India has reached a significant milestone in its global ascent by securing the third position in the Asia Power Index 2025, following the United States and China. This achievement marks India's official entry into the category of a major power as defined by the Asia Power Index, created by the Australia-based Lowy Institute. This success highlights India's increasing influence in Asia, driven by economic growth, military capability, and strategic resources, all of which are vital in shaping the continent's geopolitical landscape.
The Asia Power Index is an annual evaluation that assesses the comprehensive power of countries across Asia. In its seventh edition for 2025, it ranked 27 countries and territories based on 131 indicators across eight core dimensions:
These parameters encompass both hard and soft power, measuring a country's ability to influence its regional environment.
India achieved an overall score of 40.0 out of 100, securing the third rank and surpassing the benchmark for "major power" status for the first time. This reflects consistent improvement over previous years and indicates that long-term national strategies are yielding positive results.
Crossing the 40-point threshold officially categorizes India as a major power in Asia. This marks a strategic shift from previous years when India was considered a middle power, aligning with its ambitions to play a larger role on the global stage.
This ranking affirms India's growing ability to influence Asia's security, economy, and multilateral frameworks. It enhances India's voice in global governance platforms and regional diplomacy.
The ranking validates India's efforts in defense acquisition, manufacturing reforms, the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, and expanding its digital and economic outreach across Asia.
The report also highlights areas for India to enhance its capabilities, particularly in forming stronger defense partnerships, expanding cultural diplomacy, and increasing multilateral engagements.
While India's rise is commendable, the index reveals that China maintains a significant lead with a score of 73.7, a one-point increase from last year. The power gap between India and China remains substantial, particularly in economic influence, defense expenditure, and technological capabilities.
The United States continues to dominate the index, with a score of 81.7 out of 100, primarily due to its military alliances, economic leadership, and technological superiority. Its presence in the Asia-focused index reflects its strategic involvement in the Indo-Pacific, including security commitments, trade relations, and multilateral engagements.
Q1. What is the significance of India's rank in the Asia Power Index 2025?
Answer: India's third rank signifies its recognition as a major power, reflecting its growing influence in Asia and on the global stage through economic and military advancements.
Q2. How does the Asia Power Index evaluate countries?
Answer: The Asia Power Index assesses countries based on 131 indicators across eight dimensions including economic capability, military capability, and diplomatic influence.
Q3. What are the key strengths of India in the Asia Power Index 2025?
Answer: India's key strengths include economic growth, military modernization, and strong demographics, positioning it favorably for long-term influence.
Q4. Why does India rank lower in defense networks?
Answer: India ranks lower in defense networks due to fewer formal military alliances and security arrangements compared to other major powers.
Q5. How does China's position affect India's ranking?
Answer: China's significant lead in the index highlights the existing power gap in economic influence and technological capabilities, posing a challenge for India's aspirations.
Question 1: What is India's score in the Asia Power Index 2025?
A) 30.0
B) 40.0
C) 50.0
D) 60.0
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which country ranks first in the Asia Power Index 2025?
A) India
B) China
C) United States
D) Japan
Correct Answer: C
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