THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
Bal Ram Sampla
Geopolitics
India: A True Major Power
In 2025, something important happened. The Asia Power Index, which measures how strong and influential countries are, officially recognized India as a “major power.” This puts India in an elite club with only the United States and China. India now ranks 3rd in all of Asia with 40 points.
This didn’t happen by accident. India has built real power over decades:
1.Military Strength
India has proven military capabilities with modern equipment, including advanced fighter jets, missiles, and a growing defense industry. Operation Sindoor in May 2025 showed India could conduct precise military operations when needed. The operation successfully targeted terrorist infrastructure and demonstrated professional military planning.
2. Economic Power
India has one of the world’s largest economies and is deeply connected with countries across Asia and beyond. Indian companies, technology, and trade reach every corner of the globe.
3. Space and Technology
India landed a spacecraft on the Moon’s south pole, launched satellites for dozens of countries, and has a thriving technology sector recognized worldwide.
4. Diplomatic Influence
India works with major powers in groups like the Quad (with US, Japan, and Australia) and BRICS, giving it a voice in global decisions.
5. Population and Potential
With over 1.4 billion people and a young population, India’s future growth potential is enormous.
Pakistan: The Gap Between Claims and Reality
While Pakistan keeps saying it’s “lumber one” (number one) and claims to never lose wars, the actual facts tell a completely different story.
1. The Real Ranking
Pakistan ranks 16th in the Asia Power Index with only 14.5 points. That’s less than half of what India scored! Pakistan ranks below countries like Japan, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, New Zealand, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
2. Economic Struggles Pakistan’s economy faces serious challenges. The Power Index notes that Pakistan has very weak economic connections with other Asian countries, ranking 20th in economic relationships. The report says Pakistan has less influence than it should have even with the resources it does have.
3. The Pattern of False Claims
During Operation Sindoor, Pakistan claimed it shot down six Indian fighter jets without losing any of its own. Where’s the proof? They said it’s “all over social media.” But social media posts aren’t evidence. Real evidence means showing wreckage, serial numbers, or independent verification. Pakistan provided none of this.
Why Do They Make Such Claims?
This raises an important question: Why does Pakistan keep making claims that don’t match reality?
1.Domestic Politics
Pakistani leaders need to show strength to their own people. When your country ranks 16th and faces economic problems, it’s easier to make up victories than admit difficulties.
2. Denying History
Pakistan claims it never lost a war, but in 1971, about 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered to India. This led to East Pakistan becoming the independent country of Bangladesh. This is documented history, witnessed by the world. Denying it doesn’t change what happened.
3. Distraction Tactics
When real problems exist at home—economic crisis, political instability, energy shortages—making bold claims about military superiority distracts people from asking tough questions about why things aren’t improving.
4. No Accountability
When you make claims without providing evidence, and your media doesn’t question them, you can say anything. “We shot down six jets!” Prove it. “It’s on social media!” That’s not proof.
The Difference Between Real Power and Claims
Here’s the simple truth: Real power speaks for itself. You don’t need to constantly brag about being “number one” when the actual rankings show you’re number sixteen.
India doesn’t go around claiming to be “lumber one.” India just does the work:
(I) Builds infrastructure
(II) Grows its economy
(III) Develops technology
(IV) Strengthens its military with real capability, not just words
(V) Earns recognition from independent international organizations
When the Lowy Institute—a respected Australian research organization with no reason to favour either country—looks at the facts and says India is a major power and Pakistan ranks 16th, that’s reality, not propaganda.
The Real Measure
Words are cheap. Anyone can claim victory. Anyone can say they’re the best. But rankings based on actual facts—economic data, military capability, diplomatic influence, technological achievement—those tell the real story.
India’s rise to major power status came from decades of hard work, smart policy, and real achievement. Pakistan’s claims of being “lumber one” come from… social media posts and government announcements without evidence.
The world notices the difference. The Asia Power Index noticed the difference. And deep down, even those making the loudest claims probably know the difference too.
Real strength doesn’t need to constantly prove itself with boasts. It shows itself through actions, achievements, and recognition from the international community. That’s the difference between India’s quiet confidence and Pakistan’s loud claims.
The numbers don’t lie: 3rd place versus 16th place. Major power versus middle power struggling to punch above its weight. That’s not Indian propaganda or Pakistani propaganda—that’s just the truth, measured and verified by independent experts.
And truth, unlike claims on social media, doesn’t need anyone to believe it to remain true.
References
1.https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/asia-power-index-2025-india-surges-to-no-3-yet-struggles-to-convert-capability-into-influence-504151-2025-11-28
2.https://power.lowyinstitute.org/
3.https://thecsrjournal.in/india-ranks-third-military-power-pakistan-asia-power-index-2025/
4.https://power.lowyinstitute.org/countries/pakistan/
5.https://www.indianewsnetwork.com/en/india-achieves-major-power-status-asia-power-index-2025-20251129
6.https://www.wionews.com/world/india-emerges-as-major-power-only-behind-us-and-china-in-asia-power-index-know-where-pakistan-stands-1764342698460
