India has surpassed Japan to become the third most powerful country in Asia according to the Asia Power Index 2024, published by the Lowy Institute, an Australian think tank. This marks a significant milestone, not just in numbers but in the narrative of its growth as a global player. This achievement, while a complex tapestry woven from various geopolitical, economic, and social threads, can indeed be closely examined in light of the policies implemented by Narendra Modi’s government since 2014.
Economic Prowess and Policy Reforms
Under Modi’s leadership, India has seen an aggressive push towards economic liberalization, albeit through a lens of self-reliance or ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. The introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST), despite its initial hiccups, aimed at unifying India’s vast market, simplifying taxation, and increasing compliance. This, coupled with initiatives like Make in India, has not only aimed to boost manufacturing but has also positioned India as an attractive destination for foreign investment.
The focus on digital infrastructure, exemplified by the Digital India campaign, has digitalized governance, commerce, and finance, significantly reducing corruption and increasing efficiency. This digital leap has contributed to India’s economic resilience, allowing it to become one of the fastest-growing major economies, a factor clearly reflected in its power index ranking.
Foreign Policy and Global Stature
Modi’s foreign policy has been characterized by a proactive approach, often dubbed as ‘Neighborhood First’, ‘Act East’, and an enhanced engagement with the West, alongside maintaining strategic autonomy. India’s persistent push for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council, its role in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), and its leadership in climate change initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, showcase a country not just seeking to increase its influence but also to contribute positively to global challenges.
Infrastructure and Defense
The Modi government has invested heavily in infrastructure development, from highways to railways (like the bullet train project), and renewable energy projects, which not only fuel economic growth but also enhance India’s strategic capabilities. Defense has seen a similar boost with policies encouraging indigenous manufacturing and technology transfer through strategic partnerships, enhancing India’s military capability and resilience.
Cultural Influence and Soft Power
India’s cultural diplomacy has flourished, with yoga, Ayurveda, and Bollywood reaching global audiences, enhancing India’s soft power. Modi’s government has leveraged these elements effectively, promoting India’s cultural heritage on a global stage, which indirectly boosts its standing in power indices by increasing its cultural influence.
Challenges and the Path Forward
However, this rise in the power index isn’t without its critiques or challenges. The challenge which primarily comes from the powers inside India, as well as external forces who are threatened with this Phenomenal rise of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Congress which has lost third Lok Sabha Elections in a row looks desperate to somehow get back to Power, by hook or by crook. There’s an international angle where Congress seems be part of and benefiting from efforts involving foreign entities like the Deep State, George Soros, CIA and even Pakistan’s ISI to create unrest or dissatisfaction against the Modi government.
The ranking in the Asia Power Index isn’t merely a number but a reflection of a multifaceted approach to governance where economic policies, foreign relations, defense capabilities, and cultural influence intersect. Narendra Modi’s government, through its policies, has undeniably played a pivotal role in steering India towards this notable position.
As India continues on this trajectory, the challenge will be sustaining this momentum, ensuring that growth is inclusive, and that India’s rise benefits not just its citizens but contributes to global stability and prosperity. This ranking, therefore, should be seen not as a culmination but as a milestone in India’s ongoing journey on the world stage.
