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

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