India has slipped a notch to 133 in the Doing Business Index, indicating business environment in the country has become tougher during the year as compared to other nations.
India's ranking in the Index, prepared by the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation, has slipped on account of the deterioration in parameters like starting a business, obtaining credit and investor protection.
India's neighbours, except Afghanistan, have been ranked better in the index. Pakistan has been ranked at the 85th position followed by Sri Lanka (105), Bangladesh (119) and Nepal (123).
On the positive side, India has improved its score on the "closing a business" indicator by taking steps to ease resolution of insolvency cases -- a critical area in times of crises.
Singapore occupies the first place in the Doing Business 2010 report which focused on "Reforming through difficult times."
In the global ranking of ease of doing business, Singapore is followed by New Zealand, Hong Kong and the United States.