Pew Survey Shows Growing Negative Views Of India Among Americans

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – Public opinion of India remains mixed across 36 countries surveyed by Pew Research Center, with a median of 45% holding a favorable view and 41% an unfavorable view, Pew Research reported. The survey was conducted from February 9 to May 13, 2026.

In the United States, 45% of adults have a favorable opinion of India, while 50% have an unfavorable view, Pew Research reported. The figures are among the lowest ratings recorded since the center began asking the question in 2008. Pew Research showed that favorable views have declined from 51% in 2023.

Pew Research also found differences in US views by political affiliation and age. Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents were more likely to view India favorably than Republicans and Republican leaners, at 50% compared with 42%. Among adults ages 65 and older, 50% viewed India favorably, compared with 42% of those ages 18 to 29.

On India’s global influence, Pew Research reported that 54% of Americans said India’s influence had remained about the same in recent years, while 30% said it was getting stronger and 13% said it was getting weaker.

In Europe, Pew Research showed that views generally lean positive. Germany’s favorable rating rose from 47% in 2023 to 63% in 2026, while France’s increased from 39% to 50%. The United Kingdom was also among the countries where around seven-in-ten adults viewed India favorably. Majorities in Kenya, Japan and Thailand viewed India positively.

Pew Research found that views have generally become less favorable since 2023 in other nations. In South Korea, favorable views fell from 59% in 2023 to 44% in 2026. Turkey recorded a 15% favorable rating. In Latin America, views tended to lean more negative, although large shares in several countries did not offer an opinion.

Pew Research showed sharp differences among India’s neighbors, with 79% in Sri Lanka viewing India favorably compared with 7% in Pakistan.