India Surges Past Japan to Become the Third-Largest Power in Asia

India’s ascent as a dominant player in Asia took a significant leap forward, overtaking Japan to claim the position of the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index. This remarkable shift, highlighted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Wednesday, reflects India's growing geopolitical influence, dynamic economic growth, and demographic potential.

The Asia Power Index, developed by the Lowy Institute in 2018, ranks the power dynamics of 27 nations in the Asia-Pacific region, examining their capacity to shape and respond to external events. India's steady rise in this index signals the country's increasing ability to assert itself in regional affairs and global diplomacy.

Economic Growth and Youth-Driven Potential

A key driver behind India’s leap in the Asia Power Index is its robust post-pandemic economic recovery. The Ministry noted a 4.2-point increase in India’s Economic Capability score, an indicator that reflects the country’s strong GDP growth and expanding economic clout. With India now recognized as the world’s third-largest economy in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms, it has clearly solidified its status as a major force in Asia’s economic landscape.

What truly sets India apart from its regional peers, such as Japan and China, is its youthful population. While other powers in Asia face aging populations and declining labor forces, India is benefiting from what experts call a "demographic dividend." This younger workforce is expected to fuel India’s economic momentum in the coming decades, driving labor productivity and consumer demand. The ministry noted an 8.2-point increase in India's Future Resources score, signaling this long-term growth potential.

Geopolitical Clout and Diplomacy

Beyond economic strength, India’s rise in the Asia Power Index is also driven by its growing role in international diplomacy and regional security. India’s active participation in multilateral organizations like the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) has elevated its influence in security matters across the Indo-Pacific. Despite not having formal military alliances, India’s partnerships with countries like the United States, Japan, and Australia allow it to play a pivotal role in shaping regional security architecture.

India's expanding diplomatic reach is also evident in its defense relations. Recent defense deals, such as the BrahMos missile sale to the Philippines, underscore the country’s geopolitical ambitions and willingness to extend its influence beyond South Asia. Though India's economic relationships lag behind its defense initiatives, these strategic moves are helping India project power across the region.

Rising Power in the Asia-Pacific

The Asia Power Index evaluates countries across eight critical categories: Economic Capability, Military Capability, Resilience, Future Resources, Economic Relationships, Defense Networks, Diplomatic Influence, and Cultural Influence. India's consistent performance across these categories showcases its well-rounded development as a major regional power.

This rise isn’t just a reflection of India’s current capabilities; it’s an indication of the country's future potential. As India continues to strengthen its economic foundations and expand its geopolitical footprint, it will undoubtedly play a more decisive role in shaping the future of Asia.

With Japan now trailing behind, India's position as the third-largest power in Asia marks a new era in regional geopolitics—one where India is increasingly seen as a central player, capable of influencing both regional dynamics and global trends. 

The coming years are poised to further solidify India’s role as a major power, with its youthful workforce, robust economic trajectory, and strategic partnerships laying the groundwork for continued dominance in Asia.