India Slips to Third Place in Edelman Trust Barometer 2025 Rankings
The Edelman Trust Barometer 2025, an annual survey by the global communications firm Edelman, revealed key insights into public trust levels in government, businesses, media, and NGOs. This year, India has slipped one rank to the third spot globally in terms of overall trust, despite its score remaining unchanged. The study, released ahead of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, highlighted significant disparities in trust levels across income groups and nations.
India ranked third globally in terms of trust in institutions (government, businesses, media, and NGOs). The top three positions were as follows:
The survey emphasized a stark gap between the high-income and low-income populations:
Income Group | Rank | Trust Level |
---|---|---|
High-Income Population | 4th | 80% |
Low-Income Population | 3rd | 65% |
This 15% trust gap highlights economic inequality and its impact on perceptions of institutional credibility.
The survey revealed a stark contrast between trust levels in developed and developing nations:
Developing Nations:
Developed Nations:
This data highlights a trend of higher institutional trust in developing countries as compared to wealthier nations.
The survey uncovered widespread dissatisfaction with economic disparities.
The study flagged a rise in global grievance, with 6 in 10 respondents expressing a belief that governments and businesses serve narrow, elite interests, leaving the public behind.
The fear of discrimination has surged globally:
The survey also highlighted disturbing trends in activism:
53% of respondents aged 18-34 approved of hostile methods for change, including:
Amid rising polarization, 63% of respondents stated that it is increasingly difficult to differentiate between credible news and deceptive information.
Despite falling trust in other institutions, employees globally continue to trust their employers:
The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer underlines critical challenges for institutions worldwide. For India, maintaining public trust amid growing economic disparities and global mistrust in leadership presents an urgent task.
This year’s findings also emphasize the importance of addressing systemic inequalities and combating disinformation to restore public confidence in institutional leadership.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Why in News? | India slipped to 3rd position in the Edelman Trust Barometer 2025, revealing key global trust trends. |
Top 3 Global Rankings | 1. China 2. Indonesia 3. India |
India’s Trust Score | Score remained unchanged, but Indonesia overtook India for the 2nd spot due to an improved score. |
Trust in Indian Companies | India ranks 13th globally for trust in companies headquartered in India. Canada ranks 1st. |
Trust by Income Groups in India | High-Income Group: Ranked 4th globally with 80% trust. Low-Income Group: Ranked 3rd globally with 65% trust. Trust Gap: 15%. |
Trust Levels: Developing vs. Developed Nations | Developing Nations: China: 77% Indonesia: 76% India: 75% UAE: 72% Developed Nations: Japan: 37% (lowest) Germany: 41% UK: 43% US: 47% France: 48% |
Economic Inequality Perception | 67% believe the wealthy avoid fair taxation. 65% blame the wealthy for societal problems. |
Alarming Global Trends | – Grievance and mistrust: 69% worry about leaders misleading the public. – Fear of discrimination: 63% globally; highest surge (14%) in the US among whites. – Polarization: 53% of youth (18-34) approve hostile activism (e.g., online attacks, disinformation, violence). |
Confusion Over Information | 63% respondents find it harder to differentiate credible news from deceptive information. |
Trust in Employers | 75% employees globally trust their employers, making them the most trusted institution. |
Implications for India | India must address economic inequality, disinformation, and mistrust in leadership to maintain public confidence. |
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