<p>Drought vulnerability assessment using meteorological drought indices is crucial for ensuring environmental justice. The analysis of precipitation deficits, temperature anomalies, and other climatic factors with the indices helps to identify regions and communities most at risk. This assessment supports equitable resource allocation, enabling targeted interventions in vulnerable areas. Ensuring environmental justice through such assessments promotes resilience, mitigates socio-economic disparities, and promotes sustainable development by addressing the inconsistent impacts of drought on marginalized populations. The study focuses on the analysis of meteorological parameters and drought assessment in the Ranchi district of Jharkhand, India. The gridded precipitation and temperature data for 30&#xa0;years (1991 to 2020) was collected from the climate data portal of IMD for six different blocks and the meteorological drought indices (SPI and SPEI) were calculated. Further, the drought characteristics were computed for a better understanding of the drought vulnerability of the district. The district has been mostly affected by moderate drought (4% to 18%), although severe and extreme drought is also evident. Pearson’s correlation was found between the indices resulting in a positive and significant correlation. The Mann–Kendall trend test was conducted to compute precipitation and drought trends. The Sen’s slope estimation was also done to estimate the magnitude of change. The monsoon rainfall showed a decreasing trend of − 1.348&#xa0;mm per year. SPEI values showed a more significant trend with a negative slope. This signifies the requirement of a comprehensive drought index for the district for better estimation of drought. The increasing drought vulnerability underscores the need for change in the cropping pattern of the district and better management of water resources.</p>