A Pew Research Centre survey conducted in 2026 reveals that Sri Lanka tops international sentiment towards India, with 79% of respondents holding favourable views, significantly ahead of the global median of 45%.
India maintains broadly positive global sentiment according to findings from the Pew Research Centre's Spring 2026 Global Attitudes Survey. The research, which interviewed over 42,000 people across 36 countries between February and May 2026, found that a median of 45% of adults worldwide view India favourably, compared to 41% holding unfavourable opinions.
Sri Lanka emerges as India's strongest supporter in the survey, with 79% of respondents expressing positive views towards the country. This exceptionally high rating reflects the deep cultural, economic and strategic ties shared between the two neighbouring nations. The sentiment is notably stronger in Sri Lanka than in several other major economies; the United Kingdom records 71% favourable views, Germany 63%, and Israel 60%. Other countries with majority-positive assessments include Japan, Sweden, Italy and Thailand.
However, the survey reveals significant regional disparities in perceptions of India. Among South Asian neighbours, sentiment differs dramatically, with only 7% of Pakistanis viewing India favourably and Turkey recording 15% positive views. The West Bank and East Jerusalem similarly show low favourability at 18%. European countries generally demonstrate positive sentiment toward India, while opinions in parts of Latin America remain less clearly defined, with substantial numbers of respondents declining to express a view.
The findings suggest India's positive international image extends across diverse regions and economic blocs, aligning with the country's expanding diplomatic and economic engagement globally. According to the survey, India's growing economic weight and strategic partnerships have contributed to its enhanced international standing across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Indo-Pacific region.
