Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 20: In a significant acknowledgment of India’s growing global stature, a Chinese diplomat praised India’s ascent in the 2024 Asia Power Index, positioning the country as the third-most powerful nation in Asia after the United States and China.
"India has become the 3rd most powerful and influential country in Asia, after the US and China," posted Yu Jing, spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India, on social media platform X, referring to the Asia Power Index 2024, published by Australia’s Lowy Institute.
Released in September 2024, the report highlighted India’s remarkable progress across multiple indicators, particularly in Diplomatic Influence, fueled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s increased international engagements. This growth led to India surpassing Japan to claim the third position in the index.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri credited this rise to PM Modi’s strategic diplomacy and ambitious vision, stating, "India’s rise is no accident. It is a result of bold leadership and a determined push to elevate India's global standing. Without this leadership, India would not have achieved this status. Today, we see a nation on the brink of superpower status."
The Asia Power Index assesses 27 countries and territories, ranking them based on their ability to shape global and regional affairs. It comprises eight power indicators, 30 sub-measures, and 131 specific factors, covering countries from Pakistan in the west to Russia in the north, and as far into the Pacific as Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
The Indian government identified three key drivers behind its rise in the rankings: economic growth, diplomatic influence, and long-term strategic prospects. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting emphasized that India’s balanced, non-aligned foreign policy has allowed it to navigate complex international dynamics effectively. Notably, India ranked sixth globally in diplomatic interactions in 2023, underscoring its active participation in multilateral forums.
This recognition from a Chinese diplomat comes at a time when India-China relations appear to be stabilizing. Following a high-level meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan in October 2024, diplomatic engagements between the two nations have increased.
On January 27, 2025, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Beijing for a Foreign Secretary-Vice Foreign Minister dialogue, resulting in key agreements. Among them, the two countries decided to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in the summer of 2025 and agreed, in principle, to restore direct air services between India and China.
Observers believe that the Chinese diplomat’s remarks may be part of a broader strategy by both nations to leverage 2025, marking the 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic ties, as a pivotal year to enhance public diplomacy, rebuild trust, and foster better awareness between the two nations.