New Delhi, October 22: India has achieved a major environmental milestone by rising to the ninth position globally in total forest area, according to the latest Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Bali. The report also highlights that India continues to hold the third spot in the world for annual forest area gain, reflecting its sustained efforts toward forest conservation and ecological balance. Union Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav shared the news on X, calling it a moment of pride for the nation. He noted that India’s improved global ranking underlines the success of consistent policies focused on forest protection, afforestation, and community-driven environmental initiatives. “India’s steady rise in global forest rankings reaffirms our strong commitment to sustainable forest management under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Yadav wrote. In the previous FAO assessment, India stood at the tenth position, making this year’s advancement a significant step forward in global environmental metrics. The Minister credited the progress to a blend of effective policy frameworks and mass participation in plantation drives across the country. He highlighted how initiatives like ‘Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam’ have played a vital role in mobilizing citizens, inspiring them to plant trees and take ownership of conservation efforts. Yadav also emphasized that such campaigns have transformed environmental protection from a government-led effort into a people’s movement. “The growing public involvement in tree plantation and conservation reflects India’s collective determination to build a greener, more sustainable future,” he said, adding that the results are visible in both urban and rural landscapes. The GFRA 2025 findings come at a time when the world is increasingly focusing on reforestation and carbon sequestration to combat climate change. India’s performance stands out among developing nations, as it demonstrates how environmental protection can be harmonized with economic growth. The report recognizes India’s large-scale afforestation programmes, community forest management, and consistent increase in forest and tree cover over the years. According to government data, India’s total forest and tree cover now accounts for nearly one-fourth of its geographical area, contributing significantly to carbon absorption and biodiversity conservation. The expansion of mangroves, restoration of degraded lands, and protection of wildlife habitats have also played a key role in boosting the country’s forest profile. The Minister noted that the Modi government’s focus on ecological balance and green growth continues to drive national policy. Several state governments have also implemented targeted plantation drives, compensatory afforestation measures, and eco-restoration projects to complement central initiatives. Bhupender Yadav concluded his post by reaffirming India’s vision of aligning development with sustainability. “Our rise in global forest rankings is not just a number—it is a testament to the collective effort of millions of Indians working towards a cleaner, greener planet,” he stated. India’s achievement, as reflected in the GFRA 2025, reinforces its position as a global leader in sustainable forestry and environmental stewardship, setting an example for other nations aiming to balance development with ecological preservation. India Rises to Ninth Globally in Forest Area India has climbed to the ninth position worldwide in total forest area, according to the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025 released by the FAO in Bali. The country also retained its third spot in annual forest gain, marking steady progress in sustainable forest management. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav credited the achievement to policies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and campaigns like Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam, which inspired citizens to take part in plantation drives. The milestone highlights India’s growing commitment to conservation and a greener, more sustainable future for generations ahead.