Indians favor domestic issues over global image enhancement

A recent survey shows that many Indians believe their government should focus more on domestic issues than on improving the country's global image. The Lokniti-CSDS study involved interviews with over 5,200 people across various cities and regions. India has gained prominence in global diplomacy, especially during its presidency of the G20 Summit. While some citizens support efforts to boost India’s international presence, a significant number feel that funds should prioritize domestic needs, such as poverty alleviation. The survey found that 42% of respondents think money spent on beautifying cities for summits like the G20 should instead help reduce poverty. In contrast, 29% feel that showcasing India’s achievements internationally is important. Opinions vary based on income. Over one-third of low-income respondents support redirecting funds to poverty relief, while a larger portion of wealthy respondents believes in prioritizing global image. This highlights the challenge the government faces in balancing domestic needs with international ambitions. When it comes to trade policy, public opinion is also mixed. While 39% believe it’s better to limit exports for domestic focus, 37% support increasing exports to strengthen India’s position overseas. Many are concerned that trade agreements may favor large corporations over the domestic economy. In agriculture, there is strong support for limiting food grain imports to protect local farmers, with 64% of participants agreeing. This sentiment suggests that many believe that excessive reliance on imported food could harm local agriculture. As India moves forward with a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union, it must consider these diverse public views. The government’s strategy of enhancing its global standing needs to be weighed against pressing domestic issues such as poverty and farmer welfare. Balancing these priorities will be crucial for future policymaking.