India’s major power rise has become unmistakable this year as India’s military success, economic momentum, and Operation Sindoor dramatically boost its strategic credibility across Asia. Due to India’s military and economic growth, Operation Sindoor significantly increased India’s Strategic Credibility (i.e., India’s Combat Reputation). India broadened its index ranking through continuous performance, which placed India above prior classifications of a Middle Power. Analysts see how India now has a direct influence on promoting stability throughout Asia.
India’s index has improved through numerous resource metrics. For instance, India’s Economic Power increased due to the rapid increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows, and India’s Military Capability improved due to better expert assessments. The Lowy Institute emphasized significant structural improvements in the Indian economy. It said “India’s economy has continued to grow strongly and made small gains in terms of its geopolitical relevance — defined in terms of international leverage, connectivity, and technology. India’s military capability has also improved steadily.” With these gains, India established itself as a prominent international player.
Operation Sindoor was also a significant contributor to changing views of India. Strikes against nine terrorist targets were highly effective throughout Pakistan. India exhibited its accuracy via a coordinated missile action. In response to suffering major losses, Pakistan quickly requested a ceasefire. Analysts attributed their findings to India’s increased position on the defense index rankings. Furthermore, analysts noted these improved standings created substantive changes in national defense assessments across the country. Additionally, ongoing continuous reform efforts will only continue to help support the growth of security perceptions.
The institute said, “For the most part, these gains were from improved expert appraisals of its capability, which were likely influenced by India’s performance in Operation Sindoor, launched in May 2025, which added to India’s recent combat experience.” India strengthened diplomatic ties across several Asian regions. Its cultural engagement also grew through rising travel flows.
Why India’s Power Rise Crossed the Threshold This Year
Analysts agree India’s major power rise is reshaping regional stability across Asia.The 2016 edition of the Global Investment Index has placed India above China as the number three most attractive investment destination for multinational enterprises, according to a recent report from global consulting firm Deloitte. The index ranks the United States and China ahead of India, with Japan following behind. This year, India experienced strong growth in terms of its attractiveness to multinational enterprises across Asia due to the adjustment in the supply chain’s reliance on Asia. As a result, businesses have increased their investments in India across various sectors, as evidenced by the substantial increase in foreign investment into India during 2016. By surpassing China as an attractive investment destination, India is generating considerable momentum toward further attracting foreign investors.
India’s engagement with Asia diplomatically has improved in recent years, as evidenced by an increase in the frequency of bilateral engagements between nations. While India experienced moderate growth diplomatically, analysts indicate that India’s diplomatic service has demonstrated increased effectiveness. Also, with the increased mobility of individuals traveling throughout Asia, India has enhanced the awareness of its cultural and historical impact. Due to these developments, India has become more prominent in Asia and has enhanced its international status as a major player in the region.
In contrast, India continues to struggle to gain significant participation in defence cooperation around Asia despite its success. According to the 2016 report, India was ranked eleventh due to a lack of partnerships with other nations in the region. The Philippines and Thailand have surpassed India in this area.
India must enhance its defence cooperation across Asia in order to increase its presence within the region.
Rise comes with structural challenges ahead.
According to experts, China has an overall greater supply of resources than India. However, today, there is a persistent/widening structural gap between the countries. In order to address India’s strategic limitations, experts believe it is critical that India increase its network and alliances as quickly as possible. Furthermore, to balance China’s regional ambitions, India must create stronger, deeper regional partnerships. Strategic coordination will play a significant role in determining India’s long-term regional power.
Although the index for India indicates that it is expanding, its regional constraints remain a major issue.
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