Corruption Rankings : Where Does India Stand?

India (12 February, 2025): For the second consecutive year, Denmark has emerged as the least corrupt nation in the world. With a near-perfect score of 90 out of 100, it has set a global benchmark for transparency and integrity. Close behind are Finland, Singapore, and New Zealand, which have consistently performed well in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024, released by Transparency International.

The CPI is a respected global index that ranks 180 countries based on the level of public sector corruption. Countries scoring closer to zero are considered highly corrupt, while those closer to 100 are clean and transparent.

India’s Ranking Drops 

India, however, has faced a setback. The country dropped from 93rd place in 2023 to 96th place in 2024, with a score of 38 out of 100. This decline signals the continued challenges in public sector corruption, bureaucracy, and governance issues. Despite multiple anti-corruption laws and initiatives, the country still struggles to improve its global image in this aspect.

Experts believe that corruption in India is deeply rooted in several sectors, including politics, business, and law enforcement. While the government has taken steps like digital governance and direct benefit transfers to curb corruption, the lack of strong implementation and accountability remains a major issue.

How Other Asian Countries Performed

India’s South Asian neighbours are also dealing with high corruption levels. According to the CPI report, Pakistan ranks 135th, showing deep-rooted corruption concerns. Sri Lanka stands at 121st, indicating slow progress. Bangladesh ranks even lower at 149th, struggling with systemic corruption.

China, despite its strong control policies, is at 76th, reflecting ongoing governance issues. These rankings reveal that corruption remains a regional challenge in South Asia, affecting economic growth and trust in institutions. Many of these nations have laws against corruption, but weak enforcement and political interference make progress difficult.

Western Nations Witness a Decline

While corruption is often linked to developing nations, the CPI 2024 report shows that even major Western countries are not immune. The United States dropped four points from 69 to 65, ranking 28th globally. This decline raises concerns about corporate fraud, financial misconduct, and political lobbying.

France also saw a decline of four points, dropping six places in the rankings. Germany, a historically strong performer, fell to 15th place after losing three points. These drops indicate that even developed countries are struggling to maintain political transparency and ethical governance.

Russia and Ukraine’s Contrasting Journeys

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has significantly impacted corruption scores in these nations. Russia dropped to 22 points, reflecting increased corruption amid wartime activities. The war has created a situation where public funds are misused, and governance structures are weakened, leading to a rise in corrupt practices.

Ukraine, despite being in a war zone, made positive strides in judicial independence and corruption prosecutions, though its score fell slightly to 35. Efforts to clean up high-level corruption in Ukraine have been recognized globally, showing that determined action can bring change, even in the most challenging circumstances.

The World’s Most Corrupt Nations

At the bottom of the list, some nations are plagued by extreme corruption and governance failures. South Sudan ranks as the most corrupt nation, with a score of just 8. Decades of conflict, poor governance, and lack of transparency have left the country struggling with widespread bribery and mismanagement.

Somalia, Venezuela, and Syria follow closely, with scores ranging between 9 and 12. These nations suffer from political instability, weak institutions, and lack of law enforcement, making corruption a way of life rather than just an issue to tackle. In many of these places, even basic public services require bribes, making life difficult for ordinary citizens.

How Corruption Impacts Climate Action

One of the most alarming revelations of the CPI 2024 report is the impact of corruption on climate change efforts. When funds meant for environmental projects are misused or stolen, it weakens the fight against global warming.

Transparency International warns that private sector interference and illegal money flow are obstructing efforts to protect the environment. In many developing nations, corruption prevents vital climate policies from being implemented, causing severe damage to forests, water bodies, and ecosystems.

Protecting climate funds from corruption is crucial for ensuring sustainable development and helping vulnerable communities. Without strong oversight, money meant for clean energy projects, afforestation, and disaster relief may end up in the hands of corrupt officials instead of benefiting the people who need it most.

India’s Battle Against Corruption

Over the years, India has implemented several measures to reduce corruption. The Lokpal Act (2013) was introduced to establish an independent anti-corruption watchdog. The Right to Information (RTI) Act has empowered citizens to demand transparency from government offices. Digital governance has also played a key role in reducing corruption. Initiatives like Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) have helped ensure that government subsidies reach the intended beneficiaries without middlemen taking a cut. However, bureaucratic red tape, political interference, and slow judicial processes continue to hamper real progress. Despite these steps, corruption persists due to delays in justice, political influence, and loopholes in laws. The 2024 drop in India’s ranking serves as a wake-up call to strengthen anti-corruption initiatives and ensure stricter enforcement.

A Global Call for Transparency

The CPI 2024 report serves as a reminder that corruption is not just about money but also about justice, democracy, and stability. When corruption flourishes, citizens lose trust in governments, and economies suffer. Countries must work towards transparent governance to ensure economic growth and public trust. India, like many other nations, still has a long way to go in its fight against corruption. However, with strong laws, public participation, and accountability, a better ranking in the future is possible!