Based on its achievements in Operation Sindoor and economic growth, India has achieved "major power" status on the Asia Power Index 2025, according to a statement released on Friday by the Australian think tank Lowy Institute.
However, it stated that there are still differences between India's aspirations and the reality of ongoing restrictions on its power, especially with regard to China.
India is in third place on the index, after China (73.7 points) and the United States (80.5 points). With 38.8 points, Japan is in fourth place.
The yearly Asia Power Index ranks the relative power of Asian governments by measuring their influence and resources. With a comprehensive power score of 38.1, India was placed among middle powers in the Asia Power Index 2024. This score slightly improved to 40 points, which is the threshold for "major power" status.
India is ranked third in terms of future resources and economic capability. It moved up to third place in terms of economic capability, surpassing Japan. India now ranks ninth in terms of economic ties because to increases in its inward investment.
According to the Lowy Institute, India's military and economic prowess has grown in the Asia Power Index's 2025 edition. In terms of its geopolitical relevance, which is measured in terms of international leverage, connection, and technology, it stated that India's economy has maintained its robust growth and made minor advancements. Additionally, India's military prowess has constantly increased.
"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," according to the institution.
India ranks 11th in defense networks, which is its weakest metric. The Philippines and Thailand have surpassed it after it dropped two spots from the previous edition. However, India's influence did not increase proportionately, especially in terms of its defense networks and diplomatic ties.
This resulted in a large negative Power Gap score, which measures the difference between a nation's actual scores in the Asia Power Index and its expected power based on its resources.
The index, which captures cumulative flows over a ten year period, shows that India has surpassed China as the nation that attracts the most inward investment after the United States.
According to the institution, this shift is due to both India's appeal as an investment destination and geopolitical considerations, with companies looking to diversify their supply chains.
