Global Peace Index 2026: India Behind in Global Peace Rankings
Introduction
The Global Peace Index (GPI) 2026 has once again highlighted the condition of peace and security across the world. The latest rankings indicate that India has moved behind in the global peace rankings, attracting attention toward issues related to internal stability, regional tensions, and long-term development. Peace is considered one of the most important foundations for economic growth, social development, and national progress.
What is Global Peace Index (GPI)?
The Global Peace Index (GPI) is an annual international report that measures the level of peacefulness in countries around the world. It evaluates countries on multiple indicators related to security, conflict, and militarisation.
The report covers 163 countries, making it one of the most comprehensive measures of peace globally.
Objectives of Global Peace Index
The main objectives are:
To measure peace levels across countries
To compare national stability using standard indicators
To understand global conflict trends
To encourage governments to improve peaceful conditions
To study the economic impact of violence
Indicators Used in Global Peace Index
Countries are ranked using 23 indicators, grouped into three major categories.
1. Safety and Security
This includes:
Crime rates
Internal security
Political stability
Public safety
2. Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict
This includes:
Internal conflicts
International disputes
Relations with neighboring countries
Impact of terrorism and violence
3. Militarisation
This includes:
Military expenditure
Armed forces strength
Weapons-related indicators
India in Global Peace Index 2026 – India Behind
In the Global Peace Index 2026, India ranked 127th among 163 countries, showing a decline compared to previous years.
Although India continues to remain one of the fastest-growing economies, peace rankings are based on different indicators and not on economic performance alone.
Reasons Behind India’s Position
Several factors influence India’s ranking:
Regional geopolitical tensions
Border-related challenges
Internal security concerns
Public safety indicators
Defence and military-related factors
It is important to understand that the index measures peace using statistical indicators and should not be treated as a complete measure of national progress.
Top 10 Most Peaceful Countries in 2026
Iceland
New Zealand
Switzerland
Slovenia
Ireland
Austria
Portugal
Singapore
Finland
Japan
These countries perform strongly in security, governance, stability, and peaceful social environments.
Global Trends in 2026
Major observations include:
Global peace levels continued to decline
More countries experienced conflict pressures
Military spending increased globally
International tensions affected overall rankings
Why Peace is Important for Development?
Peace contributes to:
Strong economic growth
Better investment opportunities
Higher employment generation
Tourism development
Improved education and healthcare
A peaceful society creates conditions for sustainable development.
Important Points for Exams
GPI Full Form → Global Peace Index
Countries Covered → 163
Indicators Used → 23
Main Domains → 3
India Rank (2026) → 127
MCQs
Q1. Global Peace Index measures:
A. Economic growth
B. Military strength only
C. Peace level of countries ✅
D. Population growth
Q2. Global Peace Index covers how many countries?
A. 150
B. 163 ✅
C. 170
D. 180
Q3. India ranked at which position in GPI 2026?
A. 115
B. 120
C. 127 ✅
D. 132
Q4. Which country ranked first in GPI 2026?
A. Japan
B. Iceland ✅
C. Ireland
D. Switzerland
Home Academy Revision Formula
GPI → 163 Countries → 23 Indicators → 3 Domains → India Rank 127