India has achieved a historic milestone by surpassing Japan to secure the third position in the Asia Power Index, indicating its increasing influence and strategic significance.
According to the Asia Power Index Report 2024, published by the Australian think tank Lowy Institute, India looks to be becoming more powerful on the continent.
In 2018, the Asia Power Index was launched by the Lowy Institute as a yearly assessment of the power dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region. It evaluates 27 Asia-Pacific nations, looking at how well they can adapt to and shape their external environment.
India’s Growth in Asia Power Index
India has recently achieved notable advancements in several areas, including economic power, military prowess, and diplomatic outreach, all of which have improved the country’s ranking in the index. With consistent growth and rising technical innovation, India’s status as one of the fastest-growing global economies has increased.
The robust post-Covid-19 economic expansion increased India’s economic potential by 4.2 percentage points. It also showed good growth in all other resource indicators, except future resources, where it had an 8.2-point gain in score.
India’s progress is indicative not only of its capacity to project power but also of its capability to provide prosperity and stability in the region within the evolving Indo-Pacific dynamics.
In comparison to many other Asian nations, especially rival China, whose workforces are shrinking due to rapid aging, India’s youthful population may provide an economic benefit over the coming decades.
The international prominence of India has grown as a result of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s drive and leadership.
Without the need for official military alliances, India’s leadership in regional talks and active participation in organizations like the Quad have strengthened its position in regional security. Moreover, India’s growing geopolitical aspirations are indicated by defense agreements like the BrahMos missile sale with the Philippines.
International Views on India’s Influence and Role
Many nations see India’s ascent positively, seeing it as an equalizer to China’s growing sway in the Indo-Pacific and a stabilizing effect.
Recognizing the potential for improved security cooperation and commercial partnerships, nations like Australia and Japan welcome India’s ascent.
Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Indonesia see India as a crucial ally in tackling common issues like commerce and marine security. However, certain nations, especially those like China and Pakistan, who have complicated historical or geographical concerns with India, may show caution or mistrust.
The rise of India to prominence in the area is viewed as a dramatic change in the balance of power, raising questions among many stakeholders regarding security dynamics, economic cooperation, and strategic alliances.
Conclusion
India’s ascension to the third spot in the Asia Power Index implies that it has emerged as a prominent power broker. This goes beyond a simple change in the rankings. In the years to come, India’s influence over the geopolitical and economic landscape of Asia is only going to grow as it solidifies its position.
