Global Peace Index (GPI) 2026

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According to the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2026, India has been ranked 127th among 163 independent countries and territories.

What is the Global Peace Index (GPI)?

• The Global Peace Index (GPI) is the world's leading annual report that measures the level of peacefulness of countries across the globe.
• It is published by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), an independent, non-partisan, and non-profit international think tank dedicated to developing metrics that analyse peace and its economic value.
• The index provides a comprehensive assessment of peace by evaluating both internal stability and external security, making it an important reference for policymakers, researchers, international organisations, and investors.
• The 2026 edition marks the 20th edition of the Global Peace Index.

Coverage of the Index

The Global Peace Index ranks 163 independent states and territories, covering approximately 99.7% of the world's population.

Methodology and Parameters

• The Global Peace Index measures peacefulness using 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators, which are grouped into three broad domains.
• The first domain assesses the Level of Societal Safety and Security, examining factors such as crime rates, violent demonstrations, political instability, terrorism, homicide rates, and the overall sense of public safety.
• The second domain evaluates the Extent of Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict, considering the number, duration, and intensity of both internal conflicts and external military engagements, along with their associated human and economic costs.
• The third domain measures the Degree of Militarisation, analysing indicators such as military expenditure, armed forces personnel, availability of heavy weapons, arms imports and exports, and the country's overall military capability.

Global Peace Index 2026 Rankings

According to the Global Peace Index 2026, Iceland has retained its position as the world's most peaceful country for the 19th consecutive year, reflecting its strong institutions, low crime rates, and stable political environment.

It is followed by New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Ireland, which together constitute the top five most peaceful countries in the world.

At the other end of the rankings, Russia has been identified as the least peaceful country, followed by Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ukraine, and Israel, reflecting the impact of prolonged armed conflicts, political instability, and security challenges.

India's Performance

In the Global Peace Index 2026, India has been placed at 127th position among 163 countries.

India's ranking reflects the combined impact of factors such as internal security challenges, cross-border tensions, terrorism, social stability, and the country's level of militarisation. At the same time, India's democratic institutions, improving law enforcement capabilities, and sustained economic growth continue to contribute positively to several dimensions of societal resilience.

Significance of the Global Peace Index

The Global Peace Index serves as an important global benchmark for assessing peace, stability, and security. It helps governments evaluate security policies, guides international organisations in conflict prevention, assists investors in assessing political risks, and supports academic research on peace and sustainable development.