Pew survey: What US, UK and others think about India at 80
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TOI NEWS DESK
A recent Pew Research survey reveals that India and Pakistan continue to view each other as their primary geopolitical threats, reflecting deep-seated regional distrust. While India maintains a complex global reputation with mixed international favorability, its strategic alliances contrast sharply with Pakistan's reliance on China.
India at 80: A Global Perspective on Reputation and Rivalry
As India commemorates its 80th year of independence, a comprehensive survey conducted by the Pew Research Center between February and May 2026 offers a nuanced snapshot of the nation's standing on the international stage. The data reveals that India is increasingly a country with a distinct global profile, yet this visibility brings with it a complex array of perceptions. With a global median favorability of 45%, India’s image remains a study in contrasts, influenced heavily by regional dynamics and shifting geopolitical alliances.
The Persistence of South Asian Rivalries
At the heart of the report lies the enduring hostility between India and Pakistan. The survey confirms that deep-seated distrust continues to define the bilateral relationship, with a majority of adults in both nations identifying the other as their single greatest geopolitical threat. Specifically, 54% of Indian respondents view Pakistan as their primary adversary, while 43% of Pakistanis reciprocate that sentiment toward India. This mutual antagonism is further complicated by the perception that neither side is genuinely committed to fostering peaceful relations, revealing a profound structural lack of trust that has persisted for decades.
Strategic Alliances and Divergent Worldviews
The data underscores how these regional tensions are inextricably linked to broader global alliances. India’s strategic outlook is marked by a reliance on Russia, with 36% of Indians naming it as their top ally, followed by 16% identifying the United States. In stark contrast, Pakistan’s strategic orientation leans heavily toward China, which 75% of Pakistani respondents categorize as their most important ally. These divergent foreign policy trajectories reinforce the existing geopolitical divide, as each nation navigates its international standing through the lens of its primary partnerships.
Evolving Global Favorability
Beyond the immediate neighborhood, India’s global reputation shows signs of volatility. While favorability has waned in several countries since 2025, there are notable bright spots. Positive perceptions have improved in Germany and the UK, suggesting that India’s efforts to bolster ties with Western powers are yielding measurable results in public opinion. However, this is balanced by more critical views in other regions, highlighting the challenges India faces in maintaining a consistent and positive international image as it asserts itself as a major global player.
The Impact of Regional Perceptions
The survey also highlights the neighborhood effect, where India's image varies significantly based on proximity. While Pakistan remains critical, countries like Sri Lanka exhibit higher levels of support. These regional variations demonstrate that India’s standing is not monolithic but is instead filtered through local historical contexts, bilateral trade ties, and diplomatic engagement. The contrast between these neighbors underscores the complexities of India's role as a regional leader and the difficulties in crafting a singular narrative that satisfies all international stakeholders.
Future Trends and Conclusion
As India moves forward, the findings suggest that its global influence will continue to be mediated by its ability to manage these entrenched regional rivalries while expanding its reach in Western markets. The persistence of the India-Pakistan threat perception indicates that regional stability remains a primary hurdle to improving the nation's global soft power. Ultimately, at 80 years old, India’s international reputation is a work in progress—one defined by the difficult balancing act of navigating historical animosities while striving for a more integrated role in the global order.
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