A Major Endorsement from the UK
In the United Kingdom, public perception of India has seen a remarkable upswing. According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted between February and May 2026, a commanding 71% of Britons now hold a favourable view of India. This figure represents
an 11-point jump from 2025, the largest year-on-year increase recorded for any country in the survey. This places the UK among the nations with the most positive sentiment towards India globally, alongside Kenya and Sri Lanka. Analysts suggest this warmth is built on a foundation of deep, multifaceted connections. The large and successful Indian diaspora plays a crucial role, embedding Indian culture into the British mainstream. This is complemented by strong educational links, growing investment, and consistent high-level political engagement between the two governments, all of which have helped foster a more positive and modern image of India across Britain.
Germany's Perception Pivot
Germany is witnessing a similar, and perhaps even more transformative, shift in opinion. The same 2026 Pew survey found that 63% of Germans now view India favourably. While the one-year increase of six points is notable, the longer-term trend is even more striking. Favourability has climbed a full 16 percentage points from 47% in 2023, indicating a substantial and rapid reassessment of India's role in the world. This marks a departure from older perceptions of India primarily as a developing nation, or 'Schwellenland', as it's termed in German. Experts point to expanding business partnerships and robust cooperation in technology and manufacturing as key drivers. As Germany seeks to diversify its economic partners, India's emergence as a stable and technologically advanced powerhouse has clearly resonated with the German public, recasting it as a vital partner for the future.
The Engines of a New Image
The improved standing in Germany and the UK is not accidental but is powered by a combination of India's growing economic clout, diplomatic assertiveness, and cultural reach. The narrative of India as a rapidly growing major economy and a global hub for technology and services is replacing outdated stereotypes. This economic dynamism makes India an indispensable partner for trade and investment. Diplomatically, India has carved out a more prominent role on the world stage, often described as a crucial balancing power in the Indo-Pacific. Its leadership during its G20 presidency and its active participation in global forums have showcased a confident and independent foreign policy. This is layered on top of a persistent soft power surge. The global appeal of Indian cuisine, cinema, yoga, and the visibility of its highly skilled diaspora all contribute to a sense of familiarity and goodwill that raw economic data alone cannot achieve.
Not a Universal Acclaim
While the trend in Western Europe is overwhelmingly positive, it is important to note that this is not a universal phenomenon. The 2026 Pew survey reveals a more fragmented global picture. In the same period that favourability rose in the UK and Germany, it declined in several other countries, including the United States, South Korea, Nigeria, and Turkey. In the US, for example, favourable views of India dropped four points between 2025 and 2026. This divergence highlights that India's global image is becoming more consequential and, therefore, more contested. Perceptions are increasingly shaped by regional geopolitics, economic competition, and domestic political lenses in different countries. Even in the UK, broader sentiment on overall immigration levels can sometimes run counter to the positive feelings about India as a country, showing the complexity of public attitudes.
