India’s Rank in World Press Freedom Index 2025 Revealed
New Delhi, May 6, 2025 — India’s position in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index has been officially released, with the country ranking at 161st out of 180 nations. The latest ranking, published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), marks a slight decline from last year’s rank of 150th.
The World Press Freedom Index, which assesses the state of press freedom across the globe, takes into account factors such as media independence, the legal framework protecting journalists, censorship, and violence against the press. The 2025 report highlights concerns regarding rising restrictions on journalists, increasing censorship, and attacks on media outlets in India.
The report points to the growing challenges faced by Indian journalists, including arrests, intimidation, and the use of legal frameworks to curtail media freedom. Several high-profile cases of press suppression have been noted, where reporters have faced threats, physical violence, and legal action for simply doing their jobs.
In addition, the index identifies the increasing concentration of media ownership in India, which, according to RSF, has contributed to a decline in media diversity and independence. The report also discusses the challenges posed by disinformation and digital surveillance, which have further restricted press freedom in the country.
The 2025 rankings show Nordic countries leading the index, with Norway, Finland, and Sweden taking the top three spots. On the other hand, countries such as North Korea and Turkmenistan continued to remain at the bottom of the list due to severe restrictions on press freedom.
In response to the report, press freedom advocates and rights organizations have called on the Indian government to take concrete steps to protect journalists and uphold the constitutional right to a free and independent press. These include strengthening legal safeguards, ensuring the safety of reporters, and promoting a more transparent media environment.
The declining position in the World Press Freedom Index has raised concerns about the future of independent journalism in India. As the largest democracy in the world, India’s media plays a pivotal role in shaping public opinion, and the international community is urging for reforms to ensure that the press remains free, fair, and secure for all.
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