India’s global perception in 2025 is a mix of admiration, criticism, and curiosity, reflecting its growing importance on the world stage. According to a Pew Research Center India survey conducted between Jan. 8 and Apr. 26, 2025, people in 24 countries lean slightly more positive than negative in their opinions. A median of 47% across these nations view India favorably, while 38% hold unfavorable views and 13% offered no opinion.
The findings illustrate how international views of India are influenced not only by diplomacy and trade but also by regional security, leadership decisions, and cultural ties. Notably, the survey was conducted before two major events: the April 2025 attack on tourists in India-controlled Kashmir that reignited fighting with Pakistan, and U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of higher tariffs on Indian goods. Both events are likely to affect how people view India going forward.
Global Opinion of India: Slightly More Positive
The survey shows a divided but mostly favorable opinion of India worldwide.
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Countries most favorable toward India: Kenya, the United Kingdom, and Israel stand out, with six-in-ten or more respondents expressing a positive opinion. India’s democratic institutions, cultural influence, and diaspora networks are often cited as reasons for such support.
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Other supportive nations: Majorities in Germany, Japan, Indonesia, and Nigeria also hold favorable views. Germany and Japan, in particular, have deepened trade and technology partnerships with India in recent years.
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Countries least favorable: Turkey and Australia are the most critical, with over half of respondents in both countries holding unfavorable opinions. Argentina and Brazil also lean negative, suggesting skepticism in parts of Latin America.
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Divided nations: In the United States and South Korea, public opinion is nearly split down the middle, showing no clear consensus.
Overall, the international image of India is tilted more positive than negative, though the divisions highlight that India’s growing global role is met with both enthusiasm and caution.
How Views of India Have Shifted Over Time
The India favorability trend shows notable movement in different regions.
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South Africa: Public opinion about India has turned more positive than ever before. In 2025, 46% of South Africans view India favorably, up 17 points since 2023. This is the highest rating since Pew began asking the question in 2008. The rise coincides with India’s outreach to Africa, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2023 announcement to strengthen ties and the 2024 launch of the India–South Africa Chamber of Commerce.
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Europe: Across countries like France and Germany, views of India have become more favorable, with double-digit increases. These gains may reflect strengthening trade, defense, and climate cooperation between India and the European Union.
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Asia-Pacific: In Indonesia and Australia, perceptions of India have not changed significantly compared to past surveys. However, South Korea’s views dropped by 16 points from 2024, marking the lowest level of favorability since 2007. The decline followed India’s decision to reopen its embassy in North Korea in December 2024, a move that stirred unease in Seoul.
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Israel: Favorability has fallen by 11 points since 2023, yet a majority of Israelis still maintain a positive outlook. This decline may be linked to shifting regional dynamics in West Asia.
These shifts underscore how India’s global reputation can be affected by diplomatic initiatives, trade relations, and security policies.
Views of India by Demographics
Gender Differences
The Pew survey found that men are more favorable toward India than women in about half of the surveyed countries. The gender gap is especially pronounced in Japan, the Netherlands, Germany, Argentina, and France.
Interestingly, in nations such as France, Poland, Hungary, South Africa, and Australia, women were more likely than men to respond that they were unsure about India, reflecting either limited exposure or mixed impressions.
Age Differences
Generational divides are also evident in perceptions of India.
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In Brazil, the Netherlands, Japan, and the UK, younger adults under 35 are more favorable toward India than older adults. For instance, in the UK, younger respondents are 20 percentage points more positive than those aged 50 and above. This could be linked to younger generations engaging more with Indian culture, technology, and education.
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In contrast, in the United States and Australia, older adults are more likely than younger people to hold a favorable view of India. This reversal may reflect older generations’ appreciation of India’s democratic traditions and longstanding ties, while younger people focus more on current political or environmental debates.
Ideological Divides
Politics and ideology also shape the global perception of India:
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In Australia, Nigeria, and South Africa, people on the ideological right view India more favorably than those on the left.
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In the U.S. and Mexico, however, the opposite is true — left-leaning respondents are more positive about India than those on the right.
These ideological differences suggest that India’s image is not just about culture or economics but also tied to global debates about governance, democracy, and foreign policy.
Conclusion: India’s Global Reputation in 2025
The Pew Research Center India favorability survey highlights that while India is generally viewed more positively than negatively, perceptions vary greatly across regions and demographics. India enjoys strong support in parts of Africa, Europe, and the UK, but faces challenges in Turkey, Australia, and South Korea.
As India expands its influence through trade partnerships, digital innovation, cultural diplomacy, and strategic alliances, the way countries view India will play a critical role in shaping its international standing. With shifting geopolitical realities, the international perception of India is likely to remain dynamic in the years ahead.
For policymakers, businesses, and cultural leaders, understanding these global attitudes toward India is essential. By leveraging areas of strength — such as youth engagement, cultural exports, and economic partnerships — India can continue to build a stronger and more favorable reputation worldwide.