[REVISION HISTORY]

Global perceptions and strategic alignments of India

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-17 11:11 UTC → 2026-08-19 13:43 UTC · added ~~removed~~

A Spring 2026 Pew Research Center Global Attitudes Survey highlights significant regional and strategic divides regarding India and its neighbors. Globally, India holds a median favorability rating of 45%, though perceptions vary by geography; for instance, favorability is 79% in Sri Lanka but only 7% in Pakistan. In Sri Lanka, favorability toward India has risen to 79%, up from 65% in 2024. Approximately 63% of Sri Lankans identify India as a key ally, a sentiment attributed in part to India providing over USD 7.5 billion in financial aid and credit lines following Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis. Regarding Bangladesh, 56% of Sri Lankans hold a positive view, which is higher than the 25% positive rating reported in India. Conversely, Pakistan recorded the highest positive rating for Bangladesh at 66%. In terms of regional security, the survey reveals deep-seated mistrust between India and Pakistan. While 41% of Indians identify Pakistan as their greatest threat, 90% of Pakistanis view India as a major threat. These tensions are compounded by recent military escalations and the suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. The data also reflects shifting strategic alignments. India has seen a 12-percentage-point increase in positive sentiment toward Russia since 2024. While India maintains positive standing in the United Kingdom, Germany, Kenya, and parts of Europe, its image in the United States has shown signs of weakening. ~~Meanwhile, Pakistan maintains a strong reliance on China,~~ By August 2026, American favorability toward India has declined significantly, with ~~84%~~ 45% of ~~respondents describing China as~~ Americans holding a ~~trustworthy partner.~~ favorable view and 50% viewing the country unfavorably. This is a notable drop from 64% in 2008 and 51% in 2023. This shift is linked to increasing scrutiny of the H-1B visa program, as Indian nationals constitute approximately 70% of recipients.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.