GS-II: India’s Foreign Policy Neighbourhood International Relations

300.00

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              This is a dynamic E-Book comprising the below UPSC Mains Model Questions as well as their answers written by GKToday team. The PDF E-Book can be instantly downloaded after payment. No Hadcopy is provided.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Why building connectivity with South Asia is the top-priority of Indian foreign policy?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Critically examine the implications of the US decision to remove India from its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programme.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Do you think PM Modi�s call for inclusiveness in Maldives holds any relevance in India?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Indian stance on Pakistan that talks and terror cannot go together runs anti to the idea of reconciliation. Explain.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. India is playing a highly inactive role in the confluence of civilisations which is being played by China. Comment.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. What repercussions do the growing tensions between Iran and the US hold for India?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. What is the significance of the Kartarpur Sahib Pilgrim Corridor? Explain the issues involved in its construction.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            8. USA terminated preferential trade status for India under GSP. How the termination will affect India and how India can prepare for this?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            9. What is S-400 �Triumf� Air Defence System? Enumerate how buying this system will strengthen India�s defense capabilities and will hamper India-USA relations.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            10. How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource rich Africa?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            11. With respect to the South China sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affirm the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and over flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            12. What do you understand by the so called Totalization of social security? Discuss in the light of India–US Bilateral Totalisation Agreement (BTA).
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            13. Challenged by nature, people and bureaucracy, the KMTT project is running at least two years behind schedule. However, its benefits are worth wait. Discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            14. Discuss India-China political and economic relations with special emphasis on Sikkim. What policy suggestions you make for Indian Government in this context? Opine.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            15. "India and Africa have a three-layered relationship viz. bilateral, regional and pan- "Discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            16. "Both India and China have been active in African continent in last few decades but there are fundamental differences between India's presence in Africa vis-à-vis China."Elucidate.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            17. "The declaration of TNW doctrine confirms that Pakistan has drastically changed its nuclear posture against India."Critically discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            18. India being the largest and oldest democracy in the world has always respected the sovereignty and integrity of other countries. Discuss in the light of recent happenings and India's stance on Maldives.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            19. While the UPA Government had rejected to sign the LSA, CISMOA and BECA Agreements with United States, the current government's stand seems to have changed. While throwing light on these agreements, suggest what stand India should take.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            20. Disputes regarding sharing of water of transnational rivers are highly driven by resource constraints. Explain with special reference to some water sharing disputes in South Asia.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            21. India's Foreign Policy derives its strength from Gandhism, Liberalism, Democratic Socialism and Internationalism. Discuss the ideological basis of India's Foreign Policy on the basis of the above statement.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            22. Elucidate the geography of "areas of dispute"between India and China. Despite the fact that these areas are much larger than Pak-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), least attention is paid to them in Indian media. Discuss the reasons.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            23. What are the key strategic reasons behind India's support towards Asia Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) Project. What are the major challenges? Critically discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            24. What are the major factors that contribute to the geopolitical significance of the Indian Ocean? Critically examine in the light of current geopolitics and implications of the same for India.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            25. Enumerate the reasons that have led to a lopsided trade between India and China. Do you agree with the view that a face-off between the two countries has more economic ramifications than security? Discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            26. How non-state actors bend foreign policies of countries? Critically discuss while keeping India's neighbourhood in focus.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            27. What do you understand by the policy of "strategic restraint"? Do you agree with the view that adoption of such policy has made India a rather soft state? Give arguments.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            28. Examine the strategic importance of India-Japan bilateral relations.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            29. What is the special representative mechanism between India and China? To what extent, it has been successful in achieving its objectives? Discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            30. What should be India's approach towards Afghanistan ? Discuss in context with the new South Asia Policy of United States.|
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            31. While analyzing the relevence of Thailand for India's Look East Policy, discuss the recent progress in bilateral relations of the two countries.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            32. For UN reforms India will have to expand its diplomatic capital and need to balance its national interest along with responsibilities as rising power. Discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            33. How the United States' regional strategy for South Asia under President Donald Trump is different from that under former US President Barak Obama? Discuss while underlining the progress in bilateral relations between India and US during last two years.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            34. Some have compared the outreach by China and India in Africa (and underlying competition between them) with the so-called Scramble for Africa of 19th century. To what extent, such comparison is justified? Critically discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            35. How will the US decision to "decertify"the Iran nuclear deal affect the parties involved in the deal? Discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            36. What do you understand by a Praetorian Democracy? Explain with suitable examples. Why some prefer to call Pakistan a Praetorian Democracy?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            37. Analyze the political, strategic and economic outcomes of India's Act East policy.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            38. While taking examples of "Bali Jatra" and "celebration of Ramayana", discuss India's historical and cultural ties with countries in Southeast and East Asia. [Context: 2017 marked 25th anniversary of establishment of the ASEAN-India Dialogue Partnership]
