Pew Survey: Indians See Pakistan as Biggest Threat, Pakistanis Rank India as Top Security Concern

The Pew Research survey found that India and Pakistan continue to view each other as their biggest geopolitical threat. (Representative Image)

A new survey by Pew Research Center has found that Indians and Pakistanis continue to regard each other as their biggest geopolitical threat, underscoring decades of strategic rivalry and mutual distrust between the neighbouring countries.

The survey, conducted across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, also offers insights into how South Asians perceive global powers such as China, Russia and the United States, as well as regional alliances.

Pakistan Tops India's Threat Perception

According to the survey, 54% of respondents in India identified Pakistan as the country's greatest external threat.

China ranked second, with 21% of Indians naming it as the biggest challenge to India's security.

The findings indicate that despite shifting global geopolitics, concerns over Pakistan remain the dominant public perception in India.

Pakistanis Rank India as Biggest Threat

Public opinion in Pakistan reflected a similar pattern.

Around 43% of Pakistani respondents identified India as their country's greatest geopolitical threat.

Israel and China were tied in second place, with 24% of respondents naming each country.

The results highlight the enduring tensions that continue to shape public opinion on both sides of the border.

India and Pakistan Differ on Key Allies

The survey also revealed significant differences in how people in both countries view their closest international partners.

In Pakistan:

• 75% identified China as the country's most important ally.
• 12% named Saudi Arabia.

In India:

• 36% identified Russia as India's most important ally.
• 16% chose the United States.
• Around one-third of respondents did not provide an answer.

China Enjoys Strong Support in Pakistan

Pakistanis expressed overwhelming support for China compared to the United States.

The survey found:

• 90% of Pakistanis hold a favourable opinion of China.
• Only 15% view the United States positively.
• 83% expressed confidence in Chinese President Xi Jinping's handling of global affairs.
• Just 12% said they had confidence in US President Donald Trump.

The findings suggest China continues to enjoy broad public support in Pakistan.

Indians View Russia More Positively

Indian respondents displayed comparatively stronger confidence in Russia than other major powers.

According to the survey:

• 58% of Indians have a favourable opinion of Russia.
• 51% expressed confidence in Russian President Vladimir Putin.
• 45% viewed the United States favourably.
• 39% expressed confidence in Donald Trump.
• Only 23% held a favourable opinion of China.
• 25% expressed confidence in Xi Jinping.

Sri Lanka Most Positive Towards India

The survey also measured regional perceptions of India.

Among neighbouring countries:

• 79% of Sri Lankans held a favourable opinion of India.
• 42% of Bangladeshis viewed India positively.
• Only 7% of Pakistanis expressed a favourable opinion of India.

Additionally, 63% of Sri Lankan respondents identified India as their country's most important ally, while many respondents in Bangladesh and Pakistan viewed India as their biggest geopolitical threat.

How Americans View India

The Pew survey also examined public opinion in the United States.

It found:

• 45% of Americans hold a favourable view of India.
• 50% have an unfavourable opinion.
• 30% believe India's global influence is increasing.
• 54% think India's influence has remained largely unchanged.
• 13% believe India's global influence is declining.

Support for India was slightly higher among Democrats than Republicans.

Survey Reflects Continuing Regional Divide

The findings indicate that geopolitical perceptions in South Asia remain heavily influenced by longstanding regional rivalries.

While India and Pakistan continue to view each other as their primary security concern, opinions across neighbouring countries and major global powers reveal differing perspectives on alliances, influence and regional leadership.