News Desk: American public opinion about India has shown a modest improvement after declining for three consecutive years. However, a growing political divide in the United States is shaping how different groups view India and its relationship with Washington, according to a new survey conducted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and the Observer Research Foundation America.
The survey, which gathered responses from more than 2,000 American adults in July 2026, found that the average rating of India among US citizens increased to 51 on a scale of 0 to 100. This marks an improvement from 47 in October 2025, when India received its lowest rating in Chicago Council surveys dating back to 2008.
Despite the recovery, other recent surveys suggest that negative perceptions of India remain a concern. A Pew Research Centre survey conducted this year found that 50 per cent of Americans had an unfavourable view of India. Gallup also reported a decline in India's favourability rating, from 77 per cent in 2022 to 61 per cent in 2026.
The latest findings reveal significant differences across age groups. Americans aged above 60 gave India an average rating of 54, making them the most favourable age group towards the country. In contrast, younger Americans aged between 18 and 29 showed a noticeable decline in positive perceptions. Their average rating fell from 55 in 2022 to 47 in 2026.
The survey also highlighted a change in how Americans view India as a strategic partner. In 2021, around 21 per cent of respondents considered India an ally of the United States. By 2026, that figure had dropped to just 10 per cent. However, 41 per cent continued to describe India as a necessary partner with whom Washington should cooperate on strategic issues.
Political affiliations also appear to play an increasingly important role. Democrats gave India an average rating of 55, while Independents rated it at 52. Republicans, meanwhile, gave India a lower score of 47, although this was an improvement from 43 in 2025.
Differences were also visible over immigration and trade policies. Around 45 per cent of Democrats and 37 per cent of Independents supported increasing visas for highly skilled Indian workers. Support among Republicans stood at just 27 per cent.
Republicans were also more likely to support additional tariffs on India over its purchases of Russian oil. However, opinions remained divided, with many respondents saying they lacked sufficient information to take a position.
Despite these differences, the survey found considerable support for stronger economic cooperation. Around 48 per cent favoured reducing tariffs on Indian goods through a trade agreement, compared with 12 per cent who opposed the idea. Similarly, 38 per cent supported expanding technology cooperation between the two countries, while 16 per cent opposed it.
Interestingly, the findings come at a time when Indian perceptions of the United States have also weakened. A 2026 Pew Research survey found that only 45 per cent of Indians viewed America positively, down from 54 per cent in 2025.
The findings suggest that although India and the United States continue to share important strategic and economic interests, public opinion in both countries is becoming increasingly complex.
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