Our Bureau
New Delhi
According to the recently released Asia Power Index 2024 by the Australian think tank Lowy Institute, India has ascended to become the third most powerful nation in Asia, surpassing Japan. This marks a significant shift in regional power dynamics, as India previously held the fourth position in 2023. The United States and China remain the top two powers, with scores of 81.7 and 72.7, respectively, while India achieved a score of 39.1, reflecting a growth of 2.7 points from the previous year.
The Asia Power Index evaluates 27 countries and territories based on their ability to project power across eight thematic measures, including military capability, economic relationships, diplomatic and cultural influence. This year’s report highlights India’s growing capabilities and untapped potential, emphasizing its significant post-pandemic economic recovery as a key driver for its rise. The report notes that while India has made strides in its power accumulation, its influence still lags behind what could be expected given its resources.
India’s ascent is attributed to several factors:
- Economic Growth: The country has demonstrated remarkable recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, which contributed to a notable increase in its economic capability score.
- Military Modernization: Ongoing efforts to enhance military capabilities have bolstered India’s standing.
- Diplomatic Engagement: India’s active participation in international forums and leadership roles, such as in the Quad alliance, has enhanced its diplomatic footprint.
Despite these advancements, the report points out that India faces challenges in projecting power beyond specific geographic limits, particularly east of the Malacca Strait. The Lowy Institute describes this limitation as a “negative power gap,” indicating that India’s actual influence is significantly below its potential.
The report also underscores the changing dynamics involving other nations in the region. Japan, which has historically been a strong player in Asia, has seen its ranking decline to fourth place with a score of 38.9. This shift is partly due to Japan’s increased defense spending amid rising tensions with China. In contrast, Russia’s influence has waned significantly due to its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The Asia Power Index serves as an analytical tool that not only ranks countries based on their current capabilities but also provides insights into future trends. With India positioned as a rising middle power, it holds considerable potential for further growth on the global stage.
