India Ranks 100th in Global Hunger Index 2026

Why Is It in News?

The Global Hunger Index 2026 ranked India 100th out of 122 countries with sufficient data. India received a score of 24.1, placing it in the serious category.

About

The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is an annual report that measures and tracks hunger at global, regional and national levels. It is jointly published by Concern Worldwide, Welthungerhilfe and the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV).

The index uses four key indicators:

1. Undernourishment: The proportion of the population whose dietary energy intake is insufficient.
2. Child stunting: Low height for age, reflecting chronic undernutrition.
3. Child wasting: Low weight for height, reflecting acute undernutrition.
4. Under-five mortality: The share of children who die before reaching five years of age.

According to the 2026 country data, India’s indicators include 9.8% undernourishment, 29.3% child stunting, 19.0% child wasting and 2.7% under-five mortality.

The GHI categorises a score of 20.0–34.9 as serious. A country’s rank should be interpreted alongside its score, the available data and the methodology used in that edition.

Key Points

1. Report: Global Hunger Index 2026.
2. India’s rank: 100th.
3. Number of countries with sufficient data: 122.
4. India’s GHI score: 24.1.
5. Hunger severity category for India: Serious.
6. Publishing organisations: Concern Worldwide, Welthungerhilfe and IFHV.
7. Four indicators: Undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting and under-five mortality.
8. Child stunting in India: 29.3%.
9. Child wasting in India: 19.0%.
10. Important distinction: The GHI measures multiple dimensions of hunger and undernutrition, not simply food production or food availability.