India R&D Spending
Research and development expenditure as % of GDP GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS
India's r&d spending was 0.65% in 2020, ranked 48th globally. This represents a 2.1% decrease from 2019. Data from World Bank, covering 1996–2020.
Overview
India's r&d spending stood at 0.65% in 2020, a decline of +0.01% from 2019. India ranked 48th globally.
India's research and development (R&D) spending has shown a mixed trend over the past 25 years, with a slight decline in its global ranking. In 2020, India's R&D spending stood at 0.65% of its GDP, ranking 48th globally. This value is slightly lower than its all-time peak of 0.86% in 2008, and its all-time trough of 0.64% in 1996. While India's R&D spending remains lower than that of peer countries such as Malta, which shares a similar ranking of 0.65%, it has shown a relatively stable trend. In comparison, South Africa's R&D spending has stagnated at 0.60% over the years, while Uruguay's spending has been steadily increasing. To reverse its current trajectory, India would need to invest more in R&D, potentially through targeted government initiatives, to improve its global ranking and keep pace with emerging economies.
Data & projection
| Year | R&D Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0.65% | −0.01% | #48 |
| 2019 | 0.66% | −0.00% | #51 |
| 2018 | 0.66% | −0.01% | #46 |
| 2017 | 0.67% | −0.00% | #47 |
| 2016 | 0.67% | −0.02% | #46 |
| 2015 | 0.69% | −0.01% | #48 |
| 2014 | 0.70% | −0.00% | #42 |
| 2013 | 0.71% | −0.04% | #43 |
| 2012 | 0.74% | −0.01% | #39 |
| 2011 | 0.76% | −0.03% | #37 |
| 2010 | 0.79% | −0.04% | #35 |
| 2009 | 0.83% | −0.03% | #33 |
| 2008 | 0.86% | +0.05% | #34 |
| 2007 | 0.81% | +0.00% | #35 |
| 2006 | 0.80% | −0.02% | #34 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
India matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2010. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw r&d spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
India's r&d spending was 0.65% in 2020. Ranked 48th globally. This represents a 2.1% decrease from the previous year.
India's r&d spending peaked at 0.86% in 2008.
The lowest r&d spending in India was 0.64% in 1996.
India ranks 48th globally in r&d spending as of 2020.
The World Bank indicator code is GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The r&d spending of India in 2020 was 0.65%. This ranks 48th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_india_rd-spending,
title = {India R&D Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/india/rd-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}