Pew survey: What US, UK and others think about India at 80
India's standing on the global stage reveals a mixed bag of perceptions among nations, with only 45% viewing it favorably. While Pakistan's outlook remains critical, Sri Lanka showcases significant support. Since 2025, favorability has waned in several countries, yet noteworthy improvements have emerged in Germany and the UK, highlighting the complexities and challenges of India's international…
As India marks its 80th year of independence, a Pew Research Center survey spanning 36 countries between February and May 2026 reveals a split in global opinion. While 45% of respondents hold a favorable view of India, 41% express an unfavorable opinion. This divide is stark, with positive perceptions ranging from 79% in Sri Lanka to just 7% in Pakistan, reflecting regional rivalries and geopolitical shifts.
The survey highlights a complex interplay of factors influencing India's image globally. Strong positive sentiment is found in countries like Kenya and the United Kingdom, where around seven in ten adults view India favorably. In contrast, hostility towards India exists in regions such as the Middle East and parts of South Asia, where historical tensions and political rivalries shape perceptions.
Turkey stands out as another outlier with only 15% of Turks having a positive view of India, while a majority hold an unfavorable view.
India's image has not remained static; it has evolved over time. While opinions have remained relatively stable in many countries, significant declines have been observed in Turkey, Nigeria, the United States, Indonesia, South Africa, and Mexico. Conversely, India's image has improved in Germany, Britain, and Sri Lanka, with increases of 11, 6, and 14 points respectively since 2025. However, there are also notable declines in Bangladesh, where the share of favorable opinions has dropped by 15 percentage points since 2024.
Political ideology also plays a role in shaping perceptions. In the United States and Canada, people on the political left are more likely to view India favorably compared to conservatives. In Israel, the situation is reversed, with 68% of those on the political right viewing India favorably, compared to 46% on the left.
Overall, India's global image is neither uniformly positive nor overwhelmingly negative. Pakistan and Turkey may express strong opposition, but India enjoys strong positive sentiment in several strategically important countries like Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Britain. However, the declines in Bangladesh, the United States, South Korea, Turkey, and Nigeria indicate that India's global reputation is becoming more consequential and contested.
As India seeks a larger role in global affairs, building a more favorable international image will be a challenging but crucial endeavor.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
