India has achieved a significant milestone in global geopolitics, securing the third position in the prestigious Asia Power Index and earning the coveted status of a 'major power.' This remarkable advancement places India ahead of traditional powers like Japan and Russia, marking a substantial improvement from its previous classification as a 'middle power.'
India's Remarkable Ascent in Regional Standing
The latest study conducted by the Australia-based Lowy Institute reveals India's impressive jump in regional influence. India scored 40 out of 100 points in the comprehensive assessment, a notable improvement from its 2024 score of 38.1. This progression has elevated India from the 'middle powers' category to the distinguished 'major power' status, reflecting the nation's growing geopolitical clout.
The United States maintained its position at the top of the rankings with 80.5 points, followed by China with 73.7 points. India's current standing places it ahead of Japan (38.8 points) and Russia (32.1 points), demonstrating its expanding regional influence despite the significant gap with the two superpowers.
Key Drivers Behind India's Power Surge
According to the detailed assessment, India's improved ranking stems from substantial growth in both economic and military capabilities. The country made significant strides in economic relationships, climbing to the ninth position globally. This economic momentum was particularly evident in inward investment, where India overtook China as the country attracting the most inward investment after the United States when measuring 10-year cumulative flows.
The Lowy Institute highlighted that India's modest advances in geopolitical relevance were measured through enhanced international connectivity, leverage, and technological development. The think tank specifically noted that India's military capabilities have grown steadily, with most gains resulting from improved expert appraisals of its capability.
Operation Sindoor's Impact on Combat Experience
A crucial factor in India's improved military assessment was its performance in Operation Sindoor, launched in May 2025. The institute explicitly stated that this operation significantly contributed to India's recent combat experience, influencing expert evaluations of the nation's military preparedness and capability.
The report stated: "For the most part, these gains were from improved expert appraisals of its capability, which were likely influenced by India's performance in Operation Sindoor, launched in May 2025, which added to India's recent combat experience."
Areas Requiring Improvement
Despite the overall positive performance, the study identified one area where India experienced a significant decline. The country saw its sharpest drop in defence networks, falling to the 11th position in this category. This represents a two-rank decline compared to the 2024 rankings, with the Philippines and Thailand overtaking India in defence partnerships.
The institute concluded that while India's recent military experience and economic momentum have undoubtedly strengthened its regional standing, challenges persist in building and maintaining defence networks with international partners.
The Asia Power Index, developed by the Australian think tank, comprehensively assesses a nation's ability to influence its external environment among power states in the Asian region. India's improved ranking signals its evolving role as a significant player in Asian geopolitics and its growing capacity to shape regional dynamics.
