India has emerged as a leader in global trust, securing the third position worldwide in the 2026 Edelman Trust Index. The findings, highlighted by Yu Jing, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in India, on social media platform X, underscore India's strong public confidence in its institutions.
The Edelman Trust Index, a key metric from the annual Edelman Trust Barometer, assesses public trust in four core societal pillars: government, business, media, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). India's score of 74 places it closely behind the top-ranked nations.
Global Trust Leaders and Developed Economies
According to the 2026 data, China and the United Arab Emirates jointly topped the trust ranking with an impressive score of 80 each. India followed closely at 74 points, outperforming Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, which both registered 73 points.
Notably, developed economies recorded significantly lower trust scores. The Netherlands ranked sixth among the listed countries with 58 points, followed by Australia at 54. The United States recorded 47 points, while the United Kingdom scored 44. Japan placed last among the ten countries surveyed, with a trust score of 38.
Understanding the Edelman Trust Index
The Trust Index is calculated as the average percentage of respondents who express trust in institutions to "do what is right." This global survey is widely cited for its insights into public confidence and its impact on national progress.
High levels of trust are considered vital for societal advancement, acting as a catalyst for economic growth, attracting investment, facilitating policy reforms, and navigating periods of social or geopolitical uncertainty. Conversely, societies with low trust often grapple with increased political polarization, the spread of misinformation, and challenges to institutional credibility.