New Delhi: India has climbed to the 9th position in the world in terms of total forest area, marking a significant milestone in its environmental conservation efforts. The ranking was announced in the Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025, released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Bali.
According to the latest report, India has also maintained its 3rd position globally in terms of annual forest area gain, highlighting the country’s continued success in afforestation and sustainable forest management.
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, shared the achievement on social media platform X, describing it as a reflection of India’s “collective commitment to protect and expand green cover.”
The GFRA is one of the most comprehensive global assessments of forest resources, tracking changes in forest area, management practices, and conservation trends across countries. India’s improved ranking underscores ongoing national efforts like the Green India Mission, large-scale plantation drives, and community-led forest protection programmes.
With this development, India reaffirms its leadership role in global environmental stewardship and its commitment to achieving sustainable development and climate goals.