India has risen one step further in the world list in the race for military power. Australia-based Lowy Institute published this year’s ‘Asia Power Index 2025’ list on Friday, where India stands third and has been listed as a ‘Major Power’. However, India’s neighbour Pakistan did not even find a place in the top ten in this list. The neighbouring country is ranked at number 16.
Every year, the ‘Asia Power Index’ publishes a list of which country is ahead in terms of military power in Asia. The annual Asia Power Index measures resources and influence to rank the relative power of states in Asia. Ranking is given on the basis of a country’s military power, Defence network, economic strength, diplomatic influence, culture and future wealth. Countries outside Asia which have strengthened their military power in Asia are also included in this list.
China has topped the list in Asia. They have come second as a superpower after America, which despite not being a part of Asia has enhanced its military prowess in the continent.
India a “Major Power”
It has been reported that India is constantly increasing its influence in Asia. In 2025, India’s score in this regard was 40.00, on the basis of which India has been listed as a “major power” in the list. India was ranked among middle powers in the Asia Power Index-2024 with a comprehensive power score of 38.1, which increased marginally to 40 points to reach the threshold of a “major power”.
India ranks third for two measures economic capability and future resources. It increased its economic capability rank by one place to third, overtaking Japan. Increases in its inward investment have seen India rise to ninth place in economic relationships. The Lowy Institute said India’s economic and military capabilities have both increased in the 2025 edition of the Asia Power Index.
According to the index, India overtook China as the country attracting the most inward investment after the United States – an indicator capturing 10-year cumulative flows.
“For the most part, these gains were from improved expert appraisals of its capability, which were likely influenced by India’s performance in Operation Sindoor, launched in May 2025, which added to India’s recent combat experience,” the institute said.
Asia Power Index 2025
America 80.5 (Super Power)
China 73.7 (Super Power)
India 40.0 (Major Power)
Japan 38.8 (Middle Power)
Russia 32.1 (Middle Power)
Australia 31.8 (Middle Power)
South Korea 31.5 (Middle Power)
Singapore 26.5 (Middle Power)
Indonesia 22.5 (Middle Power)
Malaysia 20.6 (Middle Power)
Lowest score for America
However, this is the lowest score for America since the Asia Power Index was launched in 2018. Analysts estimate that the policies adopted by Donald Trump after coming to power have had a negative impact. China is constantly reducing the gap between its scores with America. Russia has strengthened its position in Asia since 2019. Moscow’s growing regional presence is largely due to its strategic Defence and economic partnerships with China and North Korea. Although Australia moved up to overtake Russia in 2024, Russia has now returned to fifth place. Japan has also significantly increased its power this time.