74% Indians Satisfied with Democracy, Says Global Survey
A new global survey has revealed that 74% of Indians are satisfied with how democracy functions in the country, placing India among the highest-ranking democracies in terms of public trust. The findings, released by the Pew Research Center, come amid ongoing political debates around civil liberties, governance, and the image of Indian democracy.
Democracy Survey
The 2025 Global Attitudes Survey conducted across 23 countries found that India ranks second globally in democratic satisfaction, just behind Sweden (75%). Only 23% of Indian respondents expressed dissatisfaction, in stark contrast to developed democracies like the US, UK, France, Japan, and Italy, where the majority expressed discontent with their democratic systems.
The global median for dissatisfaction with democracy stood at 64%, suggesting a steep decline in public trust in democratic institutions across several high-income nations.
India’s high satisfaction score, meanwhile, signals continuing support for democratic institutions even amid political polarization.
Public Trust
The report also underlined a strong correlation between satisfaction with democracy and the perception of economic well-being. Countries like India, Indonesia, and Mexico—where public sentiment around both democracy and economy is high—formed a contrast to places like France and Japan, where both markers were low.
According to the report,
“Satisfaction with the way democracy is working is closely linked with views of the economy. In countries where people are happy with the economy, they are more likely to be happy with democracy.”
This highlights India’s unique positioning as a large democracy where public confidence in governance has remained high despite political contestation and critical narratives from opposition figures.
BJP Response
Reacting to the survey, the Bharatiya Janata Party launched a scathing counter to Rahul Gandhi’s frequent international criticisms of India’s democratic standards.
BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya said:
“Bad news for the self-appointed custodians of democracy. The people of India have rejected your lies, again.”
He further added that:
“Despite every attempt by Rahul Gandhi to malign India’s image on global platforms, the citizens have spoken. Loudly and clearly.”
The BJP has consistently maintained that India’s institutions are robust and that opposition allegations of democratic backsliding are part of a politically motivated narrative. The party believes this survey validates their stance, especially as it comes from an internationally recognized research body.
