In a newly released international study, India ranks 24th out of 33 countries in support for free speech, according to the Future of Free Expression Index 2025, conducted by the U.S.-based independent think tank, The Future of Free Expression. The findings reveal growing concern about freedom of expression in democratic countries, with India showing a particularly sharp contrast between public values and actual legal safeguards.
Free Speech Rankings: Top Countries and Biggest Movers
The study, titled Who in the World Supports Free Speech?, ranks countries based on public attitudes toward freedom of expression, especially criticism of the government, controversial speech, and tolerance for dissenting views.
Top 5 Countries Supporting Free Speech:
| Rank | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norway | 87.9 |
| 2 | Denmark | 87.0 |
| 3 | Sweden | 86.2 |
| 4 | Hungary | 85.5 |
| 5 | Venezuela | 81.8 |
Surprisingly, countries like Hungary and Venezuela, typically viewed as authoritarian-leaning, ranked higher than many democracies.
India’s position:
-
Rank: 24 out of 33
-
Score: 62.6
-
Closest countries: South Africa (66.9), Lebanon (61.8)
-
Improved but still below global average in terms of tolerance for controversial or anti-government speech
India’s Performance on Free Speech: Mixed Signals
The study shows that Indians broadly support free speech in principle, but when it comes to criticism of government policies, there is lower tolerance:
-
37% of Indian respondents agreed that “governments should be able to prevent people from criticizing policies.”
-
This was the highest figure among all surveyed nations.
-
In contrast, only 5% in the UK and 3% in Denmark supported such government intervention.
This suggests a disconnect between support for free speech in theory versus its application in politically sensitive matters.
Pakistan Sees Unexpected Improvement
In a notable development, Pakistan scored 57.0, climbing several ranks from previous years. While it remains in the bottom half, its upward movement contrasts with declines in the United States, Israel, and Japan, which saw reduced public support for controversial speech.
Other countries showing gains:
-
Indonesia: 56.8
-
Malaysia: 55.4
These improvements suggest that even countries with limited legal protections are seeing increased public demand for expression rights.
Public Perception vs. Reality: India an Outlier
One of the report’s most telling observations is the mismatch between popular support and real-world conditions.
According to the authors:
“India, Hungary, and Venezuela constitute the most significant departures from the typical pattern, with actual free speech protection being very low in comparison to popular acceptance.”
This trend reflects what experts call democratic backsliding, where legal frameworks and press freedoms deteriorate, despite historical democratic traditions.
Has Free Speech Improved in India? Citizens vs. Experts
Interestingly, Indians and South Africans were among the few populations that felt free speech had improved in the past year. However, independent observers disagreed, suggesting that restrictions, censorship, and pressures on journalists are in fact worsening in India.
The Broader Message on Free Speech in 2025
Jacob Mchangama, the executive director of The Future of Free Expression, emphasized:
“Free speech is more than a legal right—it requires a culture of open debate and tolerance for dissent.”
The report warns that while many governments claim to protect free speech, their actions often undermine it, and public willingness to support controversial voices is declining globally.
FAQs
What is India’s rank in the global free speech index 2025?
India ranks 24th out of 33 countries, with a score of 62.6, reflecting moderate support for free expression but low tolerance for government criticism.
Which country topped the free speech index?
Norway topped the list with a score of 87.9, followed closely by Denmark (87.0) and Sweden (86.2).
Why is India’s free speech ranking controversial?
While Indians support general free speech, 37% support censorship of government criticism, the highest in the study. This makes India an outlier among democracies.
Has Pakistan improved in free speech support?
Yes, Pakistan showed improvement, scoring 57.0, a significant rise from previous years, although it still remains in the lower tier.
What does the study say about authoritarian countries?
Countries like Hungary and Venezuela scored unexpectedly high, indicating public support for speech, even when government actions contradict these views.
Do Indians feel free speech has improved?
Yes, many Indian respondents said their freedom to express political views has improved, though global observers disagree based on legal and journalistic indicators.
Click here to know more.