India’s ascent to the third most powerful country in Asia marks a significant shift in the region’s power dynamics. For the first time, India has surpassed Japan, trailing only behind China and the United States.

This is according to the 2024 Asia Power Index, a comprehensive report from the Australian think tank Lowy Institute, which evaluates the power of countries across eight domains: military capability, economic performance, defense networks, diplomatic influence, cultural impact, resilience, and future resources.

Power Ranking Overview

Country	Overall Ranking	Military Capability	Economic Capability	Diplomatic Influence	Defense Networks	Cultural Influence	Future Resources
United States	1	Dominant global military	Leading economy	Extensive alliances	NATO & global allies	Global cultural hegemony	Strong tech & innovation
China	2	Largest regional military	Second-largest economy	Increasing global presence	Limited partnerships	Growing cultural soft power	Massive population
India	3	Regional military presence	Growing rapidly	Expanding partnerships	Strengthening alliances	Bollywood & soft power	Huge demographic advantage
Japan	4	Advanced defense tech	Mature but slow economy	Stable diplomacy	Strong US ties	Anime, tech innovation	Aging population limits growth

India’s Key Metrics Breakdown

Military Capability
India’s military strength has been bolstered through modernization programs and strategic partnerships, especially with the United States, Japan, and Australia. Although China surpasses India in military capacity, India’s position as a regional power in South Asia, coupled with strategic investments in advanced weaponry, places it as a crucial actor.
Economic Capability
India’s economy has shown remarkable growth, with GDP expanding rapidly. However, it remains behind China and the U.S. in terms of sheer size. The Indian government’s focus on technology, infrastructure development, and “Make in India” initiatives play a key role in its growing economic clout. While Japan has a higher GDP per capita, India’s younger and rapidly growing workforce provides long-term advantages.
Diplomatic Influence
India’s diplomacy has become increasingly assertive, participating in forums like the Quad (with the U.S., Japan, and Australia) and increasing engagement in global organizations like the United Nations. The Indian government has leveraged these platforms to promote regional stability and build stronger ties with ASEAN nations and Africa.
Defense Networks
India’s defense ties, particularly its membership in the Quad, signify its growing stature in regional security frameworks. This compares well with Japan’s defense ties with the U.S. through the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty, though India’s relationships with diverse nations give it an edge in balancing multiple powers.

Comparison Between India and Other Major Players

India vs. China

China remains Asia’s largest power, backed by the world’s second-largest economy and its formidable military. India lags behind China in overall military capabilities, economic scale, and diplomatic reach. However, India’s democratic structure and alliances with the Russia, U.S., Japan, and Australia offer a counterweight to China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.

China’s Strengths: Military technology, economic scale, Belt & Road Initiative.
India’s Strengths: Strategic alliances, growing technological capabilities, democratic stability.

India vs. Japan

For decades, Japan held the third position in Asia. Although it remains a highly developed and influential country, India has surpassed it in several areas. Japan’s aging population and slow economic growth have limited its long-term potential, while India’s younger demographic and expanding economy promise greater influence moving forward.

Japan’s Strengths: Advanced technology, robust defense partnerships with the U.S.
India’s Strengths: Younger workforce, expanding global influence, military modernization.

India vs. The United States

The U.S. retains its status as the world’s most powerful nation, leading in military, economic, and cultural spheres. While India is rising quickly, it remains behind the U.S. in terms of economic and military might. However, India’s strategic location and alliances with both U.S. and Russia make it a key player in global power balances.

U.S. Strengths: Global military dominance, unmatched economy, extensive diplomatic network.
India’s Strengths: Regional military power, demographic advantages, increasing global partnerships.

BRICS: A Strategic Platform for India, Russia, and China

What is BRICS?

BRICS (now BRICS+) is a multilateral organization that unites five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Together, these nations represent over 40% of the global population and roughly 25% of the world’s GDP. The group aims to promote economic growth, political cooperation, and strategic alignment outside of Western-dominated institutions like the G7 and NATO.

How BRICS Benefits India

Economic Cooperation:
Through BRICS, India enhances trade ties with China and Russia, while also gaining access to important markets in Brazil and South Africa. It leverages this partnership to diversify its trade and build resilience against Western economic pressures.
Diplomatic Leverage:
India’s role in BRICS amplifies its diplomatic influence. As the world’s largest democracy, India often acts as a bridge between the interests of the developing world and the established powers, particularly in climate action, economic reform, and technology transfer.
Geopolitical Balance:
The BRICS alliance allows India to maintain relationships with Russia and China while still aligning strategically with the U.S. and the Quad. Despite its tensions with China (border disputes, economic competition), BRICS serves as a neutral platform for dialogue.

Comparative Analysis: India, Russia, and China within BRICS

Aspect	India	China	Russia
Military Influence	Regional power, Indo-Pacific focus	Dominant military force in Asia	Global military power, large nuclear arsenal
Economic Growth	Rapidly growing, tech-driven	Largest BRICS economy, industrial power	Energy-driven economy, sanctioned by West
Strategic Focus	Regional influence, Quad partnerships	Belt & Road Initiative, global investments	Eurasian integration, military assertiveness
BRICS Role	Acts as a balancing force in BRICS	Dominates economically, asserts control	Strengthens ties to counterbalance Western influence

India vs. China: A Power Struggle within BRICS

India and China’s roles within BRICS often see a balancing act. While both nations benefit from shared economic interests, they are strategic competitors in Asia. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has challenged India’s influence in neighboring countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka, where China has poured in vast infrastructure investments. Meanwhile, India counters this with its Act East Policy, focusing on stronger ties with ASEAN nations.

Russia’s Role and Influence

Despite facing sanctions from the West, Russia remains a formidable power within BRICS. Its vast energy resources and military prowess allow it to maintain a strong regional presence, particularly in Eurasia. Russia’s strategic alignment with China has grown as the two countries seek to challenge U.S. dominance, though India has maintained a more balanced approach by engaging with both Russia and the U.S. through BRICS and Quad alliances.

Russia’s Challenges within BRICS

While Russia’s economic strength is limited compared to China and India, it has found ways to leverage its energy resources to maintain geopolitical influence. However, its aging population and dependency on oil exports pose long-term risks, particularly in the face of Western sanctions and global shifts towards renewable energy.

Prospects for India’s Future Power

India’s position as the third most powerful country in Asia has broad implications for the region’s security, economy, and diplomatic interactions. Its growing population, technological advancements, and expanding defense capabilities indicate that it may continue to close the gap with China and the United States. However, India must address internal challenges such as poverty, infrastructure gaps, and regional conflicts to fully realize its potential.

India’s leap to the third position in the 2024 Asia Power Index reflects its expanding influence in the region. While still behind global heavyweights like China and the U.S., India’s progress signals a new phase in the balance of power in Asia. By capitalizing on its military capabilities, economic growth, and strategic alliances, India is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Asia’s geopolitics.

India’s Rise to 3rd Most Powerful Country: Asia Power Index 2024 Analysis

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