India sees government as too soft on China, survey shows

A comprehensive survey conducted across 11 countries has found that Indian respondents believe their government is "too accommodating" in its approach to China, according to findings from the Munich Security Conference poll.

The survey, which assessed how citizens in various nations view their governments' foreign policy stances, revealed nuanced public opinion on India's diplomatic positioning. While respondents felt the government's approach to the United States was about right, the same sentiment did not extend to relations with China.

India's position as a middle power has increasingly put it at the centre of great power competition between the US and China. The survey results suggest public concern that New Delhi may not be assertive enough in managing its relationship with Beijing, particularly given ongoing border tensions and strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Munich Security Conference poll provides insight into how citizens in key nations perceive their governments' foreign policy choices. The findings indicate that middle powers face significant domestic pressure to calibrate their diplomatic strategies more carefully, balancing engagement with both Washington and Beijing while protecting national interests.

The survey underscores growing awareness among Indian citizens about geopolitical alignments and their government's role in navigating an increasingly complex international landscape marked by US-China rivalry.