India Shines as 3rd Most Upbeat Nation Globally in July 2025

India has emerged as the third most optimistic country in the July wave of the Ipsos What Worries the World monthly survey, with two in three Indians (66%) believing the country is headed in the right direction—a 2% increase from the previous month.

India follows Singapore (84%) and Indonesia (72%) in overall national optimism, while ranking ahead of Malaysia (62%), South Korea (59%), and Argentina (51%). The data suggests that optimism is largely concentrated in Global South markets.

In contrast, Peru (12%) and France (14%) recorded the lowest levels of optimism, with the fewest citizens believing their country is on the right track.

Overall, six in ten global citizens feel their country is headed in the wrong direction, with 23 out of 29 markets expressing pessimism about the future. Australia showed notably polarized public opinion, reflecting a divided national sentiment.

"India’s GDP is projected to grow at 6.5% in 2025. With its recent ascent to the position of the world’s fourth-largest economy, coupled with strong growth momentum and political stability, the country is well-positioned for sustained development. This optimism is clearly reflected in how Indians perceive their nation today," said Suresh Ramalingam, CEO of Ipsos India. "As an emerging economy driven largely by domestic consumption and benefiting from a favorable demographic dividend, the Indian market continues to show robust upward momentum."

Worry levels spike for inflation and unemployment 

The survey also highlights growing concerns among citizens, particularly related to market conditions. In July, there was an alarming rise in public anxiety over inflation (up by 11%) and unemployment (up by 8%). Worry levels also increased slightly for education (up by 3%) and crime and violence (up by 2%).

"Despite a decline in food inflation, the high cost of living continues to burden citizens, driven by the rising prices of essential commodities. Several global factors have contributed to this trend and uncertainties, including a slowdown in the global economy, the depreciation of the rupee against the US dollar, and the revised trade tariffs announced by the Trump administration.”

“Concerns about employment have also intensified. Major corporations have announced job cuts, and stringent employment and immigration policies under the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) agenda have further complicated the job market. These policies are not only affecting employment opportunities but are also having a significant impact on education, particularly for students aspiring to study or work abroad," added Ramalingam. 

Global citizens’ worries included crime and violence (=), inflation (-1%)  and poverty and social inequality (=), among others.    

This 29-country Global Advisor survey was conducted between June 20th 2025 and July 4th 2025 via the Ipsos Online Panel system among 500 adults aged 18-74 in Canada, Israel, Malaysia, South Africa, Türkiye and the United States, 20-74 in Indonesia and Thailand, 21-74 in Singapore, and 16-74 in all other nations.