What young Indians really think about India’s foreign policy

What Young Indians Really Think About India’s Foreign Policy

What young Indians really think about – A significant evolution in India’s foreign policy discourse over the last decade has shifted toward a more people-focused approach. Policymakers can no longer ignore domestic political pressures or public opinion when shaping the country’s international stance. This change has forced a reassessment of India’s global strategies, aligning them more closely with the priorities of its citizens rather than solely with traditional diplomatic frameworks.

Survey Highlights Youth Perspectives on West Asia

The ORF’s Foreign Policy Survey 2025, titled Young India and the Middle East, aimed to gauge the views of India’s younger generation through a sample of over 5,000 individuals aged 18 to 35. This edition spotlighted West Asia, a region that has become central to India’s economic expansion. The survey tracked how youth perceive foundational questions about India’s foreign policy, revealing a growing emphasis on regional dynamics and security concerns.

The survey emphasized the importance of understanding how young people interpret India’s role in global affairs, highlighting their evolving priorities in the context of rising economic influence.

Persisting Security Challenges and Public Support

The Pahalgam attack in 2025 underscored ongoing threats from cross-border terrorism originating in Pakistan, which the survey identified as the top security challenge for India. Border disputes with China followed closely. In response, the Indian government redefined its national security approach, framing Operation Sindoor as a long-term strategy against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism rather than a temporary measure. The survey found strong backing from youth for this policy shift and India’s stance on Pakistan.

US Perception Shifts Amid Tumultuous Relations

The survey was released during US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to India in late May 2025, marking his first major engagement as part of President Donald Trump’s administration. This followed vice-president JD Vance’s earlier trip in April. The year proved volatile for India-US ties, with Trump’s role in the India-Pakistan ceasefire, criticism over India’s Russian oil purchases, and new trade tariffs influencing public sentiment. Youth satisfaction with India-US relations fell sharply to 56%, down from 83% the previous year, while Russia and Japan emerged as the most favored foreign partners.

Public Perception as a Key Driver of Foreign Policy

As India’s economic growth accelerates, its global influence is expanding. However, tangible power alone isn’t enough to define foreign policy success. The way citizens perceive the world and India’s position within it now plays a critical role. In democracies, foreign policy is shaped by both institutional goals and the aspirations of the public. The growing integration of domestic discourse with international engagement means understanding youth perspectives on global issues is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity.

Harsh V Pant is vice president, and Sayantan Haldar is associate fellow with the Strategic Studies Programme, ORF. The views expressed are personal.