A new Pew Research Center survey reveals a sharp decline in India's favorability among Americans, while showcasing a stark contrast in perceptions across 36 countries.
- 50% of US adults hold an unfavorable view of India, one of the lowest ratings since 2008.
- Extreme regional disparity: 79% favorability in Sri Lanka vs. only 7% in Pakistan.
- Bangladesh saw a significant 15-percentage point drop in positive sentiment since 2024.
- UK and Kenya maintain strong positive views of India at 71% each.
The Pew Research Center (Pew) has unveiled a comprehensive global attitudes survey conducted across 36 nations, highlighting the volatile nature of India's international image. Most notably, the data suggests a troubling trend in the United States, where 50% of adults now view India unfavorably, while only 45% maintain a favorable opinion.
This shift is particularly striking when viewed historically. Favorable sentiment in the US stood at 51% in 2023, dipped to 43% in 2024, recovered to 49% in 2025, and has now fallen to 45%. The divide is further amplified by demographics; older Americans (65+) are more likely to view India positively (50%) compared to Gen Z and Millennials (42%). Politically, Democrats (50%) show more affinity for India than Republicans (42%).
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this downward drift in the US occurs at a time when India is asserting itself as a global leader. The divergence between strategic government-to-government ties and public perception suggests that issues like trade disputes and immigration are outweighing the benefits of the strategic partnership in the eyes of the American public.
"The gap between India's rising geopolitical influence and its fluctuating public image in the West indicates a critical need for a revised public diplomacy strategy."
Regionally, the survey paints a picture of extreme polarization. Sri Lanka emerges as India's strongest supporter among its neighbors with a 79% favorability rating. In contrast, Pakistan remains the most hostile, with only 7% of its population viewing India positively. Bangladesh has also seen a sharp deterioration, dropping from 57% to 42% since 2024.
| Country | Favorable View (%) | Trend/Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 79% | Highest |
| UK/Kenya | 71% | Strong |
| USA | 45% | Declining |
| Turkey | 15% | Low |
| Pakistan | 7% | Lowest |
In other parts of Asia, the image remains mixed. Japan and Thailand both recorded 55% favorability, while Singapore followed at 51%. Conversely, India's image is notably weak in Turkey (15%) and the West Bank/East Jerusalem (18%), where majorities expressed negative views.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is India's image declining in the US?
The decline is attributed to tensions over trade, immigration, and differing political perspectives, particularly among the younger generation.
Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, and Kenya are among the top countries with the highest favorability ratings toward India.
