India is ranked 38th in the Global Innovation Index 2026, retaining its position as the leading innovation economy among lower-middle-income countries. The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) ranked 139 economies in its latest index. India also retained the top position in Central and Southern Asia, with an overall score of 40.

India has emerged as one of the fastest long-term climbers among middle-income economies. Along with China, Vietnam, Türkiye, the Philippines, Morocco and Indonesia, India has recorded some of the biggest improvements in the index since 2013.

The country ranked 49th globally in innovation inputs but 25th in innovation outputs. This shows India’s ability to turn a relatively modest innovation resource base into technological and commercial results. India ranked first globally in exports of information and communication technology services. It also ranked fourth in late-stage venture capital deals.

The report, however, identified structural challenges that could affect India’s next phase of innovation growth. WIPO said India remains relatively weak in the number of researchers and scientific articles. Further progress will depend on expanding research, technology adoption and firm-level innovation beyond the country’s dominant digital and startup sectors.

India has remained an innovation “overperformer” for the 16th consecutive year. This means its innovation performance has been higher than WIPO would normally expect at its level of economic development.

India was also one of only two middle-income economies, along with China, classified as a global hub for both inward and outward greenfield R&D and high-tech investment. The classification highlights India’s growing role in research, development and technology-related investment.

Four locations in India are among the world’s 100 largest innovation clusters. Bengaluru ranked 25th globally, followed by Delhi at 27th, Mumbai at 43rd and Chennai at 79th.

Mumbai climbed three places in the ranking, while Chennai gained five positions. Bengaluru fell four spots and Delhi slipped one place.