India, the world’s largest democracy, has received positive news from a global survey conducted by the Pew Research Center (PRC). According to their Spring 2025 Global Attitudes Survey, 74% of Indians are satisfied with how their system of democracy is working. This places India second in the world, just behind Sweden, where 75% of people feel satisfied.
In an era when many people in affluent countries are dissatisfied with democracy, India stands out as a notable exception. The survey covered 23 countries and found that India, along with Sweden, Indonesia, Mexico, and the Netherlands, is one of the few countries where people are happy with both democracy and the economy.
The report highlights that in many countries, people’s satisfaction with democracy is closely linked to how they feel about the economy. If people believe the economy is doing well, they are more likely to trust and support their democratic system. India fits this pattern, as many citizens see both the economy and democracy in a good light.
In comparison:
- In Indonesia, 66% of people are satisfied with democracy.
- In Mexico, 51% are satisfied.
- In the Netherlands, 60% are satisfied.
The survey also found that in many high-income countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, and Japan, a majority of people feel dissatisfied with how democracy is working in their nations. In fact, in these 12 high-income countries, only 35% of people are happy with their democracy, while 64% are not.
However, the survey shows that elections can have a big impact on how people feel. For example, in the UK, satisfaction with democracy grew among Labour Party supporters after they won the election and ended 14 years of Conservative rule. Similarly, in the US, Republicans became more satisfied after winning control of the presidency, Senate, and House of Representatives in the 2025 elections.
Overall, the global picture shows growing concerns about democracy in many parts of the world. But India, with over 99 crore (990 million) voters, continues to be a positive example of a large and functioning democratic system, one that its people believe in.
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