Eighty years after the partition of British India created two separate nations, India and Pakistan, the legacy of conflict and mistrust continues to define public perception. A comprehensive survey by the Pew Research Center, conducted between February and May 2026, reveals that a majority of adults in both countries still regard the other as their greatest geopolitical threat. Despite efforts to foster dialogue and cooperation, the deep-rooted animosities persist, shaped by historical grievances, ongoing territorial disputes, and repeated cycles of violence. The survey, which included over 3,500 participants in India and nearly 1,000 in Pakistan, underscores a grim reality: mutual suspicion remains unyielding. In India, 54% of respondents identified Pakistan as their country’s greatest threat, with China following at 21%. Conversely, 43% of Pakistanis named India as their primary security concern, while Israel and the United States each registered at 24%, although these figures remain significantly lower than the perceived threat posed by India. These assessments reflect not just political tensions but broader societal attitudes, indicating that the fear of the other is deeply ingrained. Public sentiment towards the other nation is equally stark. Nearly nine in 10 Pakistanis hold an unfavorable view of India, with 73% characterizing their opinion as “very unfavorable.” This sentiment spans all demographics within Pakistan, suggesting that hostility toward India is not limited to any specific group. Similarly, 78% of Indians have an unfavorable view of Pakistan, with 65% holding a “very unfavorable” stance. However, there is some variation within India itself. Indian Muslims are somewhat more favorable toward Pakistan, with 21% expressing a positive view, compared to just 6% among Indian Hindus. This divergence highlights the complex interplay of religious identity and national allegiance in shaping perceptions. The survey also delves into the level of trust in the other country’s commitment to improving bilateral relations. Respondents in both nations largely believe their own government and populace are dedicated to fostering peaceful ties, yet they harbor doubts about the sincerity of the other side. In India, a majority of respondents assert that both the Indian government and people are committed to good relations with Pakistan. However, a majority of Pakistanis disagree, stating that neither the Indian government nor its people are sincere in their pursuit of improved ties. This lack of mutual trust exacerbates the cycle of hostility, making reconciliation difficult to achieve. Beyond the immediate bilateral relationship, the survey explores how each nation perceives global powers and regional allies. Pakistanis consistently rank China as their most important ally, with 75% citing Beijing as such, followed by Saudi Arabia at 12%. Meanwhile, Indians place greater emphasis on Russia, with 36% identifying Moscow as their top ally, while 16% name the United States. Notably, a third of Indians did not respond to the question about their preferred global partner. The survey also highlights the divergent views of the United States, with only 15% of Pakistanis holding a favorable opinion of America, despite the high-profile rapport between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Pakistan’s military chief, General Asim Munir. In contrast, 83% of Pakistanis express confidence in Chinese President Xi Jinping, underscoring the strategic importance of Sino-Pakistani relations. The findings reveal a broader pattern of skepticism toward foreign intervention and alignment. While Indians demonstrate more positive views of Russia and its leader, Vladimir Putin, compared to Pakistanis, the overall sentiment remains cautious. Only 23% of Indians hold a favorable view of China, whereas 25% trust Xi Jinping’s global leadership. In the United States, 45% of Americans view India favorably, while 50% hold an unfavorable opinion. This reflects the growing geopolitical significance of India, as its influence is increasingly recognized on the international stage. The survey also includes insights from other South Asian nations, revealing varied perspectives. Sri Lankans exhibit the highest levels of positivity toward India, with 79% expressing favorable views, while Bangladeshis and Pakistanis are more critical. Among the four countries surveyed, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, only 7% of Pakistanis hold a favorable view of India, highlighting the depth of the historical and cultural rift between them. These disparities underscore the complexity of regional dynamics and the challenges of building lasting diplomatic ties.
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