Key Points
- Forbes’ 2025 list of the world’s most powerful countries excludes India from the top 10, sparking controversy.
- The rankings are based on leadership, economic influence, political influence, international alliances, and military strength.
- Despite being the world’s fifth-largest economy and having the fourth-largest military, India ranks 12th, raising questions about the methodology.
New Delhi: In a surprising move, Forbes has released its 2025 ranking of the world’s most powerful countries, and India is notably absent from the top 10. This exclusion has raised eyebrows globally, given India’s significant economic and military capabilities. The list, prepared in collaboration with US News and the BAV Group under the guidance of Professor David Reibstein from the Wharton School, evaluates nations on five key parameters: leadership, economic influence, political influence, strong international alliances, and military strength.
Top 10 Most Powerful Countries in 2025
- United States
- China
- Russia
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- South Korea
- France
- Japan
- Saudi Arabia
- Israel
India’s Strengths: Why the Exclusion Puzzles Experts
India’s omission is particularly striking given its credentials:
- Military Power: India boasts the fourth-largest military globally with over 5 million personnel and consistent investments in modernization.
- Economic Influence: As the fifth-largest economy with a GDP of $4.27 trillion in 2025, India is projected to become the third-largest economy by 2027.
- Geopolitical Role: India plays a pivotal role in Asia-Pacific geopolitics and maintains strategic partnerships through initiatives like the Quad.
Experts argue that these factors should have secured India a spot in the top 10. The exclusion raises questions about whether Forbes’ methodology adequately captures India’s growing global influence.
Criticism of Forbes’ Methodology
Forbes’ ranking model has drawn criticism for potentially undervaluing emerging powers like India while favoring established players. Analysts suggest that India’s absence reflects a bias towards traditional Western metrics of power or an underestimation of India’s soft power and regional influence.
Global Reactions
The decision has sparked debate among policymakers and experts:
- Some argue that India’s democratic challenges and inconsistent foreign policy alignment may have impacted its ranking.
- Others believe that India’s growing economic clout and strategic alliances warrant a reevaluation of such rankings.
India’s exclusion from Forbes’ 2025 list of most powerful countries highlights contentious issues in global power assessments. While countries like Saudi Arabia and Israel make the cut, India’s absence underscores the need for a more nuanced evaluation of emerging powers in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
