In 2024, India was categorised as a ‘middle power’ with a score of 38.1.
New Delhi : India has jumped to the ranks of a ‘major power’ in the latest Asia Power Index, securing the third position in the annual assessment conducted by Australia-based think tank Lowy Institute. The upgraded status comes on the back of India’s enhanced military performance—particularly during Operation Sindoor—as well as its expanding economic influence across the region. The United States and China retained their positions as the top two ‘superpowers’ in the index.
In 2024, India was categorised as a ‘middle power’ with a score of 38.1. This year, India’s score rose to 40 out of 100, placing it ahead of Japan (38.8) and Russia (32.1), which ranked fourth and fifth, respectively. Despite the upward movement, India still trails far behind China, which scored 73.7. The US continued to dominate the index with 80.5 points.
According to the detailed breakdown of the report, India’s rise is driven by an improvement in both economic and military capabilities. A significant boost came from foreign investment, pushing India to ninth place in the economic relationships category. The index notes that India has now surpassed China as the second-largest destination for inward investment after the United States, based on cumulative flows over the past decade.
The report highlights modest yet notable gains in India’s geopolitical reach, including stronger international connectivity, diplomatic leverage, and advances in technological development. Experts assessing India’s military strength noted steady growth, with Operation Sindoor—launched in May 2025—playing a crucial role in shaping perceptions of India’s combat readiness and real-world operational experience.
However, the report also reflects areas of decline. India’s ranking in defence networks dropped sharply to the 11th position, falling two spots from last year as the Philippines and Thailand overtook it. The think tank warns that while India’s military and economic performance has significantly bolstered its regional influence, shortcomings in defence partnerships remain a challenge.
Overall, the Lowy Institute concludes that India’s recent military operations, combined with strong economic momentum, have elevated its standing in Asia’s strategic landscape. The Asia Power Index measures a nation’s ability to shape its external environment and influence regional dynamics, positioning India as an increasingly assertive and capable power in the Indo-Pacific.
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New Delhi : India has jumped to the ranks of a ‘major power’ in the latest Asia Power Index, securing the third position in the annual assessment conducted by Australia-based think tank Lowy Institute. The upgraded status comes on the back of India’s enhanced military performance—particularly during Operation Sindoor—as well as its expanding economic influence across the region. The United States and China retained their positions as the top two ‘superpowers’ in the index.
In 2024, India was categorised as a ‘middle power’ with a score of 38.1. This year, India’s score rose to 40 out of 100, placing it ahead of Japan (38.8) and Russia (32.1), which ranked fourth and fifth, respectively. Despite the upward movement, India still trails far behind China, which scored 73.7. The US continued to dominate the index with 80.5 points.
According to the detailed breakdown of the report, India’s rise is driven by an improvement in both economic and military capabilities. A significant boost came from foreign investment, pushing India to ninth place in the economic relationships category. The index notes that India has now surpassed China as the second-largest destination for inward investment after the United States, based on cumulative flows over the past decade.
The report highlights modest yet notable gains in India’s geopolitical reach, including stronger international connectivity, diplomatic leverage, and advances in technological development. Experts assessing India’s military strength noted steady growth, with Operation Sindoor—launched in May 2025—playing a crucial role in shaping perceptions of India’s combat readiness and real-world operational experience.
However, the report also reflects areas of decline. India’s ranking in defence networks dropped sharply to the 11th position, falling two spots from last year as the Philippines and Thailand overtook it. The think tank warns that while India’s military and economic performance has significantly bolstered its regional influence, shortcomings in defence partnerships remain a challenge.
Overall, the Lowy Institute concludes that India’s recent military operations, combined with strong economic momentum, have elevated its standing in Asia’s strategic landscape. The Asia Power Index measures a nation’s ability to shape its external environment and influence regional dynamics, positioning India as an increasingly assertive and capable power in the Indo-Pacific.
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