Survey: Hindi heartland youth rank Israel No. 2 friend, back tech and defence ties

Young adults in India's Hindi heartland now see Israel as the country's second most trusted friend, behind only Russia, according to a perception survey released by the India Israel Centre. The finding comes as New Delhi looks to defence, electronics, artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies as areas where closer Israel ties could support domestic manufacturing.

The survey covered 1,023 respondents aged 21 to 40 in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand. Some 62% called Israel a "good friend" and 57% said it stands with India in difficult times. Russia scored higher on both measures. When asked which countries help India, 42% named Israel, ahead of the United States and Japan.

The trend is the more interesting part for anyone tracking the economic story. The share of respondents who believe India benefits from defence and technology ties with Israel reached 61%, up from 48% in May and 52% in September. The share wanting the relationship to grow stronger rose to half of those surveyed, from 41% in May.

Familiarity appears to matter. Among respondents who said they know about the partnership, trust rose to 75% and belief in its benefits to 83%. In Gorakhpur and Varanasi, where agricultural and employment links with Israel are more visible, trust reached 91% and 88% respectively. India Israel Centre spokesperson Suresh Nakhua said regard for Israel rises when people encounter the partnership in practical terms, whether through technology, security or farming methods.

Why it matters for markets and industry: India is trying to build up domestic manufacturing and cut its reliance on imports, and Israeli expertise in technology, innovation and research is seen as a possible support. Public goodwill does not build factories on its own. But a favourable mood in populous states can make it politically easier to deepen joint work in sectors where India wants more local production.

A caveat is in order. This is an opinion survey, not a tally of deals, investments or production targets, and it comes from an organisation that promotes India-Israel relations. It shows how the partnership is perceived rather than what it has delivered. The manufacturing gains remain potential, and investors and industry watchers will look for concrete collaborations in defence and electronics to follow.

Source reporting: Times Now.

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