Where Does India Stand in Free Speech Ranking?

Free Speech More of Aspiration Than Guaranteed Right, Says Report

March 20, 2025

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India ranks 24th out of 33 countries on the “Future of Free Speech” index, which measures global support for free speech and identifies which topics people believe should be open for discussion and criticism. The report show that while many Indians express belief in the importance of free speech, the country’s legal and political environment does not reflect these sentiments.

The report suggests that despite public enthusiasm, institutional safeguards for free expression are weak, and speech-related restrictions continue to exist in the country. This discrepancy between what people believe and what is practiced places India among nations where free speech is more of an aspiration than a guaranteed right.

Although many Indians feel that their ability to express themselves freely has improved, external assessments suggest otherwise. The report points out that free speech in India has been facing increasing constraints. This perception of progress among citizens may stem from a growing online presence and engagement in debates, but in reality, legal measures and regulatory actions have made public discourse more restricted, according to the report.

The contradiction between what people feel and what global indices report indicates that legal and institutional limitations on free speech have deepened despite a sense of greater openness in personal conversations and digital spaces.

Concerns over media and internet censorship have intensified in India. The country’s score on the Press Freedom Index by Reporters without Borders dropped from 36.62 in 2023 to 31.28 in 2024, signalling increasing government interference in journalism, notes the study. The Freedom House’s Freedom of Expression and Belief subindex also fell from 9 to 8, reinforcing concerns that press and online freedom are being curbed.

These trends indicate growing challenges for journalists and independent media, with stricter regulations on reporting and growing restrictions on digital platforms.

Government control over sensitive content remains a major factor shaping India’s free speech environment. A significant share of Indians believe the government should have the authority to prevent media organisations from publishing information related to national security issues. This puts India in the same category as countries like Pakistan, Turkey and Malaysia, where state intervention in media content is more common.

When it comes to tolerance for controversial speech, Indian attitudes are mixed. Many people oppose restrictions on criticism of government policies, indicating a strong belief in political accountability. However, support for restricting speech that is offensive to religion or minority groups remains high.

The report also notes an increase in tolerance for statements supporting homosexuality, though the issue remains sensitive. These variations suggest that while Indians value some aspects of free expression, they are more cautious when speech touches on religious, social, or cultural sensitivities.

India stands out in the debate over regulation of generative AI, with a notable proportion of its population opposing any regulation at all. While most countries in the survey favour a model where both tech companies and governments oversee AI-generated content, India, along with Pakistan and Venezuela, has a significant share of people who prefer no regulation.

This contrasts with its stance on traditional media censorship, showing that public opinion on speech regulation depends on the medium in question.