India Ranks Second Globally in Democracy Satisfaction, Finds Pew Survey
74% of Indians express faith in the democratic system; India among top five countries with strong economic and governance perception
New Delhi, July 6, 2025 —India, the world’s largest democracy, has emerged as one of the most optimistic nations when it comes to democratic governance. According to the Spring 2025 Global Attitudes Survey conducted by the Pew Research Center (PRC), 74% of Indians say they are satisfied with the functioning of their democracy—the second-highest rating among 23 countries surveyed, just behind Sweden at 75%.
This result positions India as a global outlier at a time when dissatisfaction with democracy appears to be widespread in several developed economies.
Global Outlook on Democracy: India vs. The World
The Pew survey indicates that across the 23 countries assessed, a median of 58% of adults are dissatisfied with the way their democracy is functioning, while only 42% express satisfaction.
In 12 high-income countries, including the United States, Canada, Germany, Japan, and France, the democratic mood is even more subdued. A median of 64% in these nations report dissatisfaction with democratic governance, compared to only 35% who are satisfied.
India Among Top Five Countries with Positive Outlook on Economy and Democracy
The survey highlights a strong link between economic perception and satisfaction with democracy. Countries where citizens believe the economy is performing well also tend to show higher satisfaction with governance.
India joins a select group of five nations where public confidence in both democracy and economic performance is high:
- India: 74% satisfied with democracy
- Sweden: 75%
- Indonesia: 66%
- Netherlands: 60%
- Mexico: 51%
“Countries where large shares of the public say the economy is in good shape also tend to have large shares who are satisfied with their democracy,” the PRC report noted.
Declining and Improving Trends Around the World
The PRC report outlines contrasting trends from other parts of the world:
Countries with declining satisfaction since 2024:
- Israel
- Japan
- Kenya
- Poland
- South Korea
Countries with increasing satisfaction:
- Canada
- Germany
- South Africa
- United Kingdom
- United States
The rise in satisfaction in these nations often correlates with recent elections, where the victorious party’s supporters reported greater confidence in the democratic process.
Election Results Impacting Public Sentiment
The report emphasizes that election outcomes have a direct effect on how different political groups perceive democracy.
- In the UK, satisfaction rose sharply among supporters of the Labour Party, which recently ended 14 years of Conservative rule.
- In the United States, satisfaction among Republicans increased significantly after the party won control of the House, Senate, and Presidency, while satisfaction among Democrats declined.
Why This Matters: India’s Democratic Resilience
India’s high ranking is significant on multiple fronts:
- With over 99 crore registered voters, India remains a global model of large-scale electoral democracy.
- At a time when democratic backsliding and populist discontent plague many developed nations, India’s strong democratic and economic sentiment showcases its institutional resilience.
- The report indirectly reflects the public’s growing confidence in governance, institutions, and policy outcomes—factors that could influence electoral strategies and governance models ahead of the next General Elections.
Final Thoughts
As global democracies face increased scrutiny and skepticism, India stands out as a case where democratic satisfaction is not only stable but rising. The correlation between economic health and democratic trust makes a strong case for inclusive development and transparent governance.
Whether this optimism holds in the coming years will depend on how India navigates challenges such as unemployment, inequality, and political polarization. For now, the data suggests that India’s democracy, despite its imperfections, retains the trust of its people.