Global Peace Index 2026 reveals a world less peaceful for the 12th year running amid rising conflicts, even as India navigates regional challenges while Bhutan shines in South Asia.

The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) released its 20th Global Peace Index (GPI) 2026 on June 9, painting a sobering picture of global stability. For the 12th consecutive year, the world has become less peaceful, with 119 countries recording lower peacefulness levels than in 2008. Conflict remains the dominant driver, exacerbated by a record 61 active state-based conflicts in 2024 – the highest since World War II.

This year’s report highlights the “Great Fragmentation,” where middle powers gain influence while traditional powers wane, alongside a technological revolution in warfare, including a staggering 11,500 per cent rise in drone attacks between 2018 and 2025. Peacebuilding and peacekeeping spending stands at just 0.5 per cent of military expenditure, underscoring misplaced priorities.

The index offers critical insights into regional dynamics, domestic stability, and India’s position amid ongoing border tensions and internal issues.

Top Peaceful Nations: Europe and Asia-Pacific Dominate

Iceland has retained the title of the world’s most peaceful country for the 19^th consecutive year, thanks to negligible crime rates, strong social cohesion, and no standing army. It is followed by New Zealand (2^nd), Switzerland (3^rd), Slovenia (4^th), Ireland (5^th), Austria (6^th), Portugal (7^th), Singapore (8^th), Finland (9^th), and Japan (10^th).

These nations exemplify low militarisation, minimal internal conflict, and high societal safety. Singapore stands out as a strong Asian performer, highlighting how effective governance and strict law enforcement can foster peace even in dense urban settings.

The United States slipped to 134^th, driven by political instability and violent demonstrations, a trend that resonates with global concerns over polarisation.

South Asia: The Most Volatile Region

South Asia experienced the sharpest regional decline in peacefulness, with its average score worsening by 2.3 per cent. Persistent ethnic conflicts, political unrest, terrorism, and cross-border tensions define the region as one of the world’s most unstable.

Bhutan Leads the Pack: The Himalayan kingdom remains South Asia’s most peaceful nation, ranking 16^th globally despite a marginal 0.4 per cent slip. Its focus on Gross National Happiness, low militarisation, and political stability set it apart.

Sri Lanka’s Remarkable Recovery: The island nation posted the region’s biggest improvement (2.3 per cent), climbing to 67^th globally. Post-2022 economic crisis recovery, debt restructuring, lower inflation, and greater political stability have eased unrest, offering lessons in resilience for the region.

Nepal’s Steep Fall: Nepal recorded one of the world’s sharpest declines (9.1 per cent), dropping to 111^th. Violent protests following a social media ban in September 2025 led to a political crisis and the prime minister’s resignation.

Bangladesh at 117th: It holds third place in South Asia but faces challenges from political stability issues and public demonstrations.

Pakistan at 152nd: A 5.5 per cent deterioration reflects rising terrorism (topping the Global Terrorism Index with over 1,100 deaths), internal conflicts, and border tensions, particularly with Afghanistan.

Afghanistan Remains at the Bottom: Ranked 157^th, ongoing security concerns and isolation persist despite some stability under Taliban rule.

India’s Position: 127^th Amid Regional Tensions

India slipped from around 115^th in the previous year to 127^th in GPI 2026, with a 2.9 per cent deterioration in its peace score (approximately 2.409). The decline was primarily driven by the “Ongoing Conflict” domain, which worsened by 9.2 per cent. Key factors include heightened tensions with Pakistan and Myanmar, continued ethnic violence in Manipur between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, and internal conflict-related deaths.

Despite the drop, India’s vast democracy, economic growth trajectory, and efforts toward internal development provide context. The ranking underscores the need for stronger conflict resolution in border areas and northeastern states. Positive aspects, such as relative societal safety in many parts of the country and diplomatic engagements, could support future improvements if internal cohesion is prioritised.

For Indians, this ranking highlights how peace is intertwined with economic progress. The economic toll of violence is significantly higher in less peaceful nations (up to 23.4 per cent of GDP) compared to the top 10 (just 2.2 per cent). Enhancing peace could unlock substantial dividends for India’s growth ambitions.

Broader Implications and the Road Ahead

The GPI 2026 warns of interconnected conflicts, AI-driven warfare outpacing international law, and the high human and economic costs of violence. With data centres’ energy demands surging and geopolitical shifts accelerating, building “Positive Peace” – resilience through strong institutions, equitable resource distribution, and acceptance of others – becomes crucial.

For India and South Asia, the report serves as a call to action: invest in dialogue, address root causes of ethnic and political unrest, and bolster regional cooperation. Initiatives like economic integration, counter-terrorism collaboration, and people-centric development could reverse the downward trend.

As global conflicts multiply, nations like India, with its demographic dividend and growing global influence, have an opportunity to lead by example in fostering stability. The path to higher peace rankings lies not just in military strength but in societal harmony, inclusive governance, and proactive diplomacy.

Focus Keyphrase: Global Peace Index 2026 India Ranking

Tags: Global Peace Index 2026, GPI 2026, India Peace Ranking, South Asia Peace, Iceland Most Peaceful, Bhutan South Asia, Sri Lanka Improvement, World Conflicts 2026, IEP Report, Manipur Violence,