India has achieved a significant milestone in global power rankings, securing the third position in the prestigious Asia Power Index 2025. This remarkable achievement places the nation behind only the United States and China, marking India's transition into the elite group of major powers in the Asian region.
Historic Rise to Major Power Status
The Australia-based think tank Lowy Institute announced on Friday that India's overall power score has crossed the crucial 40-point threshold, officially classifying the country as a 'major power'. India's comprehensive power score reached over 40 points, a significant jump from its 2024 score of 38.1 points when it was categorized among middle powers.
The United States leads the index with 80.5 points, followed closely by China with 73.7 points. Japan occupies the fourth position with 38.8 points, just behind India's impressive performance. This ranking represents India's highest position since the index began tracking regional power dynamics.
Economic and Military Capabilities Drive Growth
India's ascent in the power rankings is primarily attributed to its robust economic growth and enhanced military capabilities. The country now ranks third in two critical measures: economic capability and future resources. India increased its economic capability rank by one place to third, successfully overtaking Japan in this crucial category.
The Lowy Institute specifically highlighted India's performance in Operation Sindoor as a key factor in boosting its military credentials. Additionally, substantial increases in inward investment have propelled India to ninth place in economic relationships, reflecting growing international confidence in the Indian economy.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite this impressive achievement, the Lowy Institute report notes that gaps remain between India's ambition and the reality of its influence, particularly when compared to China. The think tank emphasized that while India has made significant strides, continued limitations on its regional and global influence persist.
The annual Asia Power Index measures resources and influence to rank the relative power of states across the region. India's economic and military capabilities have both shown substantial improvement in the 2025 edition, with the institute noting that India's economy has continued to grow strongly while making small but significant gains in geopolitical relevance.
This third-place ranking represents a watershed moment for India's global positioning, signaling its emergence as a formidable power in the Asian geopolitical landscape. The achievement underscores the successful combination of economic development and strategic military enhancement that has characterized India's recent growth trajectory.
