Donald Trump or Vladimir Putin: Who do Indians have more confidence in to handle world affairs? Survey reveals….

Indian Confidence in Trump vs. Putin: Survey Highlights Global Leadership Perceptions

Theindiapostdaily.com – Donald Trump or Vladimir Putin? A recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center reveals a significant shift in how Indians perceive global leaders. The findings show that 76% of respondents expressed lack of confidence in U.S. President Donald Trump’s ability to manage international affairs, while 51% of participants trusted Russian President Vladimir Putin to handle global challenges effectively. This contrast highlights evolving Indian attitudes toward the U.S. and Russia in the context of world leadership.

The poll, which ran from February 8 to May 13, 2026, surveyed 42,151 individuals across 36 countries. It captures a broader trend in Indian sentiment toward U.S. policies, particularly those under Trump’s administration. The data also underscores the growing influence of geopolitical dynamics and economic considerations in shaping public opinion about international leaders.

“The Trump administration’s tariff policy emerged as one of its least popular measures, with only 18% of respondents approving of it,” the survey noted. This sentiment, combined with criticisms of his handling of conflicts like the Gaza Strip and Russia-Ukraine war, has contributed to a decline in trust. In contrast, Putin’s image as a decisive leader in global crises has maintained strong support in India, according to PTI.

Decline in Trust for Trump: A Global Trend

Indian trust in Donald Trump’s leadership has dropped sharply over the past year. In 16 out of 24 countries tracked, his approval ratings fell, with no nation reporting improvement. Previously, 51% of Indians had confidence in Trump, but this figure has now shifted, reflecting concerns about his policies and leadership style.

Key policies that drew criticism include Trump’s global tariff strategy, his approach to Venezuela and Iran, and the U.S.’s immigration policies. Only 32% of respondents approved of his immigration stance, while 17% supported his Venezuela policy and 28% backed his strategy toward Iran. His decisions to dismantle international aid agencies like USAID also faced mixed reactions, with limited support from the Indian public.