Global Peace Index 2025: Key Insights for UPSC | India’s Rank & Trends: Current Affairs

Why the Global Peace Index Matters for UPSC
Competitive exams like UPSC consistently test knowledge of global indices—from water security to competitiveness reports. The 2025 GPI, released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), is no exception. Covering 99.7% of the world’s population, it’s a vital tool to understand peace dynamics, conflict trends, and geopolitical risks.

Key Findings from GPI 2025
Rising Global Instability: 59 active state-based conflicts (highest since WWII) and 1,000+ conflict deaths across 17 countries.
13-Year Negative Trend: Global peace declined by 0.36%—the 13th deterioration in 17 years. Only 74 countries improved; 87 regressed.
“Forever Wars” Crisis: Merely 4% of conflicts end via negotiated settlements. Traditional resolution strategies are failing.
Nuclear Escalation: All nuclear-armed states expanded arsenals since 2022, fueling an AI-driven arms race (corroborated by SIPRI 2025).
Regional Shifts: South Asia saw the sharpest decline in peacefulness, with Afghanistan as the least peaceful.

India’s Position: Gradual Improvement
Rank: 115th (up from 116th in 2024, 126th in 2023).
Score: 2.229 (0.58% improvement YoY).
Regional Context: South Asia is the world’s second-least peaceful region, with significant deteriorations in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

How GPI Measures Peace
The index uses 23 indicators across three domains:
Societal Safety & Security (e.g., crime rates, political terror).
Ongoing Domestic/International Conflict (battles, deaths, refugees).
Militarisation (defence spending, arms imports).

4 Key UPSC Takeaways
Geopolitical Fragmentation: Rising major-power competition is internationalizing conflicts.
Peace Economics: Investing in “positive peace” boosts GDP growth, societal resilience, and lowers interest rates.
Tech Warfare: AI drones and counter-space systems are reshaping combat.
Top & Bottom Performers:
Most Peaceful: Iceland (1st), Ireland (2nd), New Zealand (3rd).
Least Peaceful: Russia (163rd), Ukraine (162nd).


Sample Questions for UPSC/SSC Prep
Q: Which institution publishes the Global Peace Index?
A: Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).
Q: How many indicators does GPI use to measure peace?
A: 23 indicators across three domains.
Q: Which region recorded the largest peace deterioration in GPI 2025?
A: South Asia.
Q: India’s rank in GPI 2025 is:
A: 115th (score: 2.229).
Q: What percentage of conflicts end via negotiated settlements as per GPI 2025?
A: 4%.