The United States figures in the 66th position of a new Responsibility Nations Index (RNI) compiled by the World Intellectual Foundation (WIF) in collaboration with the Jawaharlal Nehru University, Indian Institute of Management (IIM, Mumbai) and the Dr Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC). The RNI was launched by former President Ramnath Kovind at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. Libya figures at number 65 on the RNI. 

World Intellectual Foundation (2026, January). Responsibility Nations Index- Abridged Report

The first-of-its-kind index evaluates 154 countries on three key parameters — responsibility towards citizens (internal responsibility), responsibility towards the global community (external responsibility), and responsibility towards the environment. Singapore is at the top of the list, followed by Switzerland, Denmark, and Cyprus.

India ranked at number 16, one position above France. The Index was compiled by the World Intellectual Foundation (WIF) in collaboration with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM Mumbai), and the Dr Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC). 

“A nation’s true strength must be judged through three essential criteria — internal responsibility, environmental accountability and responsibility towards other nations,” former President Kovind said. “This index defines a responsible nation as how responsibly it behaves towards its citizens. At one time, countries were ranked based on economic and military capabilities. But the Responsible Nations Index (RNI) shows how a country treats its citizens.” 

The new Index is the outcome of a three-year academic and policy exercise. Unlike traditional global rankings that focus on economic size, military strength or geopolitical influence, the RNI shifts attention to responsibility as the central measure of national success.

“The RNI represents a shift from power-centric assessments to responsibility-centric evaluation of nations,” Sudhanshu Mittal, Founder and Secretary, World Intellectual Foundation, said.
The index also highlights notable contrasts, with powerful nations ranking lower on responsibility. Japan ranked 38th position. The index aims to change how nations are judged on the global stage. The RNI argues that power without responsibility cannot lead to lasting prosperity and that national progress should be assessed by how fairly, ethically and sustainably power is exercised.

A panel discussion on ‘From Human Well Being to Global Stewardship’ was organised on the occasion, moderated by N.K. Singh eminent economist, a policy interlocutor, and Chairman of the 15th Finance Commission. The panel debated the RNI and the need to broaden its criteria and issues like freeing indices of ideological biases, debating the consequences when nations behave irresponsibly, do not take responsibility, and instead name and shame other nations.

Panellists included Dr Prachi Mishra, Head and Director of Isaac Centre for Public Policy, Professor of Economics, Ashoka University; Dr Laveesh Bhandari, President and a Senior Fellow at CSEP (Centre for Social and Economic Progress); and Neelkanth Mishra, Chief Economist, Axis Bank and Head of Global Research, Axis Capital.

“What the US has done is that the global trade regime has broken down, and how China has been misusing the norms of the WTO (World Trade Organisation) and how it implements policy which is not accessible to the WTO,”  said Neelkanth Mishra. Dr Laveesh said, “The GDP should not be part of the Responsibility Index. “

A key point discussed by the panel was for data to be made available globally, and not with a single organisation. The panel discussion concluded that having an index of responsible nations is a credible and laudable initiative, and over time, the period of time quality of responsibility can be enhanced. The third conclusion was that the power of Atmannirbhar, which means self-sufficiency and indigenous capability are vital. 

Link for the Responsible Nations Index: 
https://wifdelhi.org/responsible-nations-index/

Arjun Dev Singh

Arjun Dev Singh has a deep interest in defence, security, and strategic affairs. With a strong analytical lens and a passion for military and geopolitical developments, Arjun strives to bring clarity and context to complex national and international issues.