33% Indians perceive Pakistan as greatest threat: poll

A poll shows Obama is popular in India while Pakistan and extremist groups are seen as the greatest threats.


Express October 21, 2010

Thirty-three percent of Indians see Pakistan as the greatest threat to India while 42 per cent see Lashkar-e-Taiba as the greatest threat, according to a survey by the Pew Research Center.

According to the poll, Obama remains very popular in India, whereas Pakistan and extremist groups are seen as some the greatest threats by Indians.

The spring 2010 survey by the Pew Research Center’s Global Attitudes Project conducted face-to-face interviews with 2,254 adults in India from April 9 to April 30, 2010.

The poll shows that about two-thirds of Indians have favorable opinions of the US and that Indians are largely positive about the country’s economic situation. More than seven out of ten Indians said that they have confidence in the American president Barack Obama ahead of his state visit there next month.

Indians are confident of their country’s role in the international arena and most Indians (57 per cent think that the economy is in good shape) say their economy is strong. Still, most of the respondents said that India faces major challenges, including crime and corruption.

In terms of external threats, a lot of people are concerned about Pakistan and extremist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba. The survey shows that Lashkar-e-Taiba, the group widely blamed for the Mumbai attacks, is seen as the single greatest threat facing India.

Indians take a dim view of their neighbor Pakistan overall with 81 per cent of those surveyed expressing a negative opinion of Pakistan.The Indian concern that the Pakistan will be consumed by extremism is widespread with 78 per cent saying that they are worried that extremists groups will take over the Pakistani state.

Despite these concerns about Pakistan, most Indians are in favor of expanding trade ties and improving diplomatic relations with Pakistan with 83 per cent of those surveyed saying that it is important that relations with Pakistan improve, while more than 63 per cent believe an increase in trade and business ties would be good for India.

With additional input by Hassan Asif.

COMMENTS (61)

Ahmed Ilyas | 13 years ago | Reply @Tony Singh Get a life man. The fact that you are here spending so much time answers comments shows alot about your thinking. India has more than 100 rebel groups, sick and tired of you guys.
Anoop | 13 years ago | Reply @romm, "TADA is still there and indian soldiers are killing Kashmiris on daily basis with Immunities under TADA." --> You fool, its not TADA, you meant to say AFSPA. Get your facts right, first. TADA is not being implemented anymore. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TerroristandDisruptiveActivities%28Prevention%29_Act "Come out of Indian Mentality and try to start thinking like Miss Roy who is respected Indian all over the world for her unbiased opinion." --> Ms.Roy is a thinker and has her opinions and has the right to express them under the Constitution. I fully support Freedom Of Expression. She is unique and so are her opinions. But, that doesn't mean whatever she writes and says is right. I fully respect, like the Indian system her freedom to express herself. Also, might I also point out all countries in this age have legislation to tackle Terror. US has its Patriot Act and so does Pakistan. But, in countries like US and India there are institutions which monitor these laws and the people implementing them, unlike in Pakistan. Also, dude, you say Indian Army is killing people in Kashmir but the Army is not allowed inside the cities. It is the CRPF which is under the direct control of the CM who in-turn was elected by the people of J&K in an election where 66% of people participated. (http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/politics/huge-voter-turnout-in-kashmirs-third-phase-polling-second-lead_100125456.html) AFSPA is applicable army personnel only and not the CRPF, FYI. Plus, when your own country is burning and your Army commits extra-judicial murders you have the gall to point out whatever is happening in Kashmir. http://criticalppp.com/archives/23532?utmsource=twitterfeed&utmmedium=twitter Be sure to catch the video. In India atleast the Army is answerable to the Government. Who is it answerable to in Pakistan? Everything in Pakistan answers to it! I want to end this little conversation. You are neither capable of making a sound sentence which is filled with reason or have patience to understand anything apart from propaganda. Have a Pak-life.
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