Dbarta24 International Desk — Public perception among South Asian nations has experienced significant shifts since 2024, with only a quarter of adult Indians holding a favorable view of Bangladesh, according to a recent survey conducted by the Washington-based Pew Research Center.
In contrast, majorities in Pakistan (66%) and Sri Lanka (56%) express positive sentiments toward Bangladesh.
The findings highlight evolving geopolitical dynamics, regional alliances, and historical sentiment across Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Shifting Regional Perceptions
According to the survey, favorable views of India among Bangladeshis have dropped by 15 percentage points since 2024, with 42% of Bangladeshis currently expressing a positive attitude toward their neighboring country.
Conversely, Bangladesh’s warm sentiment toward Sri Lanka saw a 14 percentage point increase.
In Sri Lanka, favorable perception of Bangladesh grew by 9 percentage points over the same period. However, Indian sentiment toward Bangladesh experienced a 10 percentage point decline.
Views on Pakistan and India
Warm feelings toward Pakistan have surged in both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Currently, 57% of Sri Lankans and 54% of Bangladeshis view Pakistan favorably—up from 44% and 40% in 2024, respectively.
In stark contrast, only 8% of Indians hold a positive view of Pakistan, with two-thirds of Indian Muslims expressing a negative view toward the country.
Meanwhile, India enjoys strong public support in Sri Lanka, where 63% of adults view India favorably and identify it as their most important regional ally. In Pakistan, a mere 7% view India in a positive light.
Allies vs. Threat Perception
When asked to identify primary regional threats, a major conflict in public perception emerges:
-
Bangladesh and Pakistan: A majority of respondents in both nations perceive India as their biggest regional security threat.
-
India: A vast majority of respondents in India identify Pakistan as their primary threat.
-
Sri Lanka: 63% of respondents consider India a key ally rather than a threat.
Demographics and Educational Correlation
The Pew Research study also identified demographics and education level as notable factors shaping regional attitudes:
-
Education: Across Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, individuals with at least a secondary education demonstrated significantly higher favorability toward Sri Lanka compared to those without secondary education.
-
Age: While overall sentiment toward Pakistan remains exceptionally low in India across all demographics, minor flexibility was observed among younger adults under the age of 35.
The Pew Research Center’s findings reflect complex foreign policy realities and shifting public opinions across South Asia.
As political and economic interactions continue to evolve, public sentiment across these four nations underscores the delicate balance of regional diplomacy and threat perceptions.