The Mood of a Nation
Hope leads the march, Doubt follows quietly behind
India walks into 2026 with optimism in its stride. An Ipsos survey places Indians among the world’s most hopeful, expecting global economic growth. Yet, beneath the largely optimistic response runs a current of concern too. Domestic recession fears, safety worries, market anxieties.
In this ICYMI report, we break down India's 2026 mindset: how confidence and concern are fighting for the driver's seat.
Optimism Runs Deep
The Future Feels Brighter in India
- 81% of Indians believe people in their country will feel more optimistic about the long-term future.
Globally, that confidence stands at just 52%.
Hope, it seems, is India’s strongest currency.
Betting Big on the World Economy
India’s Faith in a Stronger Global Tomorrow
- 82% of Indians expect the global economy to be stronger in 2026.
The global average? Only 49%.
While the world hesitates, India leans forward.
Peace on the Horizon?
A Nation That Believes in Endings
- 54% of Indians think the war in Ukraine will end in 2026.
Globally, just 29% share that belief.
India isn’t just hoping for peace — it’s betting on it.
A Nobel-Sized Dream
When Optimism Turns Bold
- 51% of Indians believe US President Donald Trump could win the Nobel Peace Prize.
The global figure stands far lower at 21%.
In India, expectations don’t whisper — they declare.
The Safety Question
Confidence Meets Caution
- 55% of Indians fear the area they live in will be less safe than in 2025.
Globally, this concern stands at 46%.
Progress feels close — but security feels fragile.
Recession Anxiety
The Economy’s Shadow Side
- 56% of Indians worry their country could face a recession.
Globally, 48% share this fear.
Even in optimism, caution keeps its seat at the table.
Market Crash Fears
When Bulls Fear the Fall
- 55% of Indians believe major stock markets could crash.
Worldwide, this worry stands at 39%.
Hope rises high, but risk is never far behind.
The Terror Threat
The Fear That Lingers
- 53% of Indians fear a major terrorist attack in their country.
Globally, only 29% feel the same.
Some anxieties don’t fade with the calendar.
The Year of Duality
India enters 2026 with its heart full of confidence and its mind full of questions.
It believes in growth, peace, and global recovery — yet braces for recession, insecurity, and shock
A nation dreaming big. A nation preparing hard.
That’s India’s bet for 2026.