India Ranks Third In Lowy Institute Asia Power Index 2024. India has progressed steadily to surpass Japan on the Asia Power Index 2024 list to become the third-largest power second to China and first is the US. India made gains of +2.8 in overall score, up one ranking in 2024 for comprehensive power.
Asia Power Index is an annual list by Lowy Institute. Countries are ranked as per their average across eight measures of power – economic capability, military capability, resilience, future resources, economic relationships, defense networks, diplomatic influence, and cultural influence. India made gains of +2.8.
Lowy Institute Index described India as a middle power in Asia. The 2024 Index is the first edition of the Asia Power Index where India increased its overall power score but remains slightly below its score in 2018 and 2019.
India ranked lowest in economic relationships, thus its current ranking is outside the regional economic integration agenda. And the country’s overall power score decreased from 2018 to 2023.
Also Read: India To Set Up National Security Semiconductor Fabrication Plant With The US
India Ranking – Resources and Population
According to the Asia Power Index Key Findings Report, India’s great strength in Asia is the resources it brings with its huge population, landmass, and economy. A strong post-COVID economic growth boosted India’s Economic Capability by 4.2 points and its Future Resources score increased by 8.2 points. This highlights India’s young population.
Moreover, India’s Diplomatic Influence has increased significantly thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s global leadership and strategic ambition. The report states that the country’s diplomatic activity spiked in 2023 – highlighting the fact that India’s strategy of non-alignment has benefited its global standing.
However it terms of economic influence in Asia, India has not made gains. This remains India’s weak point. The report stated that New Delhi’s low-level economic integration with the larger economies in Asia and weak participation in regional economic architecture means this trend will continue.
Also Read: Atishi Will Take Arvind Kejriwal’s Place As Delhi Chief Minister
India Losing Ground in Defence
The government should take note that India’s score has dropped in Defence Networks and lost a ranking for the third consecutive year. This is attributed to New Delhi’s non-aligned stance. Deepening security cooperation and relations with the US alliance network means India will continue to lose ground despite the sale of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines. India has a negative power gap, which reflects New Delhi’s foreign and security policy.
