Analyses › Correlation
Correlation
Press freedom and statistical suppression worsened together after 2014
The Pearson correlation between India's annual SSI and its RSF press-freedom rank is about 0.65 over 2014-2026, so years with more statistical suppression tend to be years with a worse press-freedom rank. Pressure on independent statistics and pressure on an independent press can serve a similar purpose, which would explain the link, but thirteen annual observations cannot establish it.
What follows. The two series move in the same direction. The correlation is moderate and does not by itself show a common cause.
Statistical Suppression Index, 0 to 10
2004-2013 average 0.00; 2014-2026 average 4.78; latest 4.65 in 2026. Source, method and every year.
Press freedom rank, of 180 (1 is best)
2004-2013 average 120; 2014-2026 average 145; latest 157 in 2026. Source, method and every year.
One of 37 readings of the dataset, rebuilt whenever the data are refreshed. Data vintage 2026-10-10. Cite as Raman, V.S., Some Perspective: India's Political Economy, 2004-2026, someperspective.info, CC BY 4.0.