According to a Pew Research Centre survey, the Indians’ ill-feelings towards Pakistan have soured considerably over the recent years, with almost two-thirds (64 per cent) of them holding a “very unfavourable” view of Pakistan, Hindustan Times reported on Friday.
More than seven out of 10 (71pc) Indians view Pakistan “unfavourably”, according to a survey by Pew Research Center conducted last spring.
The feeling of dislike among Indian has seen a significant increase since the 2013 survey, in which 54 per cent Indian harboured ill-feelings towards the neighbouring Pakistan, reported the outlet.
It was further reported the dislike for Pakistan cuts across party lines, the survey found — 70pc and 63pc of supporters of the BJP and the Congress, respectively, said they held a “very unfavourable” view of Pakistan.
Indian Prime Minister has also drew dislike of his nations, as only 21 per cent of Indians approved of Modi’s handling of Pakistan, the survey found, which has been consistent since 2015, when the research body first asked that question — that was the year of Modi’s visit to Pakistan to meet Sharif, just weeks after they had met in Paris on the sidelines of climate talks.
It is surprising to note that Modi-led government’s hardline approach on Kashmir issue has found the approval of 60 per cent.
Though younger Indians in the 18-29 age group were more supportive than those aged 50 and above, by 64pc to 51pc. Respondents in northern India were harsher than the rest on Modi’s handling of Kashmir.
Supporting the military solution to curb the uprising in Kashmir, most Indians said Kashmir was a “big problem” as 63 per cent of the surveyed population supported more force to quash the uprising.