venezuela.
Used to devalue India’s growth story.
“The halo of credibility hides flawed, outdated models.” — Brookings
GRW’s Mission
More than 80 international indices — published by think tanks, NGOs, multilaterals, and media houses — shape how India is seen.
These rankings guide investors, policymakers, funders, and academics. Yet too often, they rest on opaque methods, outdated models, and unverified data. The cost? Distorted stories. Missed opportunities. Shifts in global influence — without a shot fired.
Global Rankings Watch (GRW) is India’s first platform dedicated to data justice in global indices. We exist to expose bias, demand transparency, and restore balance to how nations are measured.
Our Vision
To be a globally respected, South-led platform for fair rankings — recognised for integrity, evidence, and impact.