During the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) General Debate, Suman K Bery, Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog, highlighted India’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Bery noted that India is on track to meet SDG Goal 1.2, which aims to halve the poverty rate, well before the 2030 target.
Bery shared that between 2015-16 and 2019-21, about 135 million Indians rose out of multidimensional poverty. This achievement was due to the integration of social safety nets, infrastructure development, and financial inclusion programs. He pointed out that the SDG index compiled by NITI Aayog shows continued national progress for 2023-24, even in less affluent states.
He attributed India’s success to key national programs such as large-scale delivery of physical and digital infrastructure, targeted national safety net programs with digital delivery to reduce fraud, enhanced women’s empowerment, and improved program delivery in underdeveloped regions. Bery also highlighted the importance of reviewing SDGs focused on poverty, hunger, environmental protection, peace, justice, and partnerships, especially given recent setbacks in some areas.
Bery noted that over 500 million Indians now benefit from cashless health insurance, with out-of-pocket health expenses dropping from 63% in 2014 to 39% in 2024. Additionally, India provided free food supplies to over 800 million citizens during the pandemic, making it the largest food security program in the world.
He also emphasized India’s significant investments in renewable energy and the decarbonization of its economy, despite having one of the lowest per capita emissions globally. Bery concluded by stressing the importance of partnerships in achieving SDG 17, especially during India’s G20 Presidency.