India has been ranked 157th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index 2026 published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The country fell from 151st place in 2025 and is placed in the 'very serious' category. The annual index assesses press freedom using indicators such as media independence, the safety of journalists and the legal environment. The 2026 report flagged violence against journalists, concentration of media ownership and legal pressures. Globally, more than half of all countries fall in the 'difficult' or 'very serious' categories this year.