Sri Lanka Emerges as South Asia’s Most Positively Viewed Country

Sri Lanka has emerged as the only South Asian country to receive more positive than negative views across all three neighbouring countries surveyed, according to a new study by the Pew Research Center.

The Spring 2026 Global Attitudes Survey examined public perceptions of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, finding that around half of respondents in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan held favourable views of Sri Lanka, while a third or fewer expressed unfavourable opinions.

Sri Lanka also recorded strong positive perceptions of its neighbours. 79% of Sri Lankans viewed India favourably, while 57% expressed a positive view of Pakistan and 56% viewed Bangladesh favourably. India was also identified by 63% of Sri Lankans as the country’s most important ally.

The survey highlighted significant differences in regional perceptions. India received a 79% favourable rating in Sri Lanka, compared with 42% in Bangladesh and just 7% in Pakistan. Pakistan, meanwhile, was viewed favourably by 57% of Sri Lankans and 54% of Bangladeshis, but only 8% of Indians.

Pew Research surveyed 2,513 people in Sri Lanka, 3,566 in India, 1,044 in Bangladesh and 1,039 in Pakistan between February and May 2026.

The findings offer a snapshot of regional public opinion and underscore Sri Lanka’s comparatively positive image among its South Asian neighbours.