Indian business leaders working overseas are 'vigorously upbeat' about the Indian economy and voice strong confidence in the ability of the Congress-led government to advance economic liberalisation, a new survey by McKinsey Quarterly has found.

Indian executives express remarkable confidence in the new government and 84 per cent indicate that they are confident that it can continue to liberalise the economy and to manage economic growth effectively, the publication said.

Such support, it said, will be essential if the government is to move ahead on liberalising trade and the rules for foreign direct investment.

The survey was conducted in May in the aftermath of the Lok Sabha polls and the defeat of the national Democratic Alliance government.

Indian executives are confident not only about the government but also about the Indian economy with 66 per cent expecting it to be at least moderately better in six months.

This is in contrast to only 56 per cent of all executives surveyed in all countries being hopeful about the economies of countries where they are based.

India, the survey found, also stands out as a source of talent and as a destination for R&D investment with several executives preferring it to China.

Executives from the developed Asia-Pacific economies are particularly keen on India, the Quarterly said.

Among respondents from large companies in the region, 71 per cent see India as an important source of talent; globally, 58 per cent of such executives share that view, it said.