India has secured the third spot in the Asia Power Index 2025, with the United States and China occupying the first and second positions, according to the Australia-based Lowy Institute. The annual index evaluates countries’ ability to influence their external environment across Asia.
The report highlights India’s steady rise in power, surpassing the threshold for “major power” status in 2025. While India remains significantly behind China, it is well ahead of its regional peers. Both nations have shown improvements in key metrics, though the gap between them persists. Notably, Russia has strengthened its overall influence in Asia for the first time since 2019.
The seventh edition of the index assesses 27 countries and territories using 131 indicators across eight categories, including military capability, economic strength, diplomatic and cultural influence, and future resilience.
The United States leads with a score of 81.7, maintaining its dominant position. China ranks second with 73.7, reflecting a 1% increase over the previous year. India follows at 40 out of 100, marking a 2% gain, driven by robust post-COVID economic recovery and growing geopolitical influence.
The Lowy Institute noted:"India's economic and military capabilities have strengthened in the 2025 edition. Its economy continues to grow, boosting international leverage, connectivity, and technology. Military capability has also improved steadily."
Other findings include Russia’s resurgence through defence and economic partnerships with countries like North Korea and China. Japan maintains steady power despite declines in certain metrics, while several Southeast Asian nations show incremental improvements. Australia faces long-term challenges in maintaining relative power, and China continues to narrow the gap with the US, reducing the margin by a few points. (Source: IBT)
