A new survey by the Observer Research Foundation, conducted across 19 Indian cities, shows that young Indians strongly support a tougher stance against cross-border terrorism and back the government's response to the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. More than 5,000 respondents aged 18 to 35 endorsed retaliatory measures against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and supported the decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty.

The findings highlight continued confidence among urban youth in India's foreign policy and a preference for cooperation through multilateral institutions such as the United Nations. Many participants also favoured reforms of the United Nations Security Council, including India securing permanent membership.

Cross-border terrorism from Pakistan and tensions with China were identified as the country’s most pressing security challenges. At the same time, respondents expressed growing confidence in groupings such as Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa as alternatives to Western-led global structures.

The Middle East was widely viewed as central to India’s future economic growth, with strong support for deeper engagement through regional economic corridors and partnerships. The United Arab Emirates emerged as one of the most positively viewed countries, with many backing closer economic cooperation between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi.