Ever wondered how people from other countries around the world look at India and Indians? We all might have had diverse reactions while we visited other countries or when their citizens visited India.
A new global survey conducted by Pew Research Center has revealed how people around the world view India and Indians, and the results are mixed. Conducted between January and April 2025 across 24 countries, the study shows that India is seen slightly more positively than negatively.
On average, 47% of respondents responded with a favorable opinion of India, compared to 38% who had an unfavorable view. About 13% chose not to respond. The survey was completed before two major developments – the April attack on tourists in Kashmir that escalated tensions with Pakistan, and former U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on Indian goods.
Citizens of countries like Kenya, the UK, Israel, Germany, Japan, Indonesia, and Nigeria had a majority of respondents expressing a favorable view of India. On the other hand, opinion was most negative in Turkey and Australia, with Argentina and Brazil also showing more unfavorable than favorable responses. In the U.S. and South Korea, views were nearly equally balanced.
Over time, India’s image has shifted in some regions. South Africa recorded its highest-ever positive rating, with 46% expressing a favorable view, jumping 17 points since 2023. Analysts link this to growing India-Africa relations, including the 2024 launch of the India-South Africa Chamber of Commerce. Favorability has also risen in parts of Europe, including France and Germany.
However, not all countries have shown similar sentiment. In South Korea, positive opinion dropped by 16 points compared to 2024, reaching its lowest since 2007. Israel also saw a decline of 11 points since 2023, though a majority still view India positively.
The survey further highlights differences by gender, age, and political ideology. In many countries, men were more likely than women to have a positive opinion of India, with notable gaps in Japan, Germany, and Argentina. Age also played a role: younger adults in the UK, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Japan were more favorable towards India, while in the U.S. and Australia, older adults leaned more positive.
Political ideology influenced responses too. In Australia, Nigeria, and South Africa, people on the right were more favorable towards India, while in the U.S. and Mexico, those on the left expressed warmer views.
Overall, while India enjoys strong goodwill in several regions, especially in Africa and parts of Europe, it faces challenges in improving its global perception in countries like Turkey, Australia, and South Korea.
Disclaimer: Article based on Pew Research Center findings. Facts and data completely based on their published article and the author and the news channel have not added any information from their side.
Complete article by Pew Research can be accessed here – https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/08/13/how-people-in-24-countries-view-india/