This is the second consecutive year that India has been recognised as a top improver. India is the only South Asian country to achieve this distinction two years in a row, and only nine other countries have accomplished this since 2011.

The optimism of an improved ranking this year too stems from reforms like the Goods and Services Tax, launched last July, as well as initiatives that India has taken in categories such as 'construction permit', 'starting a business' and 'trading across borders'.