India’s Optimism Rises After Operation Sindoor

India has experienced a measurable increase in national optimism, as highlighted by the May edition of the Ipsos What Worries the World survey. This global public opinion study, which covers sentiment across 30 countries, places India at fourth position globally in terms of optimism. The recent rise of three percentage points—up from 62 per cent to 65 per cent—comes in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, a counter-terror response to the Pahalgam attack in April that resulted in the tragic loss of 26 civilians.

The public’s reaction to the military action appears to have played a significant role in boosting national sentiment. The survey’s findings indicate a growing trust in India’s leadership and armed forces, despite the country’s continued challenges.

Operation Sindoor: Restoring Confidence After the Pahalgam Tragedy

The deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 cast a dark shadow, claiming the lives of innocent civilians and shocking the nation. In response, India initiated Operation Sindoor, a swift military action that aimed to address the perceived external threat. The strategic handling of this operation seems to have reinforced public confidence in the nation’s ability to respond decisively to acts of violence.

According to Amit Adarkar, CEO of Ipsos India, the execution of Operation Sindoor contributed significantly to restoring faith in both the government and the defense institutions. “It has shown that the administration is capable of tackling external threats in the interest of citizens and national security,” he remarked. This perception appears to have resonated with the public, as reflected in the recent uptick in optimism.

India’s Position on the Global Optimism Index

With 65 per cent of respondents stating that India is “heading in the right direction,” the country ranks fourth globally in optimism, following Singapore (77 per cent), Malaysia (69 per cent), and Indonesia (67 per cent). Other countries that appear among the top tier include Argentina (56 per cent), Thailand (45 per cent), and Mexico (45 per cent), most of which are located in the Global South.

The broader global scenario is less positive. On average, only 37 per cent of citizens globally believe their nations are moving in the right direction. This contrast illustrates the unique mood in India at the time of the survey and places the country’s sentiment in a significantly more favorable position than that of many developed economies.

Public Sentiment Reflects Strength Amid Uncertainty

The upward trend in India’s optimism is not only driven by the national response to terror but also by an overall narrative of resilience. Following months of economic and geopolitical uncertainty, Indian citizens appear to be finding a renewed sense of direction. While issues like inflation, unemployment, and corruption remain persistent concerns, the broader sentiment suggests a public that is more hopeful and trusting of institutional capabilities.

The Ipsos survey is not limited to tracking optimism alone. It also measures the intensity and variation of national concerns across different categories, revealing deep insights into the evolving priorities of citizens.

Terrorism Climbs as a Key Public Concern in India

One of the most significant shifts in the latest survey is the sharp increase in public concern about terrorism. The April attack in Pahalgam clearly influenced this change, pushing terrorism into the third spot among India’s top national concerns. The number of respondents citing terrorism as a major issue rose by 11 percentage points, reaching 26 per cent—its highest level since October 2019.

This resurgence of concern highlights how security issues can shape public discourse rapidly, especially when coupled with visible national responses like Operation Sindoor. While the military engagement likely restored confidence, the public remains vigilant about ongoing threats.

Inflation and Unemployment Continue to Dominate Concerns

Despite the growing concern about terrorism, inflation and unemployment remain the top two issues on the minds of Indian citizens. In the May 2025 survey, 37 per cent of respondents pointed to inflation as their primary concern, while 33 per cent identified unemployment. Notably, both of these concerns saw a modest decline of two percentage points compared to the previous month, signaling a slight easing in public anxiety over economic pressures.

Although the decreases are not dramatic, they could indicate improved perceptions of economic stability or better policy communication from relevant authorities. Either way, the shift aligns with the rise in national optimism, suggesting that many Indians feel more hopeful about economic recovery and job opportunities.

Other Pressing Issues: Crime, Corruption, and Governance

In addition to terrorism, inflation, and unemployment, the Ipsos survey also captured other ongoing concerns among Indian citizens. Crime and violence ranked fourth, with 25 per cent of respondents marking it as a key issue. Meanwhile, political and financial corruption remains a consistent worry for 21 per cent of those surveyed.

These statistics provide a layered picture of public sentiment. While optimism is on the rise, significant segments of the population continue to be concerned about systemic issues that affect daily life. Addressing these concerns may be critical for maintaining and improving public confidence in the long term.

A Global Perspective: Optimism and Anxiety Across Continents

The survey paints a more complex picture on the global stage. While India and several Southeast Asian countries lead in optimism, many countries are facing declining public confidence. At the bottom of the global optimism index are Peru (9 per cent), South Korea (15 per cent), and France (19 per cent). These nations are struggling with a range of issues—from political instability and economic stagnation to social unrest—that are likely contributing to their low scores.

Globally, the most common concerns identified by citizens include inflation (33 per cent), crime and violence (33 per cent), poverty and social inequality (29 per cent), unemployment (27 per cent), and corruption (26 per cent). These issues reflect the ongoing struggle of nations to balance economic stability, public safety, and governance.

The Role of Government and Institutions in Shaping Sentiment

The results of the Ipsos survey suggest that the credibility of institutions and governments can significantly influence public mood. In India’s case, the decisive action following the Pahalgam incident appears to have been a catalyst for renewed faith in national direction.

It also highlights the importance of transparency, communication, and decisive leadership in managing crises. Whether it is about tackling terrorism, stabilizing inflation, or curbing unemployment, the Indian public seems to respond positively when institutions take action that aligns with public expectations.

A Nation More Hopeful, Yet Cautious

India’s upward movement in the global optimism index marks a notable moment in its public narrative. The rise from 62 to 65 per cent in national optimism reflects a society that, while aware of its challenges, is also seeing promise in how those challenges are being addressed. Operation Sindoor—though born from tragedy—has become a symbol of national resilience and responsive governance.

Still, the public’s concerns are far from resolved. The fear of terrorism is resurging, and traditional issues like unemployment and corruption continue to persist. In this context, India stands as a country cautiously hopeful—a democracy navigating complex terrain, supported by public sentiment that is, for now, more confident than it has been in recent months.

As the global landscape evolves, keeping a finger on the pulse of public opinion through tools like the Ipsos survey becomes ever more essential. For India, the latest data provides both reassurance and a reminder: optimism must be sustained through action, not just reaction.