The new World Inequality Report 2026 brings out alarming statistics about the state of inequality in India and across the world – and how that could change if the political will exists. https://thewire.in/political-economy/in-charts-world-inequality-report-2026
India is one of the most unequal countries in the world, the report says, and this doesn’t appear to be changing. “The top 10% of earners capture about 58% of national income, while the bottom 50% receive only 15%. Wealth inequality is even greater, with the richest 10% holding around 65% of total wealth and the top 1% about 40%.”
One of the report’s main arguments is that this status quo is fixable – provided a concerted global effort is made. “Inequality is a political choice. It is the result of our policies, institutions, and governance structures. The costs of escalating inequality are clear: widening divides, fragile democracies, and a climate crisis borne most heavily by those least responsible. But the possibilities of reform are equally clear. Where redistribution is strong, taxation is fair, and social investment is prioritized, inequality narrows.
by Jahnavi Sen
10/12/2025