India Rises to Asia's Third Most Powerful Nation in 2025 Global Ranking
Lowy Institute ranks India third out of 27 Asian nations with 40/100 score, ahead of Japan and Russia.
The Lowy Institute's seventh Asia Power Index 2025 ranks India third among 27 countries and territories for comprehensive power, scoring 40 out of 100—crossing the "major power" threshold for the first time with a 2-point gain. The United States leads with 81.7 despite its largest decline since 2018 under Trump policies, while China holds second at 73.7, narrowing the US gap to its lowest since 2020 through diplomatic gains and economic resilience. India's rise stems from robust post-COVID economic recovery, military enhancements, and geopolitical leverage in connectivity and technology.
The index assesses power across eight themes—Military Capability, Defence Networks, Economic Capability, Economic Relationships, Diplomatic Influence, Cultural Influence, Resilience, and Future Resources—using 131 indicators. India excels in economic capability with strong GDP growth and population advantages as the third-largest PPP economy, alongside steady military improvements. However, its influence lags resource potential, trailing China significantly while outpacing peers like Japan (fourth) and a resurgent Russia (fifth, overtaking Australia).
Russia rebounds with defence ties to North Korea and China, boosting its score for the first time since 2019 despite sanctions. Japan maintains status quo amid leadership changes eroding foreign policy clout, while Southeast Asia sees gains: Malaysia rises under Anwar Ibrahim, Vietnam advances steadily, and Thailand lags due to domestic issues. Australia faces long-term challenges matching ambitious diplomacy with economic and military resources.
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China's highest-ever diplomatic score highlights its positioning as a reliable partner against US protectionism, with military modernization challenging American supremacy. The US endures due to enduring resources but grapples with slower growth relative to Asian peers. India's trajectory signals increasing regional dominance.
This edition underscores shifting dynamics amid geopolitical uncertainty, with interactive tools at power.lowyinstitute.org allowing customized weightings and deep dives into data.
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