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            39. Discuss the importance of security and connectivity towards a successful Act East Policy. Do you agree with the view the Government of India has made these two aspects as two key pillars of its Act East Policy?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            40. Though India has shed its inhibitions in publicly engaging Israel, it has not abandoned its support for the Palestinian cause and the two-state solution. Analyze.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            41. Discuss the trends in Indo-Russia politico-strategic relationship since India's independence. To what extent, it is correct to say that India is moving away from Russia by getting close to U.S.A and China? Give Arguments to support your view.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            42. "India has lagged far behind China in its engagement in Africa."Do you agree with this view? Give arguments while drawing a comparison between their engagements in Africa.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            43. "As India aims to transform itself as a global power in 21st century, due attention must be diverted towards Latin America."Critically examine.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            44. What is the significance of Gulf region for India, particularly for energy and security related concerns? Discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            45. Critically discuss the India-Russia engagement in Hydrocarbon sector keeping in view the challenges posed by current global geopolitics.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            46. Analyze the nature and prospects of India's Look West Policy.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            47. How recent changes in immigration policies in Middle East affect India? What India should do to mitigate those effects?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            48. What are key outcomes of visit of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's visit to India?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            49. What is India's planned military base at Seychelles?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            50. What are the current contours of India-Jordan Relations?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            51. While throwing light on the geostrategic importance of Central Asian region, discuss some of the steps taken by India over the past few years to promote its concept of "extended neighbourhood"in the region.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            52. Throw light on the geostrategic importance of Maldives for India. How China's growing influence in Maldives is a strategic concern to India? Discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            53. Throw light on opportunities and challenges involved in India's trade with Latin American and Caribbean countries.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            54. How India has utilized its soft power to achieve its foreign policy goals over the last few years? Discuss with suitable examples.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            55. Discuss the factors that have pushed India to adopt a multi-directional approach for its West Asia policy.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            56. While focussing on India's huge investment made in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, discuss how Afghanistan can prove to be of great strategic and economic importance to India in coming years.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            57. How is Russia contributing in transforming India? Discuss the possible impacts of Russia's changing role in South Asia on India.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            58. Throw light on India's role in political transition that recently took place in Nepal.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            59. Throw light on the Sino-India water disputes. What are strategic threats to India from China's control over rivers flowing through northeast India? Discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            60. What is rationale and significance of Indian investment towards upgrading Sittwe port in Myanmar?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            61. Examine the key issues created by the so called "Parallel Safeguards"and "Right to Recourse"in context with Indo-US nuclear cooperation.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            62. "The Indo-US nuclear deal marked a turning point in India-US relations; ending India's nuclear apartheid. But ironically, this deal is still remaining unimplemented."Critically examine various issues and progress made thereupon so far.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            63. Examine the role being played by so called "Carter Initiative"and the DTTI towards cooperative research, co-production, and co-development of capabilities in the area of India-US Defence Relations.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            64. How trade, investment and infrastructure relations between India and Japan are mutually beneficial to each other?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            65. How the opportunity costs were imposed due to the sealed borders in South Asia?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            66. The proposed India-Japan Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) is being seen as a potential alternative to the One-Belt-One-Road (OBOR) initiative of China. How the former is different from later? What will be the practical difficulties faced by AAGC?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            67. In terms of development & economic co-operation, India has played a prominent role in Afghanistan, however, in case of security forces co-operation, India's approach has been rather restrained. Discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            68. While highlighting the importance of hydrological data for India, critically discuss how water has emerged as a new divide in Sino-Indian relations in recent years. Is there some kind of international arrangement with hydrological data sharing between co-riparian countries?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            69. What is the significance of the internal security pact between India and China?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            70. How India-EU relations are experiencing a transformative shift?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            71. Discuss the global response to President George Bush’s ‘National Missile Defence Plan’ (NMD).
