A new international survey measuring how countries are perceived around the world has produced a surprising result for India. Despite being the world’s most populous nation, a fast-growing economy, and an increasingly influential global player, India ranked 28th in the latest global favorability rankings, posting a slightly negative perception score.
The findings come from the Democracy Perception Index 2026, one of the world’s largest studies of public opinion on democracy, geopolitics, and national image. The survey gathered responses from more than 46,000 people across 85 countries, offering a snapshot of how nations are viewed beyond their borders.
While countries such as Switzerland, Canada, and Japan topped the rankings, India recorded a net perception score of -2, placing it closer to several nations that also received negative ratings.
What Does the Democracy Perception Index 2026 Reveal?
The Democracy Perception Index 2026 surveyed tens of thousands of respondents globally to measure perceptions of countries, governments, and international influence.
A country’s “net perception score” reflects the balance between positive and negative views expressed by respondents. A positive score indicates that favorable opinions outweigh unfavorable ones, while a negative score suggests the opposite.
The rankings do not measure economic performance, military strength, or quality of life directly. Instead, they capture how people around the world feel about a country.
Why Perception Matters
Global perception can influence:
- Tourism demand
- Foreign investment decisions
- International partnerships
- Cultural influence
- Soft power and diplomacy
A favorable national image often translates into greater trust and influence on the global stage.
Which Countries Are Viewed Most Positively?
The survey’s highest-ranked nations share a common characteristic: strong international reputations built around stability, hospitality, trustworthiness, and quality of life.
Switzerland and Canada Share the Top Spot
Switzerland and Canada tied for first place with net perception scores of +36.
Switzerland has long been associated with neutrality, political stability, and civility. Its reputation for efficiency and diplomacy continues to resonate internationally.
Canada’s position at the top reflects its longstanding image as a welcoming, multicultural society. While experiences vary from region to region, Canadians are widely perceived as friendly and approachable.
Japan’s Culture of Hospitality Earns Global Recognition
Japan ranked third with a score of +34.
Much of Japan’s positive image is often linked to the concept of omotenashi—a cultural philosophy centered on thoughtful hospitality and exceptional service. Combined with its reputation for safety, cleanliness, and innovation, Japan continues to enjoy strong international goodwill.
European Countries Dominate the Upper Rankings
Several European nations followed closely behind:
- Sweden: +33
- Italy: +32
- Norway: +32
- Spain: +31
Sweden’s reputation for social well-being and high living standards helped secure fourth place.
Italy continues to benefit from its global cultural appeal, cuisine, and hospitality. Norway’s ranking reflects its reputation as one of the world’s happiest and most prosperous societies.
Spain’s warm social culture and welcoming atmosphere also contributed to its strong showing.
Australia, Denmark, New Zealand, and Finland Share a Spot
A group of countries tied with net perception scores of +30:
- Australia
- Denmark
- New Zealand
- Finland
These nations consistently perform well in global measures of quality of life, governance, and social trust, factors that often shape international perceptions.
Why Did India Rank 28th?
India’s position is among the most notable findings in the report.
The country recorded a net perception score of -2, placing it 28th overall and among a group of nations that received slightly negative global ratings.
Importantly, the survey does not explain the reasons behind India’s score. Researchers did not identify specific factors driving positive or negative opinions.
That distinction matters because public perception is often influenced by a complex mix of factors, including:
- International media coverage
- Geopolitical relationships
- Economic influence
- Cultural visibility
- Government policies
- Historical perceptions
The report also cautions against interpreting the ranking as a reflection of India’s 1.4 billion citizens. Instead, it measures how respondents across participating countries perceive India as a nation.
India’s Growing Global Influence Creates a Complex Picture
India’s ranking may seem at odds with its rising international profile.
Over the past decade, India has expanded its role in global diplomacy, technology, manufacturing, and international trade. The country has become a major voice in discussions involving climate policy, global governance, and economic development.
At the same time, increased visibility often brings increased scrutiny. Countries that play larger roles in international affairs are frequently subject to stronger opinions—both positive and negative.
As a result, perception scores do not always move in lockstep with economic or geopolitical influence.
Which Countries Received Negative Ratings?
Several nations recorded net negative perception scores in the survey.
Among them were:
- Saudi Arabia: -1
- India: -2
- Colombia: -2
- Yemen: -3
- Bangladesh: -3
- Lebanon: -3
- Cuba: -3
- Nigeria: -3
Further down the rankings were:
- Venezuela: -5
- Myanmar: -5
- Belarus: -5
- Pakistan: -9
- Russia: -11
The United States Also Posted a Negative Score
One of the survey’s more surprising findings involves the United States.
Despite being one of the world’s most influential democracies and largest economies, the U.S. received a net perception score of -16.
According to the report, it was the only major Western democracy to receive an overall negative rating.
The result highlights the growing gap that can exist between geopolitical influence and international favorability.
Israel Recorded the Lowest Score
Israel ranked at the bottom of the survey with a net perception score of -24.
The report does not provide a detailed breakdown of the factors contributing to the score, though global political events and international conflicts often influence public perceptions of countries.
What Can We Learn From Global Perception Rankings?
Perception surveys should not be viewed as definitive judgments on countries or their citizens. Instead, they provide a snapshot of how nations are viewed at a particular moment in time.
Public opinion is fluid and can shift rapidly due to:
- Political developments
- International conflicts
- Economic changes
- Cultural exports
- Major global events
For policymakers, businesses, and diplomats, these rankings offer valuable insight into how national image shapes international relationships.
For countries such as India, which continue to expand their global footprint, understanding perception may become increasingly important alongside economic growth and geopolitical influence.
TL;DR
- The Democracy Perception Index 2026 surveyed more than 46,000 people across 85 countries.
- Switzerland and Canada topped the rankings with net perception scores of +36.
- Japan ranked third with +34, followed by Sweden, Italy, Norway, and Spain.
- India placed 28th with a net perception score of -2.
- The survey does not explain the reasons behind India’s ranking.
- The United States received a score of -16, making it the only major Western democracy with a negative rating.
- Israel recorded the lowest score at -24.
- The rankings measure international perceptions rather than economic strength, governance quality, or citizen behavior.