The Modi Mirage: What is India’s image at the global level under PM Modi?

The saffron brigade's celebration of the increased reputation of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the global level has been challenged by an academic study, which says it was not the case. On the contrary, global leaders continuously expressed their concerns over the multifaceted degradation, including human rights ratings, prompting an introspection of their ties with India.

Titled 'The Modi Mirage: Illusions and Reality of India’s Global Standing and Reputation', the report challenges assertions made by the ruling party regarding Modi's impact on India's international image.

Authored by Professor Irfan Nooruddin from Georgetown University, Dr Ritumbra Manuvie from Groningen University, and advised by Dr Subir Sinha from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, the report examines data from various surveys and opinion polls conducted over the past decade.

According to the report, despite claims of Modi bolstering India's global standing, data from the Pew Global Attitudes Survey of 2023 suggests otherwise. The survey revealed that only 46% of adults across 23 countries held a "favourable" view of India, while 34% expressed unfavourable views. Moreover, confidence in Modi among adults surveyed in 12 countries stood at a mere 37%, with a larger percentage indicating a lack of confidence in his leadership.

Comparing data from a similar Pew survey conducted in 2008, the report notes a significant decline in India's favourability ratings, particularly in European countries. For instance, in France, the percentage of adults with a favourable view of India dropped from 70% in 2008 to just 39% in 2023. Similar declines were observed in other European nations.

In the United States, where India was viewed favourably by 63% of adults in 2008, the favourable rating decreased to 51% in 2023. Additionally, a substantial portion of Americans expressed little or no confidence in Modi's ability to make the right decisions, with around 40% admitting to never having heard of him.

Recent polls conducted in March 2024 further underscore the challenges facing Modi's international reputation. In a YouGov poll ranking foreign politicians among Americans, Modi lagged behind leaders like Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, with only 22% of Americans holding a positive view of him. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, only 10% of respondents viewed Modi favourably.

The study also highlights growing concerns regarding India's human rights situation, particularly allegations of targeting US and Canadian citizens. A GlobeScan survey commissioned by the US-based non-profit Friends of Democracy in the UK, US, and France found that 84% of respondents believe their governments should advocate for improved human rights conditions.

Concluding that Modi's claims of enhancing India's global standing are unfounded, the authors suggest that India's domestic policies, including alleged repression and backsliding on democratic norms, may have contributed to the downturn in its international reputation. They argue that India could improve its influence by prioritizing respect for human rights and democratic principles.