India has overtaken Japan to secure the position of the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index, as reported by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Wednesday. This development signals a significant shift in the geopolitical dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region.

The Asia Power Index, launched by the Lowy Institute in 2018, evaluates 27 countries in the Asia-Pacific based on their capability to shape and respond to external geopolitical challenges. It utilizes eight core metrics, including Economic Capability, Military Capability, and Diplomatic Influence, to determine the overall power of each country.

The ministry highlighted that India’s rise in the 2024 edition of the index is attributed to its post-pandemic economic recovery and resurgence. India recorded a 4.2-point increase in Economic Capability, driven by robust GDP growth and its position as the world’s third-largest economy in terms of Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).

“India’s remarkable post-pandemic recovery has resulted in a 4.2-point rise in its Economic Capability. With a massive population and strong GDP growth, India now stands as the world’s third-largest economy in PPP terms,” the statement noted.

India’s Future Resources score also saw a substantial increase of 8.2 points, reflecting its demographic potential. Unlike the aging populations of China and Japan, India’s youthful demographic is projected to drive ongoing economic growth and workforce expansion in the coming years.

The report also underscored India’s growing influence in multilateral diplomacy and regional security. Active participation in platforms like the Quad and leadership in regional dialogues have strengthened India’s role in regional security without the need for formal military alliances. Defense agreements, such as the BrahMos missile deal with the Philippines, further illustrate India’s expanding geopolitical ambitions.