India Become Asia's 3rd Most Powerful Nation Surpassed Japan

The Asia Power Index 2024, published by the Lowy Institute, ranks 27 Asian countries and territories based on 131 indicators across eight thematic measures. India ranks third most powerful in Asia, overtaking Japan.

Overview of the Asia Power Index 2024

Asia Power Index (API) 2024 published annually by the Lowy Institute, an Australian think tank
Ranks 27 countries and territories in Asia
Evaluates power based on 131 indicators across eight thematic measures:
- Military Capability and Defence Networks
- Economic Capability and Relationships
- Diplomatic and Cultural Influence
- Resilience and Future Resources
First introduced in 2018
Timor Leste included for the first time in the 2024 report
United States and China deemed the only superpowers in Asia
India classified as a middle power

India's Position and Progress

India ranked third most powerful country in Asia, overtaking Japan
Improvement from fourth place in the 2023 report

Driving factors for India's rise:

- Strong post-pandemic economic recovery
- Economic Capability score increased by 4.2 points
- Third-largest economy globally in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP)
- Demographic advantage with a young population
- Future Resources score increased by 8.2 points
- Consistent GDP growth

Diplomatic strengths:

- Ranked sixth in diplomatic dialogues in 2023
- Strategic autonomy and non-aligned approach
- Active participation in multilateral forums
- Expanding role in the Indo-Pacific region

Challenges:

- Actual influence below potential
- Limited ability to project power east of the Malacca Strait
- Income disparities and infrastructure needs
- Geopolitical tensions

Ranking of Most Powerful Countries in Asia

Asia Power Index Report 2024, top 10 Asian countries rank:

Ranking	Country	Score
1	United States	81.7
2	China	72.7
3	India	39.1
4	Japan	38.9
5	Australia	31.9
6	Russia	31.1
7	South Korea	31
8	Singapore	26.4
9	Indonesia	22.3
10	Thailand	19.8

Regional Power Dynamics

United States:

- Consolidated position as the most dominant power
- Militarily more powerful than China

China:

- Power plateauing, neither increasing nor declining
- Second behind the US but far ahead of other countries
- Catching up with the US in military capability

Japan:

- Declined in rankings, overtaken by India
- Shifting from economic and cultural powerhouse to more active in defense and security
- Challenges include slow population growth and stagnant economic performance

Russia:

- Declining power and influence in Asia
- Resources and focus diverted to the war in Ukraine

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