March 30, 2003

Abstract: (CPOD) Mar. 30, 2003 - Indians reject the coalition advance on Iraq, according to a survey by the Centre for Forecasting and Research (Cfore), published in Outlook Magazine. 86 per cent of respondents do not support the war, and 69 per cent refer to United States president George W. Bush as a "war monger."

(CPOD) Mar. 30, 2003 - Indians reject the coalition advance on Iraq, according to a survey by the Centre for Forecasting and Research (Cfore), published in Outlook Magazine. 86 per cent of respondents do not support the war, and 69 per cent refer to United States president George W. Bush as a "war monger."

Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has refused to play any role in the war efforts. India allowed U.S. planes to use its airfields for refueling during the 1991 Gulf War. 65 per cent of respondents say Vajpayee should condemn the invasion.

More than half of all respondents believe oil is the main reason behind the war. India relies on Persian Gulf countries for most of its oil supplies, and nearly 3.5 million Indian expatriates are employed in the region. Only 27 per cent say terrorism and disarmament are at stake, while 12 per cent say that the war will allow Bush to win a second term at the White House.

Polling Data

Do you support America's war against Iraq?

Yes	14%
No	86%

What do you think is America's reason to invade Iraq?

Oil	61%
Terrorism	14%
Disarmament	13%
To ensure Bush's reelection	12%

Is George W. Bush a "war monger"?

Yes	69%
No	23%
Can't Say	8%

India has refused to condemn America's war on Iraq. Should it have condemned it?

Yes	65%
No	24%
Can't Say	11%

Source: Centre for Forecasting and Research (Cfore) / Outlook Magazine.
Methodology: Interviews to 2,047 Indian adults, conducted on Mar. 26 and Mar. 27, 2003, in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Calcutta, Bangalore and Hyderabad. No margin of error was provided.