"Globally, companies have their eyes set on India as a rapidly growing nation that is full of opportunities. The sheer scale of development needed could drive growth for many years. India has the advantage of size. The scope of growth and excess capacity present in terms of resources would drive growth in the future...," Ipsos India MD Mick Gordon said.

The report said 89 per cent of Indian citizens surveyed consider that 2012 would be a better year for them financially than 2011. In addition, a majority of (74 per cent) Indian respondent think that global economy would be stronger in 2012 vis-a-vis last year.

Globally, 72 per cent of citizens surveyed said they are optimistic that 2012 will be a better year for them than 2011, in spite of uncertainty in European economy. Besides, 41 per cent of global respondent said the economy would be stronger in this year compared to the last year.

Optimism reins among the vast majority of those living in France and Indonesia as 91 per cent respondent in each country are optimistic that 2012 will be a better year.

They are followed by Brazil (90 per cent), India (89 per cent) and Mexico (85 per cent).

In contrast, those in Italy (45 per cent ), Japan (46 per cent), Sweden (55 per cent), Hungary (56 per cent) and the UK (58 per cent) are least likely to agree that this year would turn out better.