Archive · 14 Aug 2026
New survey reveals sharply divided global views of India
The Pew Research Center asked people in 36 countries what they think of India.
They talked to more than 42,000 people.
People around the world have very different feelings about India.
About 45 out of 100 people liked India, while 41 out of 100 did not.
People in Sri Lanka liked India the most, with 79 out of 100 having a good opinion.
People in Pakistan liked India the least, with only 7 out of 100 having a good opinion.
People in Kenya and the United Kingdom mostly liked India, but people in the United States were more mixed.
The survey also asked about India's leader, Narendra Modi.
Nearly no one in Pakistan trusted him, while many people in Sri Lanka did.
Even neighbouring countries can see the same country very differently.
Pew Research Center's survey of 36 countries found a median of 45% holding favourable views of India and 41% unfavourable.
Sri Lanka recorded the most favourable opinion at 79%, with 63% calling India their most important ally.
Pakistan recorded the lowest rating at 7% favourable, with about nine in ten respondents expressing an unfavourable view.
Kenya and the UK reported around 70% favourable views, while Turkey (15%) and the Palestinian territories (18%) rated India lowest outside South Asia.
US opinion has turned more critical, with 50% unfavourable versus 45% favourable; confidence in PM Modi ranged from 70% in Sri Lanka to 4% in Pakistan.
- Who
- The Pew Research Center surveyed more than 42,000 people in 36 countries, and also measured confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- What
- The study measured global favourability toward India, finding a median of 45% favourable and 41% unfavourable opinions.
- When
- The survey was conducted between February and May 2026.
- Where
- 36 countries across the world, including Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, the UK, the US, Turkey and the Palestinian territories.
- Why
- To gauge how the world views India and confidence in PM Modi's handling of international affairs.
- Survey period
- February to May 2026
- Respondents
- More than 42,000
- Countries surveyed
- 36
- Median favourable rating
- 45%
- Median unfavourable rating
- 41%
- Most favourable country
- Sri Lanka (79%)
- Least favourable country
- Pakistan (7%)
- Confidence in PM Modi
- 70% in Sri Lanka; 42% in Bangladesh; 4% in Pakistan