Pew Survey Reveals Divided Sentiment on India in US While Perceptions Improve in UK and Germany

A fresh Pew Research Center study shows 45 percent of Americans hold a positive view of India, revealing sharp political and age divides along with the backdrop of recent trade tariffs.

While India's global reputation continues to find strong resonance across several regions, public sentiment within the United States has displayed notable shifts in recent months. Despite policies pursued by the administration of Donald Trump and ongoing trade adjustments, a substantial portion of the American populace maintains a favorable view of India. Findings reveal that 45 percent of respondents in the United States view India through a positive lens, whereas 50 percent hold a negative perception. Fresh findings from a Pew Research Center study highlight that American public opinion regarding India is deeply divided along domestic partisan lines and age demographics.

Political Polarization and Generational Shift in the US
A striking takeaway from the survey is how political affiliation directly influences how Americans perceive India. Among Democrats and lean-Democrat voters, 50 percent hold a favorable view of India, while 47 percent express a contrary opinion. In contrast, among Republicans and those leaning Republican, favorability drops to 42 percent, with 55 percent viewing India unfavorably. This reveals a significant 13 percentage point partisan gap between the two political blocs.

Age also serves as a defining factor in shaping these perspectives. Among older Americans aged 65 and above, 50 percent view India in a positive light. Conversely, sentiment drops among younger generations, where only 42 percent of Americans under the age of 30 maintain a positive opinion toward India.

Background of Trade Friction and Duty Adjustments
These shifting public opinions unfold against the backdrop of intense diplomatic and economic negotiations over the past year. In August 2025, the Trump administration introduced a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods. Shortly thereafter, an additional 25 percent duty was slapped on India over its continued purchases of discounted crude oil from Russia, creating trade friction that persisted for months.

Following extended tensions, Donald Trump announced in February 2026 that tariffs on Indian imports would be reduced to 18 percent. According to Donald Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to scale back purchases of Russian crude oil while boosting imports of American energy and technology, alongside expanding investment ties. This included discussions surrounding a planned $500 billion investment footprint by India into the United States. Nevertheless, Indian enterprises had already endured months of elevated duties before this rate relief was implemented.

Global Standing Across Europe, Asia, and Africa
In contrast to the mixed sentiment recorded in the United States, India's international standing has strengthened across multiple other major nations. Compared to 2025, positive sentiment toward India expanded by 11 percentage points in the United Kingdom and rose by 6 percentage points in Germany.

Favorability ratings remain particularly robust in neighbouring and partner nations across Asia and Africa. In Sri Lanka, 79 percent of the population expresses a favorable view of India, while 71 percent of respondents in Kenya share a positive opinion. Taking a broader global view, an average of 45 percent of people worldwide regard India positively, compared to 41 percent holding a negative view.

What this means for you
Across India: The reduced 18 percent US tariff rate and improved international standing provide greater economic predictability for Indian exporters, technology firms, and energy sector partners.

Globally: Rising positive perception across the UK, Germany, Sri Lanka, and Kenya fosters a more welcoming climate for the Indian diaspora, international students, and cross-border commercial partnerships.

Questions & Answers

1. What percentage of Americans hold a positive view of India according to the Pew survey?
According to the study, 45 percent of Americans view India positively, while 50 percent hold a negative perception.

2. How do political views in the US affect opinions on India?
Among Democrats, 50 percent hold a favorable view of India, whereas only 42 percent of Republicans share a positive opinion.

3. What changes occurred in US tariffs on Indian goods between August 2025 and February 2026?
The US imposed tariffs reaching 50 percent in August 2025 including penalties over Russian oil, which were subsequently reduced to 18 percent in February 2026.

4. How much did India's favorability rise in the UK and Germany?
Compared to 2025, positive sentiment toward India increased by 11 percentage points in the UK and 6 percentage points in Germany.

5. What is the global average perception of India?
Globally, an average of 45 percent of people view India positively, compared to 41 percent holding a negative view.

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