A Pew Research Centre survey reports that 71% of Israelis have good opinions of India, making Israel the country with the highest favorable views of India.
In contrast, just 28% of South Africans and 22% of Argentinians have a favorable opinion of India. Furthermore, 51% of South Africans have an unfavorable view of India, the highest among the countries surveyed.
* Views on India:
According to the report, many of the 23 countries surveyed had favorable opinions of India. A median of 46% have a favorable view of India, while 34% have an unfavorable view.
Views of India are most favorable in Israel, where 71% have a favorable opinion of the nation. India and Israel are members of the I2U2 (India, Israel, the US, and the UAE), and India is the leading destination for Israeli arms exports.
As per the report, India is also viewed favorably in Kenya, Nigeria, and the UK, where at least six out of ten people have a favorable opinion of the country. Kenya and Nigeria also stand out for almost a quarter of their populations having a highly favorable view of India.
1. Israelis rate India more favorably than any other country:
Israelis have consistently shown a strong affinity for India, with surveys and studies indicating that they rate India more favorably than any other country. This positive sentiment is rooted in historical ties, shared democratic values, and burgeoning economic and strategic partnerships between the two nations.
2. Historical Ties and Cultural Affinity:
The relationship between Israel and India has deep historical roots. Both countries have ancient civilizations and rich cultural heritages that have fostered a sense of mutual respect and understanding. Additionally, India has been home to a thriving Jewish community for centuries, further strengthening the cultural connections between the two nations.
3. Shared Democratic Values:
Israel and India are both vibrant democracies with diverse societies and robust political systems. This common commitment to democratic principles has served as a unifying factor, fostering a sense of kinship between the two nations. The shared values of freedom, pluralism, and individual rights have contributed to a strong bond between Israel and India.
4. Economic and Strategic Partnerships:
In recent years, Israel and India have significantly expanded their economic and strategic collaborations. Bilateral trade has flourished, encompassing various sectors such as technology, defense, agriculture, and innovation. Furthermore, both countries have engaged in extensive cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and defense procurement, enhancing their strategic partnership.
5. Cultural Exchanges and People-to-People Ties:
Cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties have played a pivotal role in strengthening the bond between Israelis and Indians. Educational programs, tourism initiatives, and collaborative ventures in arts and culture have facilitated greater interaction between the citizens of both countries, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation.
6. Opinions on PM Modi:
According to the report, Indian PM Narendra Modi, who has been in power since 2014, is seen favourably among Indian adults. About eight out of 10 Indians have a favourable opinion of the PM, with 55% having a very favourable opinion. One-fifth of Indians have an unfavourable opinion of Modi.
However, opinions on Modi are divided, with 40% saying they have no confidence in him to do the right thing in international affairs and 37% saying they have at least some confidence.
Mexicans and Brazilians are particularly critical of Modi, who is often portrayed as encouraging Hindu nationalist ideology and leads the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which some scholars define as a right-wing party.
People in Argentina, South Africa, South Korea, and the US are likewise less likely to have confidence in India’s PM, assuming they offer an opinion.
Conclusion
The favorable view that Israelis hold toward India is underpinned by historical ties, shared democratic values, expanding economic partnerships, and robust people-to-people connections. This deep-seated affinity reflects the multifaceted nature of the relationship between Israel and India.
