India Ranks 3rd in Asia Power Index 2025

India Climbs to Third Rank in Asia Power Index

Why in the News ?

India has ranked third in the Asia Power Index 2025 released by Australia’s Lowy Institute, behind the US and China. The report evaluates the strategic influence of Asian countries and highlights India’s rising power and strengthening external capabilities.

India Ranks 3rd in Asia Power Index 2025

India’s Ranking and Key Highlights of 2025 Report:

  • India secured the third position, strengthening its standing in the region, while the US retained the top rank and China remained at second.
  • The Lowy Institute emphasised that both India and China improved their scores, but a significant capability gap persists, particularly in military and economic dimensions.
  • India’s steady rise in regional influence has been a consistent trend across recent editions of the index.
  • Notably, the 2025 report indicates India is poised to cross the threshold for a “major power” category as defined by the Index.
  • The report underscores India’s expanding strategic reach, improving diplomatic engagement, and strengthening economic partnerships.

Detailed Assessment Across Thematic Indicators

  • The Asia Power Index 2025 evaluated 27 countries and territories through 131 indicators, making it one of the most comprehensive regional assessments.
  • India performed strongly in Diplomatic Influence, Cultural Influence, and Resilience, showing improved internal stability and external outreach.
  • In Economic Capability, India registered marginal gains, reflecting sustained growth but slower progress compared to China and the US.
  • India’s Military Capability and Defence Networks also improved due to enhanced defence partnerships and increased maritime presence.
  • Future projections highlight that India’s demographic strength and economic expansion will significantly boost the country’s regional power in the next decade.

Asia Power Index Framework:

●     The Asia Power Index is published annually by the Lowy Institute, an independent Australian think tank.

●     It measures a country’s ability to influence its external environment through eight dimensions:
(1) Military Capability, (2) Defence Networks, (3) Economic Capability, (4) Economic Relationships,
(5) Diplomatic Influence, (6) Cultural Influence, (7) Resilience, (8) Future Resources.

●     The index defines global players as “major powers” once they cross certain quantitative thresholds in cumulative capability scores.

●     India’s progressive rise reflects its growing role in the Indo-Pacific, key to UPSC themes like Neighbourhood First, Act East, and maritime strategy.