India’s steady rise on the global stage has been the subject of much attention, and it has recently made headlines for surpassing Russia and Japan to become the third most powerful country in Asia. The Lowy Institute in Australia’s 2024 Asia Power Index has documented this remarkable shift. This index tracks and measures the power and influence of nations in Asia, using a range of metrics such as economic capability, military strength, diplomatic influence, and cultural impact.

The Lowy Institute created the Asia Power Index, a tool that ranks 27 countries and territories in Asia according to their influence and power. It covers a wide geographical area, including nations as far west as Pakistan and as far east as Australia and New Zealand. The index uses a variety of criteria, from economic capability to military might, and provides valuable insight into the shifting balance of power in Asia.

India Surpasses Japan and Russia

According to the 2024 Asia Power Index, India has achieved a significant milestone by overtaking both Russia and Japan to become the third most powerful nation in Asia. This is a clear indicator of India’s growing clout in the region, despite certain limitations in areas like defense and infrastructure. For years, the notion of “India rising” has been prevalent, and now we see tangible evidence of it on the geopolitical landscape.

Japan, which once dominated Asia in terms of economic and technological prowess, has seen its influence wane. The rise of competitors like South Korea, China, and Taiwan in advanced manufacturing sectors has chipped away at Japan’s technological lead. This decline in economic power has caused Japan to fall to fourth place in the Asia Power Index rankings.

Russia, another former superpower, has seen its influence diminish, not just in Asia but globally. Ongoing sanctions, coupled with internal economic and political challenges, have made it difficult for Russia to project its power in the region. As a result, Russia now ranks below India in the Asia Power Index.

India’s Challenges in Reaching Full Potential

Infrastructure and Defense Limitations

Despite India’s rise, the report highlights that the country’s potential is still not fully realized. Infrastructure gaps, particularly in defense, limit India’s ability to project power east of the Malacca Strait. However, this also means India has significant room for growth, and with the right investments and policies, its power in Asia could increase further.

India vs. Japan: The Shift in Power

India’s rise above Japan can be seen in both economic and defence capabilities. While Japan still holds technological advantages in certain sectors, India’s growing economic engine and focus on defence modernisation have pushed it ahead in the rankings.

India’s Diplomatic Engagements

India’s active diplomatic engagements have supported its growing power in Asia. The country has strengthened its alliances with key regional players, including ASEAN nations, which has boosted its influence on the geopolitical stage.

India’s ascent to the third most powerful nation in Asia marks a significant moment in its rise as a global power. Surpassing both Russia and Japan, India’s influence in Asia continues to grow, even though it still has considerable untapped potential. As China’s power plateaus and Japan shifts its focus toward defense, India stands poised to play a larger role in shaping the future of the region.