Colombo, August 17: India continues to enjoy a highly positive image in Sri Lanka, with 79 per cent of respondents expressing a favourable opinion of India, according to a new international survey.

The findings are part of the 2026 Global Attitudes Survey by the Pew Research Center, which covered more than 42,000 people across 36 countries between February and May this year.

Sri Lanka recorded the strongest favourable view of India among the countries surveyed. About 63 per cent of Sri Lankan respondents also described India as an important ally, highlighting the strength of public sentiment towards the neighbouring country.

The positive perception comes against the backdrop of close and growing cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. The two countries have worked together across several areas, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, energy, transport and livelihood development.

India's support during Sri Lanka's economic crisis in 2022 also played an important role in strengthening bilateral relations. Assistance provided during the difficult period helped address immediate economic and humanitarian needs and reinforced India's role as a close regional partner.

Beyond emergency assistance, India's development cooperation with Sri Lanka has focused on projects that directly affect communities. Housing, education, healthcare, transport, energy and livelihood initiatives have been implemented in different parts of the island, with an emphasis on local requirements.

The relationship between the two countries also benefits from longstanding cultural and people-to-people connections. Trade, tourism, connectivity and energy cooperation continue to provide additional areas for closer engagement.

The survey offers a wider perspective on India's international image. Across the 36 countries covered, the median share of respondents with a favourable opinion of India stood at 45 per cent, significantly below the figure recorded in Sri Lanka.

The findings underline the importance of India's relationship with Sri Lanka and the goodwill that has developed through years of engagement. Continued cooperation in economic development, infrastructure and community-focused projects could further deepen ties between the two neighbours.

The strong public sentiment towards India reflects more than diplomatic relations; it also highlights the impact of sustained cooperation between the people of both countries. As India and Sri Lanka expand their economic and development partnerships, this goodwill could provide a strong foundation for deeper and more mutually beneficial relations in the future.