Our Challenge
With the world’s largest population, India faces crucial economic and development decisions over the coming decades with significant implications for people and the environment. India aspires to achieve equitable economic development and sustainable livelihood opportunities for its 1.25 billion citizens. Yet, these goals are challenged by a slowing economy, energy insecurity, urban sprawl, water risks, food shortages, ecosystem degradation, and growing inequality. Natural resources are at the foundation of economic opportunity and human well-being. But today, the depletion of resources at a rate that is not sustainable endangers the economy and people’s lives.
WRI India will look to provide thought leadership, driven by evidence-based research and innovative, scalable and implementable solutions for sustainable resource use toward low-impact and balanced development.
Our Vision
We envision an equitable and prosperous planet driven by the wise management of natural resources. We aspire to create a world where the actions of government, business, and communities combine to eliminate poverty and sustain the natural environment for all people.
Our Advantage
Through research, analysis, and recommendations, WRI India puts ideas into action to build transformative solutions to protect the earth, promote livelihoods, and enhance human well-being. Our researchers are trusted experts, and our commitment to locally led action drives change that is not just meaningful — but enduring. We combine our expertise with a deep understanding of India’s unique challenges and opportunities through:
World-Class Research: Timely, independent, and peer-reviewed research is the foundation of everything we do. Guided by a strategic vision, we rigorously evaluate potential solutions and tailor them to local contexts — ensuring the right ideas are applied in the right places for the greatest impact.
Impact-Driven Data: We harness data to unlock insights, identify emerging challenges, and accelerate change. From geospatial analysis to real-time monitoring, our data-driven tools inform smarter decision-making and more sustainable outcomes.
Collaboration and Co-creation: We work closely with partners at every level — from local communities to national ministries — to co-create solutions. By navigating real-world implementation challenges together, we develop practical models that benefit people, nature, and the climate.
Robust Partnerships: Change is most powerful when it is collaborative. WRI India builds strong, cross-sector alliances — with governments, businesses, civil society, and knowledge institutions — to amplify solutions and drive systems-level transformation toward India’s net-zero ambitions.
Empowering Stakeholders: We believe the best solutions are shared. Through training, open data platforms, capacity building, and accessible resources, we equip individuals and institutions to scale their efforts and lead change in their own communities.
We define success not just by ideas, but by outcomes — measurable progress that aligns with India’s national priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Every project is grounded in a clear theory of change, designed to be equitable and inclusive, with built-in mechanisms to track impact and learn along the way.
Our Mission & Values
WRI India’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations. Our mission and values define WRI India as an institution.
Our History
Our work started in 2008 from a single urban transport project under the EMBARQ initiative. WRI India was established in 2011 and today has 400 staff working across the country, engaging at all levels, from local communities to national-level policy makers, from micro enterprises to industry bodies and local governments. WRI India’s approach combines research, analysis and tools; strengthening partnerships and coalitions of key stakeholders; and engaging with decision makers to demonstrate scalable alternatives aimed at bringing about sustainable change.