India rises to third most powerful nation in Asia, surpassing Japan in Asia Power Index

India has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the third most powerful nation in Asia, overtaking Japan in the 2024 Asia Power Index. This advancement is attributed to robust post-COVID economic growth, which has boosted India's economic capability score by 4.2 points. The report also indicates substantial improvements across various resource measures, particularly in future resources, where India’s score surged by 8.2 points. This growth suggests that India’s youthful population could yield a demographic dividend in the coming decades, unlike many other Asian countries.

Additionally, India's Diplomatic Influence has seen a remarkable rise in the Asia Power Index. In 2023, India ramped up its diplomatic efforts, participating in the sixth-highest number of dialogues with countries included in the Index. This increase in diplomatic activity has helped India surpass Japan, solidifying its position as the third-largest power in the Index and reflecting its growing geopolitical stature.

The Asia Power Index evaluates 27 countries and territories based on their ability to shape their external environment. Its scope extends as far west as Pakistan, north to Russia, and into the Pacific, including Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.