The Story Behind the Numbers
A comprehensive survey released by the Pew Research Center offers a fascinating look into India's international standing. Conducted between February and May 2026 across 36 nations, the poll found that global opinion on India is almost evenly split, with
a median of 45% of people holding a favourable view, while 41% have an unfavourable one. But these median figures hide a story of dramatic contrasts. The data reveals that perceptions of India are not uniform; they are shaped by geography, history, and shifting geopolitical alliances. This wide spectrum of opinion underscores India's complex position as a rising power navigating a multipolar world.
A Tale of Two Neighbours
Nowhere is the divergence in opinion more striking than within South Asia itself. The survey found the highest level of support for India in neighbouring Sri Lanka, where an overwhelming 79% of the public holds a favourable view. This positive sentiment has seen a significant jump, likely reflecting India's substantial economic assistance of over $7.5 billion to the island nation during its 2022 financial crisis. At the opposite extreme is Pakistan, where a mere 7% of respondents see India favourably, while 91% hold a negative opinion. This stark gap highlights how decades of political rivalry and conflict continue to define perceptions between the two nations.
A Warm Welcome in Europe and Africa
Beyond its immediate neighbourhood, India enjoys a strong and growing base of support, particularly in Europe and parts of Africa. In the United Kingdom and Kenya, around seven in ten people view India positively. Perceptions have also improved significantly in key European economies. In Germany, favourability has climbed to 63%, up from 47% in 2023. France has seen a similar rise, with positive views increasing from 39% to 50% in the same period. Majorities in Italy, Sweden, Japan, and Thailand also express favourable opinions, suggesting that India's diplomatic outreach and economic partnerships are yielding goodwill across diverse regions.
Mixed Signals from Global Powers
While some countries show clear trends, opinion in others is more divided. In the United States, for instance, the public is almost evenly split: 45% view India favourably, while 50% hold an unfavourable opinion. This represents a slight decline in favourability from 51% in 2023. The survey also reveals an interesting ideological divide in North America. In both the U.S. and Canada, citizens who identify as liberal are more likely to have a positive view of India than conservatives are. This lukewarm and divided sentiment in a key strategic partner like the U.S. suggests that while government-level ties may be strong, public opinion is more complex and nuanced.
Understanding the Lower Ratings
Besides Pakistan, a few other countries also returned low favourability ratings. In Turkey, only 15% of the public has a positive view of India. In Bangladesh, perceptions have soured recently, with 51% now holding an unfavourable view compared to 42% who are favourable. This marks a significant drop in a country that has historically shared deep cultural ties with India. Elsewhere, views in Latin American countries tend to lean more negative than positive, although many respondents in the region did not offer an opinion, indicating a lack of familiarity with India. These pockets of negative sentiment often correlate with specific bilateral tensions or a lack of strong diplomatic and cultural engagement.
