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08 December, 2025
Asia Power Index 2025
Sat 29 Nov, 2025
Context:
- The Australia-based Lowy Institute has released the Asia Power Index 2025, which evaluates the power of 27 countries and territories based on 131 indicators across eight themes (military capability, economic relationships, diplomatic influence, etc.).
Top 5 Countries :
| Rank | Country | Score (out of 100) | Classification | Key Reason |
| 1 | USA | 80.5 | Superpower | Undisputed leadership in military capability and global networks |
| 2 | China | 73.7 | Superpower | Economic dominance and expanding military capability |
| 3 | India | 40.0 | Major Power | Crossed the 40-point threshold for the first time; improved economic growth and military capabilities |
| 4 | Japan | 38.8 | Middle Power | High technology and economic strength but limited military network |
| 5 | Russia | 32.1 | Middle Power | Military reach and nuclear capability, but limited economic influence |
India’s Historic Achievement: Becoming a ‘Major Power’
- Rank: 3rd (among 27 countries)
- Score: 40.0 (out of 100)
- Category: India officially entered the Major Power category for the first time by crossing the 40-point mark. Last year (2024), it was ranked as a Middle Power.
- Performance: India has surpassed Japan (4th) and Russia (5th) in this ranking.
Major Achievements :
- Major Power Status: With a score of 40.0, India crossed the 40-point threshold for the first time, entering the Major Power category.
- Surpassed Japan: India ranked third in Economic Capability, surpassing Japan.
- Military Advantage: India’s performance in Operation Sindoor (May 2025) contributed to an improvement in military capability evaluations.
- Top Investment Destination: Based on cumulative investment inflows over the last 10 years, India became Asia’s top destination for foreign investment after the USA, surpassing China.
Weaknesses :
- Power Gap: A significant power gap remains between China (73.7) and India (40.0).
- Defence Networks: India ranks 11th in this dimension, reflecting persistent challenges in building regional defence partnerships.
- Trade Relations: India’s trade relationships with Asian countries remain relatively weak.
Eight Measures of Power :
| Dimension | Description | India’s Performance (2025) |
| 1. Economic Capability | GDP, economic growth rate, etc. | 3rd place (surpassed Japan) |
| 2. Military Capability | Defence spending, weapons systems, size of armed forces | Continuous improvement; highly rated by experts |
| 3. Economic Relationships | Trade flows, FDI, connectivity | 9th place, improved for the first time |
| 4. Defence Networks | Military alliances, joint exercises, defence partnerships | 11th place (weakest dimension) |
| 5. Diplomatic Influence | Influence in international institutions and regional forums | Maintained strong standing |
| 6. Cultural Influence | Soft power, brand value, digital diplomacy | Recorded largest increase (+2.8 points) |
| 7. Resilience | Internal stability, energy security, government capacity | Improved internal stability |
| 8. Future Resources | Demographics (youth population), education, long-term economic potential | 3rd place (due to demographic strength) |
Overview of Other Major Countries :
- United States: Retains the top position but recorded a 1.2-point decline in comprehensive power. Its leadership has decreased to two-thirds of what it was in 2017.
- China: 2nd place, leading in military posture. Achieved record-high diplomatic influence due to BRICS expansion and the 2025 Victory Day Parade.
- Russia: Recorded its first increase since 2019, supported by strong ties with China and North Korea.
- Southeast Asian Countries: Showed modest improvements, reinforcing regional multipolarity.