Asia Power Index: Replacing Japan, India is third in Asia
Virendra Pandit
New Delhi: Pipping Japan, India now ranks third in the Annual Asia Power Index, according to an Australian think tank.
It has also underlined that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has garnered greater international recognition.
The index has cited economic growth, future potential, and diplomatic influence as key factors for India’s rise, but also indicated that the South Asian nation’s clout remains below the potential promised by its resources, the media reported on Wednesday.
The Sydney-based Lowy Institute’s report said India surpassed Japan on the back of strong post-COVID-19 economic growth, while China’s power appeared to plateau just below that of the United States.
The think tank has put the US at the top of its Asia Power Index with a score of 81.7, followed by China (72.7), India (39.1), Japan (38.9), Australia (31.9) and Russia (31.1).
The Index ranked 27 countries and territories in terms of their capacity to shape their external environment — its scope reaching as far west as Pakistan, as far north as Russia, and as far into the Pacific as Australia, New Zealand, and the US.
“India has shown remarkable post-pandemic economic recovery, contributing to a 4.2-point rise in its economic capability. India’s massive population and strong GDP growth reinforce its standing as the world’s third-largest economy in PPP terms,” the think tank said.
It said India’s non-aligned strategic posture has allowed it to navigate complex international waters effectively.
India’s participation in dialogues as well as its leadership in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) has allowed New Delhi to play a significant role in regional security dynamics, albeit outside of formal military alliances, it added.
