Power Gap Index: India’s -4.0 Score in Economic Survey 2025-26
Why in the news
The Economic Survey 2025-26 cited the Power Gap Index for the first time: India is a Major Power, yet its -4.0 score signals unrealised potential.
Key facts
- The index gauges Power Efficiency, meaning how well a country turns material resources into real geopolitical influence.
- It is a secondary tool derived from the Asia Power Index (launched 2018) by the Lowy Institute, Sydney.
- Positive score: overperformer; negative score: unrealised potential.
- Formula: Power Gap = Comprehensive Power minus Expected Power, where expected power rests on the resource base.
India’s scorecard
| Indicator | Status |
|---|---|
| Asia Power Index rank | 3rd |
| Comprehensive Power score | 40.0 out of 100 (3rd, after US and China) |
| Category | Major Power (first time) |
| Power Gap score | -4.0, the lowest in Asia apart from Russia and North Korea |
Methodology
Eight measures, 131 indicators, two groups.
- Resources (has): Economic, Military, Resilience, Future Resources (to 2035).
- Influence (does): Economic Relationships, Defence Networks, Diplomatic, Cultural.
Exam angle
- Developer: Lowy Institute, Sydney; 8 measures and 131 indicators.