India is missing from the Forbes list of top ten powerful countries. How can it fix that?

For the last decade, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has persistently claimed that under his leadership, the country has transformed into a major global power. His administration and party have frequently referred to India as a “Vishwaguru” – a global teacher and leader. However, the recently published list of the world’s most powerful countries in 2025, compiled by Forbes in association with US News and World Report, fails to put India in the top ten.

India is ranked 12th, behind smaller nations like the United Arab Emirates and Israel. This raises critical questions about India’s position in the global power hierarchy and spotlights the need for a thorough reassessment of its foreign policy.

The notion that India is a major power has been strongly reinforced in domestic political rhetoric. Modi’s government has projected an image of a resurgent, self-reliant and powerful India, supported by a growing economy, a large military, and a prominent role in global diplomacy.

The Forbes list challenges this perception. Despite India’s significant economic and military capabilities, its influence in global affairs appears to be lagging behind expectations.

Glaring challenges

The ranking methodology used by Forbes and US News assesses five key factors: leadership, economic influence, political influence, strong international alliances and military strength. India’s position at 12 indicates deficiencies in some of these areas,…

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