Russians consider China, Belarus, India to be friendliest countries, latest survey shows

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. Over 60% of Russians believe that Russia has the friendliest and strongest relations with China and closely cooperates with Belarus and India, according to a poll conducted by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM).

The survey, carried out on April 27, covered 1,600 Russians aged 18 and over.

"This is a strategic triangle ‘Russia - India - China.’ Throughout the entire monitoring period, China has continued to hold its status of the friendliest country to Russia, gaining more and more ‘votes’ with each coming year. Another Asian giant is also reinforcing its position in the rating of friendly countries - India managed to rise from fifth to third position in just three years (2019-2022), we observe a twofold increase in sympathy towards this country," the report says.

China was named the friendliest country to Russia by 65% of respondents, while 41% others singled out Belarus, 26% - India and North Korea, and 16% said it was Iran.

As for the most tense and hostile relations, the respondents named France (48%), Great Britain (42%), Germany (41%) and Ukraine (38%), and 27% of those polled said Russia has strained relations with the United States.