India ranks 4th in media trust and 5th in government trust globally
In a notable development, India has emerged as a global leader in trust, particularly in its confidence in businesses and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This finding comes from the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer, an annual online survey now in its 24th year, which was conducted between November 3 and November 22, 2023​​​​.

The survey, which included over 32,000 respondents from 28 countries, is representative of the general population across various demographics within each country. The Trust Index, a key measure of the survey, is the average percent trust in NGOs, business, government, and media​​.

According to the 2024 report, India scored an impressive 76 on the Trust Index, marking a significant increase from its 2023 score of 73. This places India in the 2nd position globally, just behind China, which retains the top spot. Notably, India's score surpassed that of many developed nations, reflecting a broader trend where developing countries are increasingly outpacing developed ones in overall trust perception​​.

While India leads in trust in businesses and NGOs, it ranks 4th in media trust and 5th in government trust. This is part of a global pattern of skepticism towards institutions, with 63% of respondents globally expressing concerns about intentional misinformation by government leaders. 

The survey also indicates a general distrust in governments, encompassing 17 of the 28 surveyed countries, including the US, Germany, and the UK​​.
India also saw an 8 point increase to 82% in business government technology driven collaboration preference by the public. 

A remarkable aspect of the survey is the parity observed between trust in peers and scientists, particularly concerning new innovations and technologies. This reflects a shift in the dispersion of authority, underscoring the evolving dynamics of trust in the modern world​​.

In summary, the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer positions India at the forefront in terms of global trust in businesses and NGOs, signifying its rising stature and credibility on the global stage. This development highlights the country's dynamic role in shaping global perceptions and trust in institutions.