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Time of India
34 minutes ago
- Time of India
Top 10 most powerful countries in the world ranked based on GDP and population; check where India ranks
I n 2025, the race to be recognised as the most powerful country in the world continues to evolve, shaped by economic strength, military dominance, and technological innovation. From traditional superpowers like the United States and China to rising global powers such as South Korea and Saudi Arabia, these influential nations play pivotal roles on the world stage. Whether through GDP, population strength, or geopolitical influence, each world power exerts unique authority. This list explores the top 10 powerful countries based on current data—offering insights into how they shape diplomacy, security, and the future of the international order. List of powerful countries in the world 2025 Rank Country GDP (USD) Population GDP Per Capita (PPP) Region 1 United States $27.4 trillion 335 million $81,695 North America 2 China $17.8 trillion 1.41 billion $24,558 Asia 3 Russia $2.02 trillion 144 million $44,104 Asia/Europe 4 United Kingdom $3.34 trillion 68.4 million $58,906 Europe 5 Germany $4.46 trillion 84.5 million $69,338 Europe 6 South Korea $1.71 trillion 51.7 million $54,033 Asia 7 France $3.03 trillion 68.2 million $61,157 Europe 8 Japan $4.21 trillion 125 million $50,207 Asia 9 Saudi Arabia $1.07 trillion 36.9 million $54,992 Middle East 10 Israel $510 billion 9.76 million $53,434 Middle East Source: US News World's strongest countries United States With a staggering GDP of $27.4 trillion, the United States remains the most powerful country globally in 2025. Its economic dominance, unmatched military strength, technological leadership, and influential cultural exports give it global supremacy. As the world's largest economy, the U.S. also leads in innovation, diplomacy, and defense budgets, making it a central player in global decision-making. China China stands as the second most powerful country in the world, backed by a $17.8 trillion GDP and a population of over 1.4 billion. Its growing military capabilities, influence in Asia and Africa, and rapid strides in AI and infrastructure position it as a formidable global force. China's Belt and Road Initiative enhances its geopolitical clout across continents. Russia Despite a GDP of $2.02 trillion, Russia maintains its status as a powerful country due to its military strength, nuclear arsenal, and strategic control over natural resources. Straddling Europe and Asia, Russia influences global energy markets and geopolitics. Its assertive foreign policy and defense capabilities make it a key global player, especially in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. United Kingdom The UK ranks among the top powerful countries with a GDP of $3.34 trillion. Its influence stems from strong global alliances like NATO and the Commonwealth, a leading financial sector, and significant soft power through language, media, and culture. Post-Brexit, the UK continues to play a crucial role in global diplomacy and international policy forums. Germany Germany is a powerful country known for its industrial strength, stable economy, and innovation-led growth. With a $4.46 trillion GDP and strong GDP per capita, it leads in automotive, engineering, and green technology. As the EU's largest economy, Germany also influences European politics and policy while maintaining a strong commitment to diplomacy and climate leadership. South Korea South Korea ranks among the world's most powerful countries with a GDP of $1.71 trillion and cutting-edge leadership in electronics, AI, and semiconductors. Its rapid economic development, strong education system, and cultural exports like K-pop enhance its global influence. South Korea's defense partnerships and advanced military tech also bolster its strategic position in East Asia. France France is a powerful country with a $3.03 trillion GDP and a historic legacy of global influence. It remains a permanent member of the UN Security Council and plays a leading role in the EU, Africa, and the Middle East. Renowned for its military capabilities, cultural exports, and diplomatic reach, France balances hard and soft power exceptionally well. Japan Japan remains a top global power with a $4.21 trillion economy, driven by innovation in robotics, electronics, and automotive industries. Despite a declining population, Japan's strategic partnerships, global investments, and technological prowess make it a powerful country. It also contributes significantly to global development and plays a key role in Indo-Pacific security dynamics. Saudi Arabia With a GDP of $1.07 trillion, Saudi Arabia ranks as a powerful country largely due to its control over global oil markets. As the de facto leader of OPEC, it influences energy prices worldwide. Under Vision 2030, it is diversifying its economy and expanding its geopolitical footprint in the Middle East, Africa, and beyond through strategic investments. Israel Israel may be smaller in size and GDP ($510 billion), but it ranks among the world's most powerful countries due to its leadership in cybersecurity, defense tech, and innovation. Its military intelligence, close U.S. ties, and vibrant startup ecosystem enhance its strategic influence in the Middle East and globally. Israel also plays a key role in regional security and technology diplomacy. Most powerful countries in the world: Where does India ranks According to US news reports, India ranks #12 among the world's most powerful countries, reflecting its growing global influence across economic, military, and diplomatic fronts. With a GDP of $3.55 trillion, it stands as the world's fifth-largest economy by nominal terms, and its population of 1.43 billion makes it the most populous nation. While its GDP per capita remains modest at $10,176, India's expanding tech sector, strong space program, strategic geopolitical partnerships, and a modernizing military have boosted its global standing. This ranking highlights India's evolving role on the world stage—not just as a regional power, but as an emerging global force shaping international affairs.
Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
UK Looking to Join Trump Plan to Purchase US Weapons for Ukraine
The UK is looking to participate in European purchases of US military equipment for Ukraine, as allies seize on Donald Trump's more hostile stance toward Russia even if it means financing the weapons themselves. Defense Secretary John Healey and his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius, will discuss what role the UK will play in the purchase program during a virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group on Monday. The UK's contribution could see it jointly purchasing Patriot air-defense systems with Germany, or separately buying other weapons and munitions from the US for Ukraine, with both options under consideration, according to people familiar with the plans. Trump this week agreed to supply more materiel to the government in Kyiv, including Patriots, other air-defense systems and munitions, provided they were funded by NATO allies. Germany is planning to finance the purchase of two Patriot batteries for Ukraine from the US, with the details of the deal to be negotiated in the coming weeks, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Thursday. Other European allies are yet to make such commitments. Depending on the configuration, each of the Patriot systems — which are manufactured by RTX Corp. — cost about $1 billion, and the system's missiles about $4 million each. Trump has also threatened to impose 100% 'secondary tariffs' on Russia if Vladimir Putin doesn't agree to a ceasefire within 50 days. Talks between the UK, Germany and the US remain at an early stage but British ministers have decided they want to join Germany in participating in Trump's proposal. Separately, Germany wants to buy the mid-range Typhon missile system from the US for its own stocks. 'The UK backs the scheme, and we plan to play our full part,' Healey told the House of Commons on Thursday. The UK and Germany have agreed to partner in providing critical air-defense missiles to Ukraine, he said. The Trump-NATO plan will be developed during Monday's meeting — being co-chaired by the UK and Germany — with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also due to take part. The aim is to determine which European NATO members are willing to provide more money to purchase Patriots from the US, as well as which countries can spare more Patriots for Ukraine from their own stocks before Russia's next wave of air attacks on its civilian energy infrastructure, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing confidential information. In addition to the delivery of additional equipment, the UK and France agreed last week to establish a military command and control structure for a post-peace force in Ukraine, if a peace deal is eventually agreed. The command headquarters will be based in Paris for 12 months, before rotating to London. If and when the force is deployed, it will be co-ordinated by another HQ in Kyiv, headed by a UK military officer. The goal is to regenerate Ukraine's land, air and naval forces by providing logistics, armament and training experts as well as aircraft and additional specialist teams in the Black Sea. With assistance from Arne Delfs and Gerry Doyle. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
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Business Standard
3 hours ago
- Business Standard
Russia launches airstrike on Kyiv hours before talks on support for Ukraine
Russia unleashed one of its largest aerial assaults on Ukraine in recent months, only hours before the UK and Germany are to chair a meeting to discuss US President Donald Trump's plans for Nato allies to provide Ukraine with weapons. The attack killed two people and wounded 15, including a 12-year-old, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The drone and missile assault on Kyiv overnight into Monday underscored the urgency of Ukraine's need for further Western military aid, especially in air defence, a week after Trump said deliveries would arrive in Ukraine within days. The virtual meeting will be led by British Defense Secretary John Healey and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius. Healey said US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Nato leader Mark Rutte, as well as Nato's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Gen Alexus Grynkewich, will attend the meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group. Moscow has intensified its long-range attacks on Ukrainian cities, and analysts say the barrages are likely to escalate as Russian drone production expands. In an shift of tone toward Russia, the US president last week gave Moscow a 50-day deadline to agree to a ceasefire or face tougher sanctions. At Monday's meeting, British defence chief John Healey was expected to urge Ukraine's Western partners to launch a coincidental 50-day drive to get Kyiv the weapons it needs to fight Russia's bigger army and force Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table, the UK government said in a statement. Trump's arms plan, announced a week ago, involves European nations sending American weapons to Ukraine via Nato either from existing stockpiles or buying and donating new ones. The US president indicated discussions were partly focused on advanced Patriot air defence systems and said a week ago that deliveries would begin within days. But last week various senior officials suggested no transfers had yet taken place. Nato's Grynkewich told The Associated Press on Thursday that preparations are underway for weapons transfers to Ukraine while US Ambassador to Nato Matthew Whitaker said he couldn't give a time frame. Germany has said it offered to finance two new Patriot systems for Ukraine and raised the possibility of supplying systems it already owns and having them replaced by the US. But delivery could take time, Merz suggested because they have to be transported, they have to be set up; that is not a question of hours, it is a question of days, perhaps weeks". Other Patriot systems could come thanks to Switzerland, whose defence ministry said Thursday it was informed by the US Defence Department that it will reprioritise the delivery" of five previously ordered systems to support Ukraine. While Ukraine waits for Patriots, a senior Nato official said the alliance is still coordinating the delivery of other military aid such as ammunition and artillery rounds which includes aid from the US that was briefly paused. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters. Zelenskyy said Saturday that his officials have proposed a new round of peace talks this week. Russian state media on Sunday reported that no date has yet been set for the negotiations, but said that Istanbul would likely remain the host city. The Kremlin spokesman said Sunday that Russia is open to peace with Ukraine, but achieving its goals remains a priority. The overnight Russian barrage of Kyiv began shortly after midnight and continued until around 6 am. Residents of the capital were kept awake by machine gun fire, buzzing drone engines, and multiple loud explosions. In one Kyiv district, a kindergarten, a supermarket and warehouse facilities caught fire, officials said. It was the first major attack on Kyiv since Trump's special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, arrived in the city last Monday. Russia halted strikes on Kyiv during his visit. Ukraine's air force said Russia launched 426 Shahed and decoy drones overnight Monday, as well as 24 missiles of various types. It said 200 drones were intercepted with 203 more jammed or lost from radars. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
