Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s growing global stature and India’s rising influence on the world stage have once again been reflected in an international survey, with a majority of Australians expressing greater trust in India than in other major global powers, including the United States, China and Russia.
According to the latest survey released by the Australia-based Lowy Institute on June 23, India has emerged as one of the most trusted nations among Australians. The poll found that 50 per cent of Australians trust India to act responsibly in global affairs, significantly ahead of the United States, which garnered the confidence of only 31 per cent respondents.
The survey also revealed that trust in China and Russia remains considerably lower, with 28 per cent of Australians expressing confidence in China and just 11 per cent in Russia. The findings underscore India's growing reputation as a reliable and responsible global partner at a time when geopolitical uncertainties continue to reshape international relations.
Breaking down the numbers further, the Lowy Institute reported that 46 per cent of Australians “somewhat trust” India to act responsibly in the world, while an additional 4 per cent said they have “a great deal of trust” in India’s leadership.
The report highlighted a broader trend of declining confidence in traditional superpowers. “Australians are wary of the two superpowers, placing low levels of trust in both the United States and China. Australians’ trust in the United States to act responsibly in the world has fallen to 31 per cent, the lowest level ever recorded in the Lowy Institute Poll,” the survey noted.
The latest findings add to a series of international surveys that have highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s popularity and approval ratings across the globe. Over the years, India’s diplomatic outreach, economic growth and strategic partnerships have contributed to strengthening the country’s international standing.
In 2025, the Morning Consult Global Leader Approval Tracker ranked PM Modi as the world’s most popular democratic leader, recording an approval rating of 75 per cent. It marked the fifth consecutive occasion on which the Indian Prime Minister topped the global rankings, reflecting sustained public confidence in his leadership.
Political analysts attribute this popularity to India’s expanding role in global governance, its economic resilience, and its growing influence in forums such as the G20, BRICS and the Quad.
Prime Minister Modi has remained at the helm of India’s government for the past 12 years, making him one of the longest-serving elected leaders among major democracies. His tenure has coincided with a period of significant geopolitical shifts, during which several countries have witnessed frequent leadership changes.
Australia, for instance, has had three prime ministers since 2016 — Malcolm Turnbull, Scott Morrison and the current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The United Kingdom has experienced even greater political turnover. Since 2016, the country has been led by Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer, reflecting a period of considerable political transition.
Similarly, the United States has undergone multiple changes in leadership since Modi first assumed office in 2014. Barack Obama was serving as US President when Modi was sworn in for his first term. Donald Trump succeeded Obama in 2016, before Joe Biden won the 2020 election. Trump later returned to the White House after securing victory in the 2024 presidential election.
As India moves closer to becoming the world’s third-largest economy, international confidence in the country continues to grow. The Lowy Institute survey reflects a broader recognition of India’s increasing role in global affairs, its stable leadership and its ability to engage with diverse partners across regions.
With trust levels surpassing those of several major powers among Australians, India’s diplomatic and economic influence appears set to strengthen further, reinforcing its position as an emerging pillar of stability and cooperation in an increasingly complex global landscape.
Leave Your Comment