New Delhi: Young Indians have expressed strong support for India’s Operation Sindoor and favoured a more assertive approach against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, according to the Foreign Policy Survey 2025 released by the Observer Research Foundation (Observer Research Foundation) on Wednesday.
The survey, titled Foreign Policy Survey 2025: Young India and the Middle East, was conducted across 19 Indian cities between October 8 and November 26, 2025, covering more than 5,000 respondents aged between 18 and 35.
Strong backing for national security actions
The findings show that support for India’s foreign policy remains “very high” among urban youth. Respondents strongly endorsed India’s retaliatory action against cross-border terrorism under Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22, 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives.
The survey notes that young Indians view Operation Sindoor, along with India’s global diplomatic outreach through multi-party delegations, as an effective response to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
A majority of respondents also supported the government’s decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance following the attack.
The operation is referenced in the report alongside broader security concerns, including ongoing tensions with Pakistan and China, identified as the two most significant national security challenges for India.
Support for global institutional reform
The report highlights strong youth backing for reforms in global governance, particularly for expanding the United Nations Security Council and granting India permanent membership.
Respondents also showed continued support for multilateral engagement, including institutions such as the United Nations.
Shifting global alignments
The survey indicates evolving perceptions of India’s global partnerships. While the United States had previously been viewed as India’s most trusted partner, its standing declined in this edition. Instead, Russia and Japan emerged as the most reliable partners in the eyes of respondents.
At the same time, confidence in BRICS as an alternative to Western-led global systems remains strong among Indian youth.
Rising importance of the Middle East
A key highlight of the survey is the growing strategic and economic importance of the Middle East in the worldview of young Indians.
Respondents identified initiatives such as IMEEC and I2U2 as crucial for strengthening regional cooperation and supporting India’s economic ambitions. Middle Eastern cities were widely seen as emerging hubs of economic growth and technological innovation.
The Indian diaspora in the region was also recognised as a major contributor to regional development.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerged as one of the most positively perceived countries in the region. The survey includes a dedicated “UAE Spotlight” section, noting strong youth support for deeper economic cooperation and the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Respondents believe closer engagement with the UAE could play a significant role in India’s long-term economic growth and prosperity.
About the survey
Since its launch in 2021, the ORF Foreign Policy Survey has tracked the evolving perspectives of young Indians on global affairs, covering themes such as the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s 75th year of independence, multilateralism, and the China challenge.