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            72. What were the major recommendations of the ’Group of Ministers’ on Indian National Security System?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            73. Examine the latest phase of Indo-Iran relations.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            74. It is said that the clear mandate won by the Modi government will give it a new edge on the geopolitical space. Comment
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            75. Modi�s and Nehru�s politics are inverted mirror images of each other. Comment.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            76. What in your view is the symbolism associated with the PM Modi�s visit to Maldives?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            77. The military rule in Sudan should give way for a civilian government. Comment.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            78. What do you think is the reason behind tightening of immigration norms by US?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            79. What are the steps taken by Singapore as it eyes a farming revolution to tackle climate change and growth of population?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            80. Do you think the regional aspirations of Central Asian countries stand in the way of Indian goals?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            81. What do you think about the proposed retaliatory tariffs which India will impose on 29 US products?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            82. In its dealing with China and US do you think India is positioning itself as a swing state?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            83. Indian imposition of higher duties on 28 US products can be counterproductive to the Indian economic fabric. Comment.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            84. India has to play an increasingly important role in claiming the Indo-Pacific region. Comment.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            85. India will have to undertake smart diplomacy and see through many different balancing acts for dealing with regional conflicts. Examine in context with South-Asia.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            86. Do you think that India needs a substantive and defined account of its own objectives for steering through these tough times? Examine this in the light of Indian Foreign Policy challenges.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            87. What are your views on Trump's immigration policy for Indians?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            88. What is the Seesaw theory in International Relations in context with China and Taiwan?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            89. Explain the Chagos Islands dispute giving reference to the International Court of Justice viewpoint on same.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            90. Enumerate the challenges India is facing in Middle East. How these challenges can be tackled?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            91. Bhutan asserted that China should maintain status quo on Doklam. Discuss the recent Doklam issue. Why China is so much interested in the region?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            92. South Asian countries need deeper regional cooperation. Enumerate the present concerns for India and neighbouring countries along with ways to tackle these challenges.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            93. Do you think that the recent tensions between India and US are fuelled by Indian policy of multi-alignment and national-populism in both the countries?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            94. What are the implications of the US withdrawal from talks with Afghanistan?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            95. How the world is viewing the missile test of North Korea?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            96. Will India-Russia S-400 deal jeopardize India-US relations?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            97. ‘The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.’ Comment
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            98. Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            99. India-China relations are haunted with structural issues. For tangible gains in bilateral relations India must address these structural problems. Discuss
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            100. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali has won the Nobel peace Prize for his role in addressing the Ethopia-Eritrea conflict. What was the conflict about? What was the role of Abiy Ahmed Ali in ending the decades old conflict?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            101. What are Informal Summits? How they give a new dimension to the diplomacy?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            102. Who Are the Kurds? Explain the genesis of the tussle between Kurds and Turkey?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            103. “What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s National self-esteem and ambitions” Explain with suitable examples.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            104. Sweden is one of the world’s oldest monarchies. Write a note on the areas of cooperation and their potential between India and Sweden.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            105. Describe the current state of India-Sri Lanka ties in the wake of Gotabaya Rajapaksa becoming the new Sri Lankan President and how can India repair those ties in order to maximize our interests?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            106. As India prepares to welcome the Prime Minister of Mauritius explain how New Delhi views its relationship with the island nation and what can be done to further develop it?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            107. Describe the current geo-political situation in the European Union and the threats that the bloc faces in the future.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            108. Describe the various challenges being faced by the Communist Party of China and how it may affect President Xi Jinping?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            109. Discuss how the India-Japan defence partnership can be a win-win situation for both the countries.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            110. The Asian region’s rise is linked to peace, stability and cooperation between India and China. Elucidate
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            111. What are the issues and concerns related to the historic Land Boundary Agreement between India and Bangladesh ?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            112. Imports from China has led to curbed capacity creation and utilisation, India needs to address this malaise for economic revival. Comment.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            113. Who are the USCIRF and what concerns have been raised by it over the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 introduced in the Parliament ?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            114. Role of Indo-Pacific
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            115. Refugee Crisis & India
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            116. Indo-US changing Strategic Scenario
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            117. Joint drill by Russia, Iran & China
