Hyderabad: According to an Ipsos MORI poll of people in 25 countries, India is among the top 10 countries that have a positive influence in global affairs, with Canada clinching the top spot for the second consecutive year.
“India has managed to have healthy ties with global leaders in economic, trade and commerce and the PM has invested in increasing international engagements, which is well perceived among Indians. This has contributed to improving India’s image globally,” D.N.V. Kumara Guru, director, external relations at the Indian School of Business.
On the US ranking crashing below India, Mr Guru said that the survey was held in July 2017 when US President Donald Trump was new to his seat and public opinion was largely influenced by the series of political events.
“Gender equality and diverse cabinet decisions announced by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau could be one of the prime factors for Canada retaining its top position,” he added.
India is seen as a safe country when it comes to international relationships. In the one-minute video posted on the World Economic Forum page, the prime reason why Indians see the country having a positive impact at the global level was demonetisation. “Banning of currency worked as a whip against black money and corruption and this has cleared India’s international image,” believes Satish Deshpande, an observer of India’s internal relations.
“Multi-national corporations view India as an investment destination. Government policies in the smooth establishment of foreign brands in India has also helped build image,” he added.
But, contrary to the growing international image, the survey shows that India’s approval ranking has dropped by two per cent.
Dr Devendra Kumar Pant, chief economist at India Ratings, New Delhi, said, “The survey is based on the perception of people across 25 countries, Though India stands at the eighth position, its approval ranking has dropped by 2 percentage points when compared to 2016.”
Dr Pant adds, “In reality, India’s growth depends on government policies that benefit its voters and how it is viewed globally.
“A few of the current policies are not welcomed globally. It is good to see India among the top 10 countries but we have to see that decline in perception.”
