Global Hunger Index 2026
The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2026 ranked India 100th among 122 countries with sufficient data, with a score of 24.1, placing the country in the “serious” hunger category. Released on 14 October 2026 under the theme “No Security Without Food Security,” the report highlights India’s long-term progress in reducing hunger alongside persistent challenges in child nutrition.
India’s score has improved over the past two decades, but child wasting and stunting remain major public health concerns. The performance of neighbouring countries also provides a regional perspective on India’s food security and nutrition challenges.
What Is the Global Hunger Index?
The Global Hunger Index is an annual assessment of hunger at global, regional and national levels. The 2026 report was jointly prepared by Welthungerhilfe, the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV) at Ruhr University Bochum, and Helvetas.
The GHI score ranges from 0 to 100, with lower scores indicating less hunger. Its hunger severity categories are:
- Low: 0.0–9.9
- Moderate: 10.0–19.9
- Serious: 20.0–34.9
- Alarming: 35.0–49.9
- Extremely alarming: 50.0 and above
The index uses four indicators: undernourishment, child wasting, child stunting and under-five mortality.
India’s Performance in GHI 2026
India recorded a GHI score of 24.1 and ranked 100th. Its score has declined from 38.1 in 2000 to 24.1 in 2026, indicating substantial long-term improvement.
The key indicators reveal both progress and continuing concerns:
- Undernourishment: 9.8% of the population.
- Child stunting: 29.3% of children under five.
- Child wasting: 19.0% of children under five.
- Under-five mortality: 2.7%.
Child stunting has declined from 50% in 2000 to 29.3% in 2026. However, child wasting remains high and has increased compared with some earlier assessments. This suggests that improvements in long-term child growth have not been matched by equally consistent progress against acute malnutrition.
India and Its Neighbouring Countries
The 2026 rankings show significant differences in hunger and nutrition outcomes across South Asia.
| Country | GHI Rank (2026) | GHI Score | Hunger Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 53rd | 10.2 | Moderate |
| Nepal | 72nd | 14.5 | Moderate |
| Bangladesh | 84th | 19.2 | Moderate |
| India | 100th | 24.1 | Serious |
| Pakistan | 106th | 25.5 | Serious |
| Afghanistan | 108th | 28.6 | Serious |
India performs better than Pakistan and Afghanistan but trails Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The comparison indicates that food security outcomes depend not only on food availability but also on access to nutritious diets, maternal health, sanitation, healthcare and effective nutrition interventions.
Major Challenges for India
India’s continuing nutrition challenges include inadequate dietary diversity, poverty-related barriers to nutritious food, maternal undernutrition and unequal access to healthcare and sanitation. Child wasting is particularly concerning because it reflects acute undernutrition and can increase the risk of illness and death.
Government interventions such as the National Food Security Act, 2013, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), POSHAN Abhiyaan and Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 seek to improve food access and nutrition outcomes. Their effectiveness depends on implementation, service delivery, nutrition awareness and the identification of vulnerable households.
India’s progress requires a stronger focus on dietary quality, maternal and child health, nutrition monitoring and coordination between food security, sanitation and public health programmes.
Significance for India
The GHI is relevant to India’s development priorities, including poverty reduction, human capital formation and the Sustainable Development Goals. SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
Although India has improved its GHI score over time, its serious-category status underlines the need to accelerate progress in child nutrition and equitable access to healthy food.
Global Hunger Index 2026: Important Facts for Exams
- Index: Global Hunger Index 2026.
- Theme: “No Security Without Food Security”.
- India’s rank: 100th among 122 countries.
- India’s GHI score: 24.1 — serious category.
- Pakistan: 106th, score 25.5.
- Afghanistan: 108th, score 28.6.
- Bangladesh: 84th, score 19.2.
- Nepal: 72nd, score 14.5.
- Sri Lanka: 53rd, score 10.2.
- Four indicators: Undernourishment, child wasting, child stunting and under-five mortality.
- Related SDG: SDG 2 — Zero Hunger.