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            118. Has India played her hand with international politics by making some controversial domestic decisions in the past year? Discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            119. Kashmir Issue Takes Centre Stage In The US Congress
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            120. Analyze the factors, that are driving a global shift towards the Indo-Pacific region. Discuss in the context of evolving discourse on the region. Also, discuss the opportunities and challenges in this regard.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            121. In the case of Maldives, it’s not the size but the location that makes it strategically significant. Explain in the context of India’s neighbourhood first approach.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            122. In light of the economic rise of Bangladesh, examine the opportunities for India and hope for South Asia. Discuss the associated challenges and suggest a way forward.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            123. India’s Afghanistan Policy needs to keep in view the increasing closeness of Taliban with China. The need of the hour is to increase engagement while keeping in mind its core issues. Elaborate.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            124. India is facing challenge of China’s aggressive stance but this challenge has also provided India an opportunity to strengthen itself internationally and domestically. Discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            125. Trade and connectivity is the key for better engagement with neighbours. Discuss this in context of India and South Asia. Also examine the opportunities and challenges in this region.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            126. The recent efforts to normalise relations between Israel and UAE may open new possibilities for India. Analyse.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            127. Throw some light on the importance of BIMSTEC for India in promoting regional cooperation and integration in neighbourhood.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            128. Energy cooperation among the South Asian countries has several gaps. In this context, discuss the steps taken by India to promote regional energy cooperation.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            129. Throw some light on the significance and challenges of membership in Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for India.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            130. Highlight the need to revisit India’s neighbourhood policy with respect to the transboundary water resources.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            131. Explain how India’s engagement with its Diaspora has evolved and undergone a change through various policies in recent past.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            132. Despite similar strategic interests, India-Indonesia relationships were not focussed upon, however rapidly evolving regional strategic realities have forced both to coordinate their policies even more closely. Analyze.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            133. India-Nepal bilateral relations have not normalized even after several attempts of resetting ties. Discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            134. Highlight the factors that have led to formation of a dedicated Indo Pacific division in the MEA. What are the challenges for India in the Indo Pacific region?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            135. The bilateral relations among the members need to be overcome first for making SCO a successful regional grouping. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India’s interest in the Eurasian region.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            136. The ASEAN bloc is the central part of India’s Act East Policy and SAGAR initiative. Discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            137. Examine the reasons behind growing interests of China in the Arctic region and state its implications for India in context of China’s Polar Silk Road initiative.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            138. India has not been able to strengthen its ties with the Central Asian countries despite their significance. Bringing out the reasons for the same, discuss how India can deepen its relationship with countries in this region.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            139. Examine the significance of India-UK free trade agreement (FTA). Also, highlight the factors impeding the conclusion of the India-UK FTA.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            140. While global trade is estimated to decline. India is keeping its export numbers afloat by increasing trade with the global South. In this context, examine the rising importance of the global south in geopolitics and India’s response to it.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            141. 2022 marks 60 years since the Cuban Missile Crisis. What can be learnt from this historic incident for tackling the present-day international political tensions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            142. What are the implications of the recent Israel-Lebanon maritime agreement for the situation in West Asia? What are its implications for the European energy crisis?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            143. Why is India opposing the Belt and Road and Initiative? How are China's rival nations countering the BRI strategy?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            144. Why is there a huge dependence on Chinese imports and why is there a need to reduce dependence on Chinese imports? What can be done to achieve this?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            145. Discuss the fallout of Myanmar’s democratic experiment being derailed by the 2021 military coup. What are its impacts on the external players, including India?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            146. Examine the effectiveness of the use of economic sanctions to halt nuclear weapon and missile programs of countries like North Korea. What is the way ahead?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            147. One Earth, One Family, One Future” has been given as the theme of India’s upcoming G20 presidency. Comment on the significance and opportunities associated with it.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            148. In light of the External Affairs Minister’s recent visit to Russia, examine the role of India in the Russia-Ukraine crisis. How can India help improve the situation?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            149. Comment on the renewed focus to strengthen India-USA ties? What are the challenges and opportunities?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            150. In view of the recent invasion of Ukraine, how has Russia's position in Asia changed? How are its actions altering Asian geopolitics?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            151. Disclaimer: These questions have been written and answered by GKToday team over the period of time; and have included some previous years questions also. While every effort was made to ensure that these questions as well as their answers remain relevent and correct, it is possible, that some facts or context in some questions might have changed over time. GKToday does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by such change of facts or context in the questions and answers of this E-book.

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