Indians Favor U.S.; Consider Pakistan a Threat: Survey

The survey also highlighted that 74 percent of Indians are optimistic about the prospects for India's economy, while 95 percent support the democratic rights of fair trial, free expression and the right to vote. It was noted that most Indians value democracy.

The poll threw light on the grim picture of corruption as 94 percent of Indians consider there to be a lot of corruption in the country with 92 percent saying it has increased in the past five years. 96 percent of Indians think corruption is holding India back. It was also seen that 80 percent Indians think anti-corruption campaigners have made India a better place.

Most Indians see the possession of a strong military as very important for India to achieve its aims in the world. 79 percent Indians also believe that nuclear weapons, India’s image in the world (78 percent), wise political leadership (78 percent) and strong political leadership (75 percent) are important for achieving the nation’s goals.

The survey is one of the most comprehensive surveys ever conducted on the attitudes of Indian citizens towards their future in the world. It covered issues like Indian perceptions of India's economic future, India's role in the world, domestic policy priorities, the challenge of corruption, and relations with other countries including China, the U.S. and Pakistan. The survey is a collaboration between the Lowy Institute for International Policy and the Australia India Institute. The survey was conducted among 1233 Indian adults between 30 August and 15 October 2012. 

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