A World Divided: Southeast Asia and India Stand Out as Optimism Holds Firm

The March 2026 Ipsos Global Advisor report, What Worries the World, highlights that the epicenter of global optimism is concentrated in Southeast Asia and India. Across five key markets of Singapore, Malaysia, India, South Korea, and Thailand, citizens are more likely to believe that their countries are heading in the right direction. In contrast, 25 out of the 29 markets surveyed report a majority of citizens who feel their countries are on the wrong track. France and Peru recorded the lowest levels of optimism, at 9% and 13% respectively.

“2026 has been marked by significant disruption, including the outbreak of a new conflict in West Asia. The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a critical flashpoint, exacerbating challenges for global economies. India’s neutral geopolitical stance, coupled with its proactive efforts to mitigate the impact of the global fuel crisis, has contributed to its relative resilience. Although the survey was conducted between late February and early March, prior to further escalation observed by mid-March; factors such as local governance and geographic positioning may be helping insulate India and other Southeast Asian markets. However, with oil and gas supplies increasingly affected by the conflict in West Asia, the situation is rapidly evolving into a broader global crisis, unless there is a de-escalation in hostilities,” said Suresh Ramalingam, CEO, Ipsos India.

India is actively diversifying its oil import sources to mitigate supply risks and enhance energy security.

What Worries Indians 

The survey also captures citizens’ perceptions of the key national issues that directly impact their daily lives.

Inflation, unemployment, education, crime and violence, and financial and political corruption remain the top concerns among Indians.

“Inflation, unemployment, education, crime and violence, and corruption remain key concerns for Indians, shaped not just by domestic challenges but also by global disruptions. Ongoing conflicts in West Asia and related energy and supply chain uncertainties are adding to inflationary pressures and influencing perceptions of instability, including concerns around violence. Despite this, India’s relative optimism reflects confidence in its resilience, although prolonged geopolitical tensions could test this momentum,” added Ramalingam.

Worries of Global Citizens – global average

Across the 29 markets surveyed, global concerns are led by crime and violence, unemployment, inflation, poverty and social inequality, and financial and political corruption. While India reflects a similar set of anxieties, the order of priorities differs, underscoring the influence of local context. Taken together, these concerns point to a shared global unease, shaped in large part by ongoing conflicts that have disrupted economies, strained supply chains, and created difficult conditions for citizens already grappling with the fallout of geopolitical instability.