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The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were 15-year targets set by the United Nations (UN) in the year 2015. The targets aimed to achieve a better and more sustainable future in all countries, including India.

There are seventeen targets in total. They include:

1. No Poverty
2. Quality Education
3. Gender Equality
4. Clean Water and Sanitation
5. Climate Action

India has made progress with some of the SDGs. The country has achieved the goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and it is on track to achieve the goal of providing clean water and sanitation for all.

However, the country still has still some way to go. Major challenges remain with achieving eleven of the seventeen goals. These include zero hunger, gender equality and sustainable cities. Significant challenges remain with a further three of the seventeen goals. These include no poverty and affordable and clean energy.

What progress has been made?

India made a lot of progress with the MDGs. It has successfully:

1. Reduced the number of people living below the poverty line.
2. Decreased gender disparities in schools so that the number of girls and boys attending classes is more even.
3. Reduced the number of women who die during or straight after childbirth.
4. Increased the percentage of households with access to clean, safe water.
5. Reduced the spread of HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases. This will mean that more of the population is healthy and able to work.

What more needs to be done?

Whilst some targets have been met, there is a need for improvement in other areas. These include:

1. The percentage of households with access to adequate sanitation is still too low.
2. The role and status of women within the workplace is still lower than that of men.
3. Child and infant mortality rates. Many children and babies still die from curable illnesses and poor hygiene.
4. Overall enrolment at school. Whilst the gender balance has improved, school attendance is still low.
5. Literacy rates. These are improving, but still too many adults cannot read or write.