Urban Indians rate India top Influencer in World Affairs – Halifax International Security Forum-Ipsos Global Survey

Last week the Halifax International Security Forum in partnership with Ipsos unveiled the findings of its most comprehensive study.

Who are the world’s biggest Influencers?

Interestingly, according to Urban Indians, India (88%) is the top influencer in world affairs. The rest topping the list were the usual suspects of: The US (84%), France (84%), the World Bank (84%), Germany (84%), Canada (83%), the United Nations (82%), the IMF (82%), the European Union (81%), Great Britain (80%), Russia (77%), NATO (73%), Saudi Arabia (71%), Israel (66%), Iran (53%), China (39%) and Afghanistan (38%).

World Affairs – Willingness to engage

Majority of Urban Indians (77%) and global citizens (79%) are strong votaries of Free Trade and believe it is good for their country.

Tough times call for tough measures – Majority of Urban Indians (75%) and global citizens (75%) in the backdrop of tough economic issues want the focus to be on domestic economic issues than the global ones.

Further most countries polled believe they need to be a moral leader for other countries to emulate – 81% urban Indians hold this view and 74% of global citizens polled.

There is also the strong belief among countries to work collaboratively with each other, even if they are not dealt with fairness at all times. At least 78% of Urban Indians and 78% of global citizens endorse this view. Malaysia (84%) and Turkey (84%) topped the list.     

Economic Spending Vs Military Spending – a paradox for Urban Indians

Majority of Urban Indians (81%) believe Economic Power should take precedence over Military Power, at the same time majority (81%) also want the govt to beef up spends on Military given the perils of the world we live in India. In fact, India was the highest votary of military spending, while most markets were polarized in their views.    

Summarizing on the findings, Amit Adarkar, CEO, Ipsos India said, “Urban Indians firmly believe that India as a promising Emerging Market wields a lot of influence in global affairs and it is rightly so, as it is one of the fastest growing markets and is a lucrative market for global players; at the same time seeing India’s sense of great morals in fostering peace and collaboration, it is being added/ invited to some of the most important global forums of G8, COP26, BRICS, G20, UNSC, among others. India has also been at the forefront of the global humanitarian effort. And it is also one of the highest spenders in defense procurement due to threat perceptions.”