India reaches ‘major power’ status in Asia Power Index 2025
NEW DELHI: India has secured the third position in the Asia Power Index 2025, on the back of economic growth and military capability based on its performance in Operation Sindoor, Australia-based think tank Lowy Institute said on Friday. Only US and China are ahead of India on the list.The 2025 edition shows India’s overall power score crossing 40 points, the threshold for classification as a ‘major power’. The US and China scored 80.5 and 73.7 points, respectively, and Japan ranks fourth with 38.8 points. However, there are still gaps between India’s ambition and the reality of continued limits on its influence, particularly relative to China, the institute said.The annual Asia Power Index measures resources and influence to rank relative power of states. India was among middle powers in the Asia Power Index-2024 with a comprehensive power score of 38.1. India ranks third for two measures – economic capability and future resources. It increased its economic capability rank by one place to third, overtaking Japan. Increases in its inward investment have seen India rise to ninth place in economic relationships. The Lowy Institute said India’s economic and military capabilities have both increased in the 2025 edition. It said India’s economy has continued to grow strongly and made small gains in terms of its geopolitical relevance.
