By Priyanka Deshpande
CNBC-TV18.com
Countries that have the most influence in Asia – check where India ranks
Published September 27, 2024
According to the 2024 Asia Power Index, India has overtaken Japan to claim the position of the third most powerful nation in Asia.
The Asia Power Index, published annually by the Lowy Institute, evaluates countries based on their resource capabilities and influence in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Asia Power Index by the Lowy Institute assesses countries in the Asia-Pacific based on 4 resource capabilities (economic, military, resilience, future resources) and 4 influences (economic relationships, defense networks, diplomatic, and cultural influence).
A middle power in Asia, Thailand’s strongest measures are cultural influence and economic ties. The country exerts more influence than expected, with its power gap score improving in 2024.
In 2024, Indonesia’s power ranking rose by 2.9 points, the largest increase since the inception of the Index in 2018., driven by growing Economic Capability, Economic Relationships, Diplomatic Influence, and Defence Networks.
Singapore excels despite its small size, with its strong economic ties and defense without formal alliances. It faces challenges in resilience, but its power gap and influence rose in 2024.
South Korea’s strongest measures are defense networks, economic and military capability, economic ties, and diplomacy. Its influence exceeds its resources, with an improved power gap score in 2024.
Russia has dropped in overall power, losing more than any other country since 2018. Its war on Ukraine has drained resources, reducing its influence in Asia despite efforts to rebuild military capability.
Australia has surpassed Russia in the 2024 Asia Power Index, mainly due to Russia’s decline rather than its own growth. While Australia remains steady overall, it has lost ground in Resilience and Future Resources but continues to excel in influence measures.
For the first time since 2018, Japan has dropped in overall power. While it is losing ground in economic and cultural influence, Japan is becoming a more active player in defense and security.
India has surpassed Japan, fueled by strong Economic Capability and resource measures. Although its Diplomatic Influence has improved, its Economic Relationships and Defence Networks remain weak, indicating untapped power potential.
China’s power is plateauing below the US but remains higher than any Asian competitor. While its economic growth has slowed and regional influence is no longer rising, it still holds the top ranking in Diplomatic Influence.
The United States has strengthened its position in Asia, leading in six of the eight Index measures. While it maintains a strong lead in Military Capability, China has narrowed the gap from 27 to 20 points since 2018.
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