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Ahead of Lok Sabha election results, the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), the United States-based public and international policy platform has conducted a USA-wide exit poll of the Indian American community and found that Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) overwhelmingly prefer Narendra Modi government to rule India for next 5 years.

As per FIIDS findings, 93.9 percent support re-election of the Narendra Modi-led government in India.

In the poll, where the questions were mostly based on the performance of the Modi-led government on various programs, aspects, and issues, the FIIDS found that the NRIs voted highest (95.5 percent) on the performance of India’s external ministry in handling their issues. 92 percent NRIs feel that India is better respected now than before 2014, while 93.6 percent expressed that the Modi government has done better in countless infrastructure projects such as road, rail, river transportation, and electrification.

More than 80 percent of NRIs found the Modi government’s schemes have been better for India. Among the schemes, Clean India got the maximum support (86.9 percent), followed by Make In India (84.6 percent), and Digital India (84.3 percent). However, only 71 percent of NRIs found Startup India doing better.

The Foundation also found that 90.3 percent (5.7 percent unsure) of NRIs polled illustrate how India is more secure under the Modi government. 92 percent polled NRIs expressed support towards the Modi government on its handling of terrorism and 82.5 percent observed lesser religious riots and issues under the Modi government. It was interesting to observe how only 63.3 percent NRIs felt that Ram Janma Bhoomi and Sabarimala issues were important for the 2019 election.

The United States is the most developed nation of the world, NRIs seem to have a long-term perspective on economy and growth.

On economic issues such as demonetization and Goods and Services ax (GST), 81.4 percent of NRIs said GST and demonetization were good for India in the long term and 90.3 percent expressed that India is on the path towards growth. Additionally, 97.3 percent of them expressed that the government has been free of scams during Modi’s term.

Ultimately the study found that the American NRI’s overwhelmingly endorsed the performance of the Modi government.

By Sowmya Sangam