India Records 7% Rise in Optimism, Ranks Second Globally

Indians have demonstrated a notable increase in optimism about their country's trajectory, according to the latest Ipsos What Worries the World survey released this week. The January 2026 data reveals a 7 percentage point rise in confidence, with 69% of Indians now believing the country is headed in the right direction.

The findings place India second among 30 countries surveyed, tied with Malaysia and trailing only Singapore, where 82% of citizens express optimism about their nation's future. This contrasts sharply with the global trend, where only 41% of respondents across all markets feel positive about their countries' direction, despite a modest 3 percentage point improvement from the previous month.

Suresh Ramalingam, CEO of Ipsos India, attributed the confidence to several factors. "India's position as the world's fourth-largest economy is built on a foundation of stable governance and long-term vision," he stated, pointing to policy measures including targeted economic growth initiatives, healthcare programs, food security provisions, and infrastructure investments.

France recorded the lowest national confidence level among surveyed nations, with just 9% of citizens believing their country is on the right track.

The survey also tracked key concerns among Indian respondents. Education emerged as a growing worry, while anxieties related to inflation, unemployment, terrorism, and corruption have stabilized. Cost of living remains the primary concern for Indians, though food inflation has shown signs of moderation.

Globally, crime and violence topped the list of worries, influenced by ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, as well as law and order challenges in several major cities.

Ramalingam noted that anticipated revisions to the US-India trade deal are expected to address education-related concerns by improving access and opportunities. He also expressed cautious optimism about peace efforts in conflict zones potentially easing global anxieties in coming months.

The survey was conducted between December 24, 2025, and January 9, 2026, polling approximately 500 to 1,000 adults in each of 29 countries through the Ipsos Online Panel system. India's sample represented urban populations across social economic classes A, B, and C in metropolitan areas and tier 1-3 towns across all four zones.

Ipsos, founded in France in 1975, operates in 90 markets worldwide with over 20,000 employees and is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange.