India's status to rise on the world stage

NEW DELHI: All Countries of the world expect India’s influence to increase in the next 10 years, with Indians even hoping to gain on the US in terms of leverage in the world and as an innovation leader.

These are the findings of an international survey conducted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs in partnership with the Asia Society on the rise of India and the views of its citizens on foreign policy and its role on the world stage.

Indians, the survey has found, are optimistic regarding their country’s role in Asia and the world as also its economic prospects. They believe that India is currently more influential than China in Asia and the world, second only to the US. Indians also see their country as a leader in development of new products and technologies, also behind the US. They, however, expect the US to continue as the world leader both in terms of influence and innovation.

According to the survey, India vis a vis China is less enthusiastic in welcoming a stronger economic and military role for itself. While 63% Indians favour a stronger economic identity, 65% want their military strength to grow. As for Beijing, every 9 out of 10 Chinese want a stronger economic and military role for their country.

As far as foreign policy is concerned, the survey found the majority of Indians favouring only India for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council. Among the top foreign policy objectives outlined by the respondent Indians are fighting international terrorism, protecting jobs, preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and combating world hunger. Both India and China did not rate building of military power in Asia as very high on the priority list.

Indians are also divided on their reactions to the nuclear deal with the US. As many as 42% of the respondents believe that selling India civilian nuclear technology is a good idea and it will improve Indo-US ties, but 39% Indians disapprove of the deal. A majority of Indians do not trust that the US will act responsibly in the world.

Among the top global challenges listed by Indians are international terrorism and regional security. While 63% termed international terrorism as critical, 53% rated Indo-Pakistan tensions and 55%, the spread of nuclear weapons as a serious threat. Interestingly, non-Indians ranked Indo-Pakistan tensions last as a possible source of conflict.