India Sixth Most Favourable Nation for Americans: Poll

Washington: India is the sixth most favourable nation for Americans, while at least eight out of 10 do not like Pakistan, making it the third most unfavourable nation after Iran and Korea, according to a latest poll.

According to the Gallup Polls, nearly seven (68 percent) out of every 10 persons interviewed for the poll favoured India, thus ranking it sixth after Canada (91 percent), Great Britain (88 percent), Germany (85 percent), Japan (81 percent) and France (73 percent).

In fact Israel, the traditional American ally ranks seventh after India with 66 percent while Mexico get only 47 per cent favourable votes.

Opinion about Russia is equally divided among favourable and unfavourable rating while 52 percent of the Americans put China in the unfavourable category.

Nine out of 10 Americans have an unfavourable view of Iran, making it the worst rated country out of 22 surveyed.

Seven other countries - Libya (72 percent), Iraq (76 percent), Afghanistan (80 percent), the Palestinian Authority (77 percent), Syria (75 percent), Pakistan (81 percent) and North Korea (84 percent) -- also receive unfavourable ratings of 70 percent or more.

"Eight countries with the most negative ratings are currently or over the past decade were involved in wars, disputes, or turmoil -- in a number of instances, in ways that are hostile to the U.S.," Gallup said.

It said the currently "hostile" category includes Iran and North Korea. Libya was hostile toward the U.S. under the government of Muammar Gaddafi and more recently Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans were killed there.

"The U.S.-Pakistani relationship is beset with rockiness despite the strained cooperation between the two on military matters. Americans also strongly favour Israel's enduring conflict with Palestinian Authority," the survey said.

Also Read: Defence Budget: India vs China