The Generation We Keep Underestimating

The easy conclusion to draw is that India's Gen Z is angry, restless, and focused only on their immediate concerns. However, I had a chance to look through a recent survey by the India Israel Centre, which reveals something more intriguing and somewhat reassuring. This generation, which can mobilise quickly around domestic issues, also has a well-formed, clear view of India's interests in a rather turbulent world. There are three points from the survey to take note of that stand in the face of the lazy caricature many often accept.

The second notable finding concerns how Gen Z views the country's relationships with other nations. When asked which power is most helpful to India today, they placed Russia first, the US second, and Israel third, ahead of every other nation named. This ranking closely matches the priorities identified by India's broader strategic community. Of course, one may debate the positions, but the point falls through. It reflects a thoughtful understanding of the world, recognising Russia's ongoing role as a defence supplier and a counter to western pressure, the significance of the American relationship, and the growing importance of Israel in areas where India seeks to enhance its capabilities.

Behind this ranking is a working understanding of how Indian foreign policy operates. It rarely offers clean choices and almost always demands trade-offs. India buys Russian oil and weapons, even as it gets closer to Washington. It seeks to build ties with Gulf monarchies while strengthening its cooperation with Israel. At the same time, India continues to support the Global South from a position of increasing influence in the organisations that shape the global order. These young respondents appear to understand that a rising power must manage relationships rather than pick sides, and that a partnership is ultimately judged by what it delivers for the national interest.

The third finding is the most reassuring because it shows a generation that can value a partnership while remaining critical of it. Participants associated Israel first with defence and technological strength, the dimensions on which the relationship has in fact been built, from the November 2025 defence cooperation agreement and the move towards joint development and co-production to an FTA now under negotiation. It indicates that they recognise why this partnership is vital for India's capabilities. At the same time, they remain cautious about whether Israel's actions reflect democratic values. Gen Z's ability to value a partnership while keeping a critical perspective mirrors a reasonably established foreign policy mindset.

Taken together, the three findings reshape the narrative on the streets. The energy behind the movements and protests reflects the resilience of Indian democracy and a generation serious enough about its demands. And, beneath the immediate grievances lies a steady and consistent sense of where India's interests lie. The upcoming challenge for the government and commentators is to engage with it effectively. It's essential to meet them on the platforms they use and acknowledge that the future leaders of this country, within fifteen years, have largely grasped the key issues that matter most.

This article is authored by Arjun Singh Kadian, academic, author and former executive, The Prime Minister Museum and Library, New Delhi.