According to a World Bank report released in 2025, India ranks fourth globally in income equality with a Gini coefficient of 25.5, placing it ahead of the United States, China, and all G7 and G20 nations. The report classifies India as having "moderately low" inequality, nearly entering the "low inequality" category. This ranking follows Slovakia, Slovenia, and Belarus, which occupy the top three positions. The World Bank data also highlights a significant reduction in extreme poverty in India, which fell from 16.2% in 2011-12 to 2.3% in 2022-23, with approximately 171 million Indians moving out of extreme poverty during this period. Indian government sources and officials have cited this progress as a milestone in their mission to promote inclusive growth and reduce income disparity. However, some economists and opposition parties have expressed skepticism about the findings, noting that the Gini index is based on consumption data rather than income data, which they argue may present a more optimistic view than the actual economic conditions. Critics also point to other World Bank data indicating a poverty rate of 28.1% in 2022, suggesting that claims of India being one of the most equal societies may not fully reflect ground realities. Despite these critiques, the World Bank's assessment marks a notable shift in India's global economic narrative, emphasizing improved income distribution and social welfare outcomes.