India has achieved a major milestone in the 2025 Asia Power Index, earning the status of a “major power” for the first time. The Index, prepared by the Lowy Institute, measures how countries perform across areas like economy, defence, diplomacy, and influence. This year, India crossed the 40-point mark, which is the level needed to be considered a major power.
In the overall rankings, India now stands at third place out of 27 countries. Only the United States and China are placed higher. This marks India’s strongest position ever on the Index and reflects its growing weight in the region.
India’s rise is driven by two major improvements. First, the country’s economic strength increased due to higher foreign investment and better trade relationships. The Index notes that India became a more attractive option for global investors as companies looked for new supply-chain partners.
Second, India earned a higher score for military capability. The report highlights the impact of Operation Sindoor, a major military operation in 2025 that showcased India’s readiness and operational strength. This helped reinforce confidence in India’s defence preparedness and contributed to the jump in rankings.
Despite these gains, the Index shows that India still has weaknesses. The country ranks 11th in defence partnerships, meaning it has fewer alliances and military agreements compared to many Asian nations. The report also points out a growing “power gap”, India has strong potential, but not all of it converts into real influence, especially when compared to China.
Overall, the 2025 Asia Power Index reflects India’s growing position as a key Asian power. With a stronger economy and better military standing, India is becoming a more influential regional player, even as it works on improving partnerships and expanding its global reach.
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