India Ranks 2nd Globally in Trust in Democracy: 74% of Citizens Express Satisfaction with Democratic Governance in 2025
1. Introduction: India’s Trust in Democracy Shines Bright in a Shifting Global Landscape
In an era marked by political polarisation and rising scepticism across democracies, the fact that India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy is a remarkable milestone. According to the Spring 2025 Global Attitudes Survey by Pew Research Center, 74% of Indians expressed satisfaction with how democracy works in the country—just a notch below Sweden’s 75%. This overwhelming faith signals a strong social contract between the government and its people, reaffirming India’s democratic maturity.
2. Understanding the Survey: What Makes This Ranking So Significant
When the report states that India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy, it reflects a population’s confidence not just in the process of elections, but in the everyday functioning of democratic institutions. In a survey involving numerous global democracies, India stood out for the sheer strength of citizen approval and the optimism in its democratic direction.
3. India’s Historical Tryst with Democracy: A Legacy Honoured
The reason India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy is rooted in its historic commitment since independence. From conducting the world’s largest elections to allowing a vibrant multiparty system, India has respected the foundational principles of adult franchise, free speech, and constitutional governance.
4. Citizen Participation: The Heartbeat Behind the High Ranking
A big reason why India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy is the active and enthusiastic participation of its citizens in the democratic process. With over 900 million eligible voters and consistently high voter turnouts, democracy in India is not just a governance model—it’s a lived experience.
5. Digital Democracy: The Technological Backbone of Governance
The digital revolution has amplified citizen voices, ensuring that India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy. With platforms like MyGov, UPI-backed welfare disbursement, and real-time grievance redressal portals, technology has bridged the gap between the people and policymakers.
6. Inclusion and Representation: Democracy for Every Indian
One of the strongest reasons India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy is because it strives to be a democracy for all—irrespective of caste, gender, religion, or geography. Reservations in Parliament for women and SC/ST communities, regional political empowerment, and grassroots panchayati raj institutions ensure broad-based representation.
7. Modi Government’s Popular Mandate: A Leadership Trusted
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the country has seen historic mandates that reflect popular trust. This is one of the key reasons India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy—when citizens feel heard, represented, and empowered, democratic faith grows stronger.
8. Transparency in Public Delivery Systems: Building Democratic Trust
Welfare delivery systems like DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) have ensured leak-proof governance, helping solidify why India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy. The reduction of corruption in public schemes and efficient targeting of beneficiaries has renewed people's faith in institutions.
9. The Role of Youth in Strengthening Indian Democracy
India’s youth is a major driving force behind the fact that India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy. The country’s Gen Z and millennials are politically aware, active on digital platforms, and keen participants in elections and policy debates.
10. Global Democracies in Decline: A Stark Contrast
While some democracies have seen a drop in trust due to misinformation, polarisation, and governance paralysis, India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy because it has kept its democratic engine running despite internal and external challenges.
11. Role of Judiciary and Constitutional Bodies in Preserving Trust
Strong and independent institutions like the Election Commission, Supreme Court, and CAG are foundational to why India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy. They provide checks and balances, safeguard civil liberties, and ensure the rule of law.
12. Media and Free Speech: Catalysts of Public Engagement
A vibrant and active press landscape, coupled with freedom of expression on digital platforms, contributes to why India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy. Even when contested, these spaces create opportunities for debate, reform, and citizen awareness.
13. Regional Inclusiveness: Democracy from Kashmir to Kanyakumari
The federal nature of Indian democracy, where states wield strong autonomy, plays a significant role in ensuring India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy. Regional languages, cultures, and identities find representation in policymaking like nowhere else in the world.
14. Electoral Reforms and Voter Confidence
The continuous reform of the electoral process—be it VVPAT machines, online electoral rolls, or stricter spending audits—explains why India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy. When people trust the process, they trust the outcome.
15. Rise of Civil Society Movements and Public Accountability
Be it RTI activists, environmental advocates, or anti-corruption movements, the presence of an active civil society is one of the reasons India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy. The right to dissent is protected and often encouraged.
16. Social Media’s Role in Shaping Political Awareness
In the digital era, platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube have made politics a dinner table conversation. This awareness has fuelled the fact that India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy, especially among urban and semi-urban youth.
17. Performance-Oriented Governance Builds Faith
From Swachh Bharat to Jal Jeevan Mission and PMAY (Housing for All), when citizens see tangible results from policies, trust increases. This output legitimacy is a key reason India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy.
18. Disaster Response and Welfare: Strengthening the Social Contract
India’s swift pandemic response, economic stimulus packages, and massive vaccination drives ensured that the government was seen as dependable in crisis. Such consistent delivery ensures India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy.
19. Women Participation and Empowerment in Politics
With record representation of women in both Parliament and state assemblies, along with schemes tailored to their upliftment, it’s evident why India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy. Empowered citizens mean stronger democracies.
20. India’s Rise on Global Indexes: Democracy Gets International Recognition
From being the fastest-growing major economy to hosting the G20 Summit, India’s rise on global platforms echoes the sentiment that India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy, positioning it as a model among emerging nations.
21. Democratic Reforms in Jammu & Kashmir: Expanding the Democratic Space
The extension of constitutional rights and democratic representation in Jammu & Kashmir post-2019 is one of the reasons India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy. For the first time in decades, panchayati raj institutions are functioning with full participation.
22. Foreign Investment and Global Trust in India’s Stability
FDI inflows and global companies expanding in India signal trust not just in the economy but in its governance. It further solidifies why India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy—because economic stability often mirrors political trust.
23. Education and Literacy Uplift Political Consciousness
Literacy drives, digital literacy campaigns, and the new National Education Policy have ensured informed voters. This educational awakening is a subtle reason India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy, especially in rural India.
24. Democratising Innovation and Startups: Power to the People
India’s booming startup ecosystem is also democratising economic participation. With ease of doing business and startup support, citizens feel economically empowered—another pillar supporting why India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy.
25. Public Surveys and Feedback Loops: Constantly Listening to the People
Platforms like PM U-WIN, MyGov, and citizen surveys mean the government is constantly tuning in. This participatory governance model is why India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy, showing people that their voice truly matters.
26. Comparing with Other Nations: What India Is Doing Right
While many democracies are struggling with populism, voter fatigue, and institutional erosion, India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy because it has managed to balance strong leadership with participatory frameworks.
27. India’s Unique Blend: Cultural Diversity Within Democratic Unity
India’s ability to host multiple religions, languages, and customs under a single democratic framework is unmatched. This pluralism explains why India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy—unity in diversity is not just a slogan, but a lived reality.
28. A Message to the World: Democracy Can Thrive in the Global South
India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy, offering a blueprint for other developing nations. It proves that democracy is not a Western monopoly—it can evolve and flourish in the Global South with scale, innovation, and cultural alignment.
29. Challenges Ahead: Strengthening What Works
While India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy, challenges remain—media polarisation, rural internet access, and electoral financing need continuous improvement. The key lies in learning, reforming, and staying open to criticism.
30. Conclusion: The World’s Largest Democracy, and One of the Most Trusted
As India celebrates this global recognition, the journey is far from over. The fact that India ranks 2nd globally in trust in democracy is both an honour and a responsibility. It reminds every stakeholder—citizen, civil servant, politician, or activist—that democracy is not just a system, but a daily commitment to fairness, justice, and progress.
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