According to a survey published by Morning Consult on Tuesday, while a majority of Indians view China as the most significant national security threat, nearly a quarter of Indian adults see the US as India’s biggest threat.
The US Threat
Reportedly, 43% of those surveyed agree that Beijing is New Delhi’s biggest threat, followed by 22% who view Washington as an enemy. Only 13% perceive Pakistan as a major threat.
A near majority of Indian adults (43%) view China as India's greatest military threat, while nearly a quarter (22%) see America as their country’s greatest threat. https://t.co/M9GnfdR9iH pic.twitter.com/3qSjy64Kg4
— Morning Consult (@MorningConsult) January 18, 2023
The report notes that despite India and the US having common ground for cooperation due to their opposition to China, “Indians have strategic reasons to be wary” of the US. Indians fear the risks posed by the ongoing US-China conflict and its potential to destabilise regional security.
In this respect, it notes that India has adopted a “pragmatic approach” with respect to the US and China, citing New Delhi’s membership in the Washington-backed Quad grouping and the China-led Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Other Issues
The survey further found that while 36% of Indian adults blame Russia for the conflict in Ukraine, 26% and 18% blame the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the US, respectively, with 10% saying Ukraine is responsible for the war.
However, Russia’s favourability among Indians has plummeted from almost 70% in January 2022 to nearly 40% a year later. Regardless, 60% of Indians want New Delhi to continue purchasing oil from Russia, and 49% believe India should continue military exercises with Russia.
