India’s Rise: Third Place in Asia Power Index 2025

India has achieved a major milestone in its global rise by securing the third rank in the Asia Power Index 2025, trailing only behind the United States and China. This marks a significant leap for India, which has now officially entered the category of a “major power” as per the threshold defined by the Asia Power Index, developed by the Australia-based Lowy Institute.

This accomplishment underscores India’s growing influence in Asia, driven by its economic progress, military capability, and future strategic resources — all of which are crucial in shaping the continent’s geopolitical landscape.

What is the Asia Power Index?

The Asia Power Index is an annual assessment that evaluates the comprehensive power of countries across Asia. In its seventh edition (2025), it ranked 27 countries and territories based on 131 indicators across eight core dimensions,

• Economic Capability
• Military Capability
• Resilience
• Future Resources
• Diplomatic Influence
• Economic Relationships
• Defence Networks
• Cultural Influence

These parameters capture both hard and soft power, measuring a country’s ability to shape its regional environment.

India’s Performance in 2025

Overall Rank and Score

India scored 40.0 out of 100, securing the third rank, and crossing the benchmark for “major power” status for the first time. This represents a steady improvement over previous years and reflects long-term national strategies bearing fruit.

Strength Areas

• Economic Capability: India ranked third, backed by its growing GDP, rising inward investments, and increasing role in global supply chains.
• Future Resources: Strong demographics, tech readiness, and institutional capacity earned India another third-place rank, indicating sustainable long-term influence.
• Military Capability: With continued defence modernisation and strategic operations, India moved higher in this domain.
• Economic Relationships: India has significantly improved its trade and investment linkages across Asia and beyond.

Weakness Areas

• Defence Networks: India still ranks lower in terms of formal military alliances and security arrangements.
• Diplomatic and Cultural Influence: While improving, these softer aspects of power remain areas with growth potential.

Significance of the Ranking

India as a Recognised Major Power

Crossing the 40-point threshold officially categorises India as a major power in Asia. This is a strategic shift from earlier years where India was seen as a middle power, and it aligns with its aspirations to play a larger role on the global stage.

Enhanced Strategic Confidence

This ranking confirms India’s growing ability to influence Asia’s security, economy, and multilateral frameworks. It gives more weight to India’s voice in global governance platforms and regional diplomacy.

Economic and Defence Validation

The ranking validates India’s efforts in defence acquisition, manufacturing reforms, Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, and expanding digital and economic outreach across Asia.

Room for Growth

The report also signals areas where India can further build capacity, especially in forming stronger defence partnerships, expanding cultural diplomacy, and increasing multilateral engagements.

India–China Power Gap Remains Wide

While India’s rise is commendable, the index shows that China maintains a significant lead with a score of 73.7, up by one point from last year. The power gap between India and China remains substantial, especially in economic influence, defence expenditure, and technological capabilities.

Despite India’s improved performance, the report notes that China’s systemic investments in infrastructure, AI, cyber capabilities, and trade continue to enhance its clout in Asia.

Global Context: US Remains Unchallenged

The United States continues to dominate the index, scoring 81.7 out of 100, largely due to its military alliances, economic leadership, and technological superiority. Its inclusion in the Asia-focused index reflects its strategic involvement in the Indo-Pacific, including security commitments, trade relations, and multilateral engagements.

Other key trends,

• Russia showed its first power rebound since 2019, due to enhanced ties with China and North Korea.
• Japan’s influence remained steady despite economic and demographic pressures.
• Southeast Asian countries, such as Vietnam and Indonesia, posted modest gains in power metrics.
• Australia faces long-term challenges maintaining its strategic weight amid shifting regional dynamics.

Static Facts and Data

• India’s Rank: 3rd
• Top 3 Countries: 1st – United States, 2nd – China, 3rd – India
• India’s Score: 40.0/100
• Total Countries Assessed: 27
• Major Power Threshold: Achieved by India for the first time in 2025
• Strongest Indicators for India: Economic Capability, Future Resources, Military Capability
• India’s Challenge Areas: Defence Networks, Diplomatic & Cultural Influence

Key Takeaways

• India’s third rank in the Asia Power Index 2025 signifies its transition into a major power within Asia.
• The country has made substantial gains in economic strength, future readiness, and military capability.
• India’s continued improvement in strategic influence and partnerships will determine how it leverages its growing power.
• The ranking serves as both recognition and motivation — validating national progress while pointing to future areas of diplomatic and strategic focus.