– Sri Lanka has the most favourable view of India, with 79% of adults expressing a positive opinion, according to a new survey by the Pew Research Center.The survey, conducted across 36 countries between February and May 2026, found that views of India remain divided globally, with a median of 45% of respondents holding a favourable opinion and 41% expressing an unfavourable view.

Sri Lanka recorded the highest level of favourable sentiment towards India among the countries surveyed, reflecting the close historical, economic and cultural ties between the two neighbouring countries.

The survey also found significant differences in attitudes towards India across regions, with perceptions shaped by geopolitical developments, historical rivalries and evolving international relationships.India’s immediate neighbourhood showed particularly contrasting views. In Pakistan, only 7% of adults expressed a favourable opinion of India, the lowest figure recorded in the survey.Turkey was another major outlier, with 15% expressing a favourable view, while only 18% of respondents in the West Bank and East Jerusalem viewed India positively.

Despite these negative perceptions in some countries, India enjoys considerable goodwill in several parts of the world, including Western Europe and East Africa.The findings come as India marks 79 years of independence and provide a snapshot of global public opinion towards the world’s most populous country amid its growing economic and geopolitical influence.