India climbed four places to 45th in the Network Readiness Index 2025 published by the Portulans Institute, and placed 2nd among lower-middle-income economies. India topped the world on telecom investment, AI publications, ICT services exports and e-commerce legislation. The index assesses 127 economies across four pillars: Technology, People, Governance and Impact. The index measures how well countries use information and communication technologies to drive growth and wellbeing, and India's rise reflects gains in digital infrastructure and services.