Growing Global Trust in India Under PM Modi's Leadership

A recent survey by the Lowy Institute highlights the growing trust in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. With 50% of Australians expressing confidence in India compared to lower trust levels in the USA, China, and Russia, this reflects India's rising global significance. Despite being in power for 12 years, PM Modi maintains a high approval rating, showcasing his enduring influence. The article delves into the survey findings and compares leadership stability in India with frequent changes in other countries, emphasizing Modi's unique position on the world stage.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 24, 2026, 16:30 IST

Rising Popularity of PM Modi

In recent years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity has surged globally, reflecting an increasing trust in India on the world stage. As India progresses towards becoming the world's third-largest economy, it stands out as one of the few reliable nations. This was confirmed by a recent survey conducted by the Lowy Institute in Australia.

Survey Insights

According to the survey results released on June 23, 50% of Australians expressed greater trust in India under PM Modi compared to the leadership of Donald Trump in the USA, Xi Jinping in China, and Vladimir Putin in Russia. In contrast, only 31% of respondents trusted the United States, while trust in China and Russia was reported at 28% and 11%, respectively. This highlights India's growing significance on the global stage.

Perceptions of Responsibility

The Lowy Institute survey also revealed that 46% of Australians believe that "India will act responsibly in the world, and they have some level of trust in this." Additionally, 4% of Australians have a high level of confidence in India's leadership. The report indicates that Australians are cautious regarding the two superpowers, with diminishing trust in both the USA and China. Trust in the USA has dropped to 31%, marking the lowest level recorded in the Lowy Institute poll.

PM Modi's Tenure

Despite being in power for 12 consecutive years, PM Modi has maintained global confidence in his leadership. A survey from the 'Morning Consult Global Leader Approval Tracker' last year indicated that PM Modi's approval rating stood at 75%, the highest in the world. Notably, this marked the fifth consecutive time that the Indian Prime Minister topped this list. Since taking office, PM Modi has set the record for the longest-serving elected Prime Minister. In contrast, many countries have seen frequent leadership changes during his tenure. For instance, Australia has had three Prime Ministers since 2016: Malcolm Turnbull, Scott Morrison, and the current PM, Anthony Albanese. Similarly, the United Kingdom has seen five Prime Ministers in the same period: Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and Keir Starmer, who has also resigned, paving the way for a new successor. The United States has also experienced leadership changes since PM Modi's first term began in 2014, when Barack Obama was President. Donald Trump took office in 2016 but lost to Joe Biden in the 2020 election, although Trump is expected to return for a second term in 2024.