Germans Still Have a Positive Image of India

GÜTERSLOH, Germany, November 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

More a partner than a competitor in politics and econonics

The German population has an overwhelmingly positive image of India and perceives its economic rise as more of an opportunity than a threat. In terms of how to react to the increasing international competition, Germany should work more intensively with the Asian countries and with India, and insist less on asserting its national interests. These are the conclusions from the latest representative public opinion poll from the Bertelsmann Foundation, the most influential political think-tank in Germany.

It shows that the majority of Germans regard the development of Asia and in India as positive for Germany. At the same time, scepticism prevails when it comes to the consequences for the labour market. Every second respondent believes that the economic rise of Asia represents something more akin to an opportunity for Germany. On the other hand, 39 percent regard it as more of a threat. However, even greater is the belief that Germany will "cope with" the associated political and economic challenges. Four out of five Germans are optimistic in this respect. Only 15 percent fear that Germany will "not cope with" the challenges from Asia.

Only a minority of those questioned regard India as a particular competitor in the procurement of raw materials and the development of new and innovative products. On the other hand, 35 percent of Germans say that India is of major significance for Germany as a political partner in Asia. Conversely, only a minority regard India as a partner in the battle against climate change and even fewer see it as a financially powerful investor to combat the euro crisis.

In terms of how to respond politically to the developments in Asia, the majority of Germans recommend cooperation rather than confrontation. A majority of 41 percent regards Germany's current political course as correct and wants to maintain it, and 37 percent of those questioned advocate closer collaboration. Only 18 percent are saying that Germany must stand up for its interests in Asia to a greater degree and in this respect should follow the example of the USA.

More information on the internet at:

http://www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de/cps/rde/xchg/SID-78E3E1B8-3407FF03/bst_engl/hs.xsl/index.html

Contact:

Cora Francisca Jungbluth
Project Manager Germany and Asia
Telephone: +49 5241 81-81482
E-Mail: [email protected]