China Acknowledges India's Growing Dominance in Asia
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Synopsis
On February 20, a Chinese diplomat acknowledged India's significant rise in the Asia Power Index, indicating improving relations between the two countries. India now ranks as the third most powerful nation in Asia, attributed to Prime Minister Modi's strategic leadership and diplomatic efforts.
Key Takeaways
- India ranks 3rd in Asia Power Index.
- PM Modi's leadership is pivotal for India's rise.
- Improving ties between India and China are evident.
- Diplomatic influence has significantly increased.
- 2025 marks 75 years of India-China relations.
New Delhi, Feb 20 (NationPress) In yet another indication of improving relations between the two nations, a Chinese diplomat on Thursday commended India's rise in the Asia Power Index released last year.
"India has become the 3rd most powerful and influential country in Asia, following the US and China," Yu Jing, the spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in India, shared on X, referencing the 2024 Asia Power Index by Australia's Lowy Institute.
The report, which was published in September 2024, positioned India as the third-most powerful nation in Asia, trailing only the United States and China, emphasizing India's significant progress in various categories, notably in Diplomatic Influence, which saw a rise thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's enhanced international engagements.
As India surpassed Japan to secure the third rank in the Asia Power Index, numerous leaders credited the country's rise to PM Modi's visionary leadership and global strategies.
"India's ascent is no coincidence. It is the direct outcome of Prime Minister Modi's proactive diplomatic approach and his ambitious vision to redefine India's role on the global stage. Without his guidance, India would still be lagging, but today, we witness a nation on the brink of superpower status," asserted Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri.
The Lowy Institute's Asia Power Index incorporates eight measures of power, 30 thematic sub-measures, and 131 indicators. It assessed 27 nations and territories based on their ability to influence their external environment, extending its scope as far west as Pakistan, as far north as Russia, and as deep into the Pacific as Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
The government identified three primary factors contributing to India's rise in the index: economic growth, future outlook, and diplomatic influence.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership has earned greater international acknowledgment. India's non-aligned strategic stance has enabled New Delhi to adeptly navigate intricate international dynamics. India ranked sixth in diplomatic interactions in 2023, showcasing its active engagement in multilateral discussions," the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated last year.
The previously strained relationship between India and China is witnessing gradual improvements following the meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan in October 2024.
Recently, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Beijing for a meeting of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Foreign Minister mechanism between India and China on January 27.
The two parties not only agreed to revive the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in the summer of 2025 but also reached a preliminary consensus to restore direct air travel between the two nations.
Analysts believe that the Chinese diplomat's remarks on Thursday may be part of a mutual decision to leverage 2025, marking the 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic relations, to enhance public diplomacy efforts, foster better understanding, and rebuild trust and confidence among citizens, as was discussed during Foreign Secretary Misri's recent visit to Beijing.
