India Emerges as Asia’s Third Most Powerful Nation After China and the U.S.
Asia is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world, with countries competing for influence in politics, economics, and military power. While China continues to dominate the region, India has now emerged as the third most powerful nation in Asia, overtaking Japan. This growth signals India’s rise not just in Asia but on the global stage, marking its increasing influence across multiple domains.
Asia Power Index (API) and India’s Ascendancy
The Lowy Institute, a think tank based in Sydney, Australia, releases an annual Asia Power Index (API), which ranks countries based on their geopolitical influence, military strength, economic resources, and diplomatic leverage in the Asia-Pacific region.
In the 2024 Asia Power Index, India has claimed the third position, overtaking Japan. This achievement highlights India’s expanding influence in Asia and its rising stature on the global stage. The top two spots are held by the United States and China, with India closely following at third place with a score of 39.1 out of 100.
The ranking takes into account various factors such as military strength, economic resources, diplomatic influence, and geographical importance. The report also mentions India’s growing presence in key strategic regions such as the Malacca Strait and the Indo-Pacific, making it a significant player in maintaining regional security and stability.
India’s Growth: Key Factors
India’s rise as a regional and global power is driven by several key factors, including its economic growth, military modernization, and strengthened diplomatic relations. India is on track to become the third-largest economy in the world by 2027, a milestone that reflects its growing importance in global economic affairs.
- Economic Growth: India’s economy has been expanding at a rapid pace. Driven by industries such as information technology, services, and manufacturing, India’s GDP growth is among the fastest in the world. Government initiatives like Make in India and Digital India are bolstering the country’s industrial and technological sectors.
- Military Power: India boasts one of the largest and most powerful military forces in the world. Recent acquisitions, such as Rafale fighter jets and the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier, have enhanced India’s defense capabilities. Additionally, the successful testing of Agni-5, a long-range ballistic missile, showcases India’s growing strategic deterrence.
- Diplomatic Strength: India has significantly strengthened its diplomatic ties with key global powers, including the United States, Japan, and Australia. India is an active participant in multilateral organizations like QUAD, which is increasingly seen as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. India’s diplomatic efforts in forums like ASEAN and the RCEP also reflect its commitment to fostering regional cooperation.
- Indo-Pacific Strategy: India’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific, particularly east of the Malacca Strait, has been a critical aspect of its strategic rise. The Indo-Pacific region has become a focal point for geopolitical competition, especially as China increases its assertiveness in the South China Sea and beyond. India, along with partners like the U.S. and Japan, has played a key role in maintaining a rules-based order in this critical region.
Leadership Under Prime Minister Modi
India’s rise is largely attributed to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose foreign policies and diplomatic initiatives have transformed the country’s standing in the international arena. Modi’s focus on strengthening India’s global partnerships and enhancing its military and economic capabilities has been crucial to this transformation.
As Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri recently remarked, “India’s rise is not accidental. The country has been elevated to the status of a global power under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.” His vision of positioning India as a major global player has been evident through various high-profile summits, trade agreements, and defense collaborations.
Confronting China
India’s rise also comes at a time when tensions between India and China have been growing, particularly along their shared Himalayan border. The two nations have engaged in multiple military standoffs in recent years, most notably in the Galwan Valley in 2020. India’s response to China’s assertiveness has included closer cooperation with the United States, Japan, and Australia, as part of initiatives like QUAD.
The Asia Power Index report underscores India’s role in counterbalancing China’s influence in the region, positioning India as a key player in shaping the geopolitical landscape of Asia. With initiatives like AUKUS and QUAD gaining momentum, India’s partnerships are essential in maintaining a stable and balanced regional power dynamic.
India’s Global Rise
India’s growing influence extends beyond Asia. It has become a major force in global diplomacy, shaping discussions on issues ranging from climate change to international trade. India’s leadership in multilateral organizations like the United Nations, G20, and BRICS reflects its desire to play a proactive role in global governance.
India’s ascendancy in the Asia Power Index is a clear indication of the country’s growing stature in the world. As India continues to enhance its economic, military, and diplomatic capabilities, it is set to play an even more significant role in both regional and global affairs. With the potential to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027, India’s rise as Asia’s third most powerful nation is a key milestone in its journey towards becoming a global superpower.
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