Urban Indians continue to exhibit strong confidence in both the nation's future and its economy, even as pessimism grips much of the world, according to the latest Ipsos What Worries the World report for May 2026.
Optimism in India
The survey found that 73% of urban Indians believe the country is heading in the right direction, while 78% describe the current economic situation as good. These figures place India among the world's most optimistic countries, alongside Singapore, Malaysia, and Hungary.
The findings stand in sharp contrast to global sentiment. Across the 30 countries surveyed, only 39% of respondents believe their country is moving in the right direction.
Among the countries surveyed, France emerged as one of the most pessimistic nations, with 88% of respondents saying the country is on the wrong track.
Unemployment Remains Biggest Concern for Indians
The survey found that unemployment remains the biggest concern among urban Indians, cited by 46% of respondents. It was followed by financial and political corruption (30%), crime and violence (26%), education (25%), and poverty and social inequality (24%).
The findings suggest that while Indians remain confident about the country's economic direction, concerns around job creation, governance, public safety, access to quality education, and social disparities continue to shape public opinion and remain key areas demanding attention.
Global Worries
On the list of world worries, inflation emerged as the top worry for 32% of respondents, followed by crime and violence (31%), unemployment (29%), poverty and social inequality (29%), and financial or political corruption (27%). Only 21% of Indian respondents identified inflation as a major concern.
Healthcare as Another Concern Globally
India ranked lower than countries such as Hungary (67%), Poland (56%), Ireland (41%), Canada (40%), and the United Kingdom (36%), where healthcare concerns were significantly higher. Only 20% of Indian respondents identified healthcare as a major worry, below the global average of 24%.
Suresh Ramalingam, CEO of Ipsos India, said: "The findings show that public concern in India is closely aligned with lived experience."
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