August 31, 2023
Introduction
A recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center has revealed that approximately 80% of Indians hold a favourable view of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The survey, which aimed to gauge global perceptions of Prime Minister Modi, India’s international standing, and Indians’ opinions of other nations, was conducted from February 20 to May 22, 2023, and included responses from 30,861 adults across 24 countries, with a specific focus on 2,611 Indian respondents.
The findings of the survey, released just ahead of the G20 Summit, showcased a significant surge in the positive sentiments toward Prime Minister Modi. The data revealed that an impressive majority of Indians – 55% – even hold a “very favorable” view of the leader, bolstering his popularity as he embarks on his second term as Prime Minister and contemplates a potential third term in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The survey also highlighted a prevailing belief among Indians that their nation’s influence on the global stage has been steadily increasing. Nearly seven in ten Indians expressed confidence in India’s growing clout, a sentiment that stood in stark contrast to a similar survey conducted in 2022, where a mere median of 28% across 19 countries shared the same perspective.
The report underscored that India’s positive image is not confined within its borders alone. Globally, a median of 46% of respondents from various countries reported holding favorable views of India, with only 34% expressing unfavorable opinions. Israel emerged as a standout, with a striking 71% of its citizens expressing favorable views of India.
BJP Reacts to the results
Reacting to the survey’s results, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) underscored the resilience of Prime Minister Modi’s popularity. The official handle of the BJP asserted on a social media platform, “The popularity of Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi certainly remains intact! Majority of people in India and across the world believe that India’s global influence is getting stronger!”
Notably, the survey also delved into Indians’ perceptions of other major global players. About half of Indian respondents (49%) believed that the influence of the United States had been growing stronger in recent years. Furthermore, 41% of Indians shared a similar sentiment about Russia. However, views concerning China’s influence displayed a more mixed perspective.
Conclusion
The Pew Research Center’s survey has provided valuable insights into India’s internal and external perceptions, highlighting a strong wave of support for Prime Minister Modi and the country’s rising global prominence. As the nation looks forward to the G20 Summit and beyond, these findings offer a comprehensive glimpse into India’s evolving role in the international arena.
