India ranked 4th most powerful nation in Asia. Here's what that means

Summary

The Asia Power Index by the Lowy Institute ranks India as the 4th most powerful nation in Asia, just behind the US, China, and Japan. With a score of 36.6, India shows strength in diplomatic influence and future resources, particularly in demographics, placing first in the region. However, it faces challenges in global political leadership and economic diplomacy, ranking lower in international leverage compared to smaller economies. Despite a decline in comprehensive national power from 2018 to 2023, India's strategic ambitions and regional leadership are recognized, yet its power projection beyond its immediate neighborhood is limited.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The Asia Power Index ranks India as the fourth most powerful nation in Asia, following the United States, China, and Japan.
• 🏆 The United States and China are the only countries classified as superpowers, with scores of 80.7 and 72.5 respectively, significantly ahead of other nations.
• 📊 India's comprehensive National Power score is 36.6, placing it narrowly behind Japan but with a potential to become a major power due to its size.
• 🔼 India's diplomatic influence in Asia increased in 2022, with high ratings for its leaders' ability to secure national interests on a global stage.
• 🌱 India ranks third in the region for future resources, with a growing economy and a young population, and first in the region for demographic resources.
• 💪 India's geo-economic and geopolitical security is among the highest in the region, indicating strong defense against financial or military aggression.
• 🔋 India is among the top five in the region for defense spending and warfare capabilities, showing substantial military power.
• 📉 Despite India's strengths, its comprehensive National Power score has declined from 41.1 in 2018 to 36.3 in 2023, influenced by global shocks like the pandemic and war.
• 🔍 India's influence in Asia is patchy, with a strong presence in its immediate neighborhood but lower international leverage compared to smaller economies.
• 🤝 India's economic diplomacy is affected by its refusal to join major trade pacts, resulting in less economic integration into Asia.
• 🏛 The Indian Foreign Service ranks 10th in Asia, indicating capacity issues despite the country's strategic ambitions and regional political leadership.

Q & A

What is the Asia Power Index and what does it measure?

The Asia Power Index is an annual ranking produced by the Lowy Institute in Australia that assesses the relative power of countries in Asia. It measures various indicators such as military power, economic strength, and cultural influence to determine a nation's comprehensive power score.

Which countries are classified as superpowers according to the Asia Power Index?

The United States and China are the only countries classified as superpowers by the Asia Power Index, with the United States scoring 80.7 and China scoring 72.5.

What was India's ranking in the Asia Power Index?

India was ranked as the fourth most powerful nation in Asia, following the United States, China, and Japan.

What is India's comprehensive National Power score according to the index?

India's comprehensive National Power score is 36.6, which is narrowly behind Japan's score.

How does India's diplomatic influence in Asia compare to other countries?

India's diplomatic influence in Asia is rated highly, with experts noting its leaders' ability to secure the country's national interests both regionally and globally.

In which specific area did India rank first in the region according to the index?

India ranked first in the region in terms of demographic resources, highlighting its growing economic strength and young population.

What challenges does India face in terms of its geo-economic and geopolitical security?

While India's geo-economic and geopolitical security is among the highest in the region, it faces challenges in terms of its comprehensive National Power, which has declined over the last five years, especially due to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

How does India's government effectiveness and internal stability compare to other countries in the region?

India's scores on government effectiveness and internal stability have declined, which has widened the gap between India and superpowers like the United States and China.

What is India's ranking in terms of international leverage and why is it lower than expected?

India ranks sixth in terms of international leverage, indicating that its ability to use economic power to influence others is lower than countries with much smaller economies, partly due to its refusal to join major trade facts and less economic integration into Asia.

How does India's diplomatic service compare to other countries in Asia?

The Indian Foreign Service ranks 10th in Asia, behind much smaller countries like Vietnam, Taiwan, and South Korea, which may be due to capacity constraints such as a smaller diplomatic service compared to most competitor nations.

What is the overall picture of India's power and influence in Asia according to the Asia Power Index?

The Asia Power Index presents a mixed picture for India. While it remains far ahead of regional competitors and is closing the power gap with Japan, it still lags behind superpowers like America and China. Additionally, India's ability to project its power beyond its immediate neighborhood is constrained.