India has called for a fundamental shift in the way global development is measured, urging the international community to move beyond Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as the primary indicator of national progress. Speaking at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P. Harish (Parvathaneni Harish), said that economic growth alone cannot fully capture a country’s development journey and that broader measures reflecting sustainability, inclusion and human well-being are essential.
Addressing delegates at the global forum, the ambassador said India is advocating a development model that balances economic progress with environmental sustainability, social equity and community resilience. He stressed that future development strategies should restore ecological systems while creating livelihoods, strengthen human capabilities and recognise the care economy as a productive contributor rather than invisible labour. Empowering women and young people as key drivers of change, he added, remains central to India’s long-term vision for inclusive growth.
India’s position aligns with the country’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, which seeks to transform the nation into a developed economy through investments in clean energy, regenerative agriculture, sustainable urbanisation, universal healthcare, quality education and skill development for the green and digital economy. The ambassador highlighted that these initiatives reflect a holistic approach to development where economic advancement goes hand in hand with environmental responsibility and social inclusion.
He also underlined the importance of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), India’s global initiative that encourages environmentally responsible lifestyles through individual and community participation. According to the envoy, sustainable development requires behavioural changes alongside policy reforms, making citizens active partners in addressing climate challenges and conserving natural resources.
India further noted that its domestic policy framework is increasingly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The country has adopted a “whole-of-government” and “whole-of-society” approach to localising the SDGs, involving state governments, local bodies, private enterprises, civil society organisations and communities in implementing development programmes. This collaborative model aims to ensure that progress reaches every section of society while addressing regional development priorities.
At the international level, India reiterated that developing nations require equitable access to finance, technology and innovation to achieve sustainable development. The ambassador called for reforms in the global financial architecture to make it more inclusive and responsive to the needs of emerging economies. He also argued that innovation should be treated as a global public good so that countries can benefit from shared technological advancements without widening development gaps.
The intervention comes amid growing global discussions on complementing GDP with broader indicators that measure environmental sustainability, social well-being and resilience. Through its remarks at the UN forum, India reaffirmed its support for development frameworks that prioritise people, planet and prosperity equally, while advocating policies that create inclusive and sustainable growth for future generations.
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