India Climbs To 9th Globally In Forest Area, Retains 3rd In Forest Gain

India’s green milestone on the global map

India has achieved a significant environmental milestone by rising to the 9th position globally in terms of total forest area, as per the Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Bali. This marks an improvement from its previous 10th rank and highlights the country’s commitment to sustainable forest management.

The report also confirms that India retains its 3rd position worldwide in annual forest area gain, showcasing the effectiveness of large-scale afforestation programs and grassroots conservation efforts. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav credited this achievement to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the active participation of citizens in initiatives like “Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam.”

Community-led conservation and afforestation

India’s forest area now stands at approximately 72.74 million hectares, accounting for 2% of the global forest cover. The country’s success is attributed to a combination of policy-driven afforestation, state-level plantation drives, and community involvement in forest protection. These efforts have not only expanded green cover but also contributed to biodiversity preservation and climate resilience.

The Environment Ministry emphasized that this progress reflects India’s balanced approach to development and ecological sustainability. The government continues to promote tree plantation campaigns, eco-restoration projects, and forest-based livelihoods to strengthen its green footprint.

Key highlights from the GFRA 2025 report

- India ranks 9th globally in total forest area, up from 10th in the previous assessment  
- Retains 3rd position in annual forest area gain  
- Forest area covers 72.74 million hectares, or 2% of global forest land  
- Success driven by afforestation programs and community-led conservation  
- “Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam” campaign credited for public participation  
- FAO report released in Bali as part of GFRA 2025  
- Union Minister Bhupender Yadav praised India’s ecological progress  
- India joins top forest-rich nations alongside Russia, Brazil, Canada, and the US  

Sources: MSN News, Economic Times, NewsOnAir, Business Standard, FAO Report 2025