80% Indians have a positive view of Russia as an ally, finds survey

The survey reflects the view of the citizens of various countries — US, UK, EU 9, Turkiye, China and India on the perception of the general masses of their diplomatic relations with Russia.

| Updated: 28 February, 2023 3:59 pm IST

A survey showed that a majority of Indians have an extremely positive view of Russia as a partner nation. The survey reflects the view of the citizens of various countries — US, UK, EU 9, Turkiye, China and India on the perception of the general masses of their diplomatic relations with Russia. According to the survey, 51 per cent of Indians find Russia as ‘an ally that shares our interests and values’.

The liking for Russia as an ally among people of India exceeds that of CCP-led China and Turkey, as per the survey. 35 percent of people in China view Russia as an ally with ‘shared interests’, while the figure stands at a staggering 51 percent in case of Indians. Only 14 percent of Turkish citizens share the same sentiment as the people of India.

As per the survey, 29 percent of Indians find Russia to be a ‘necessary strategic partner’, while interestingly a majority of people (55%) in Turkey believe that strategic cooperation with Russia is necessary. In China, a significant number (44%) of people share the same opinion as that of China.

Less than 5 percent of Indians consider Russia as an adversary as opposed to a huge majority in USA, EU9 and Great Britain who believe they’re in a conflict with the Putin-led Russia. The high levels of public antagonism for Russia is apparent from the figures which is the maximum in Great Britain (65%), followed by USA (55%) and EU9 nations (54%). Only a slim minority view Russia as a friendly ally, in these countries.

Around 20 percent of people in the UK, USA and EU9 lack any opinion about Russia’s relations with their country, while almost all citizens in India, China and Turkey possess a certain view. A similar fraction of citizens in the UK, EU9, USA, China, India and Turkey consider Russia as a ‘competitive rival’. A fraction of 18 percent in Turkey, 16 percent in USA and China, 15 percent in India and 12 percent each in EU9 and Great Britain view Russia a rival with which they need to compete.

The internet survey was conducted by a group of Europe and UK-based market research companies, encapsulating data obtained in a one-year period between December 2022 to January 2023.

Also Read Story

Ladakhi hero who alerted India in Kargil War passes away

NIA files charge sheet in Baramulla arms case

Biden admin paid Reuters $300M as it reported on Adani: coincidence or conflict?

MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat highlights skill development as key to nation’s progress at IWP’s Meraki 2024