Score:
6/15
Analyze what earned this score 🔥
Topper’s Copy
GS2
International Relations
15 marks
In the context of the Ukraine war and Western sanctions, examine how India is balancing its relations with Russia while protecting its strategic autonomy.
Student’s Answer
Evaluation by SuperKalam
Demand of the Question
- Ukraine war context - Impact on India's foreign policy choices
- Western sanctions framework - How India navigates sanctions while maintaining ties
- Balancing relations with Russia - Specific strategies to maintain partnership
- Protecting strategic autonomy - Independence in decision-making despite pressures
What you wrote:
In 2022, when Russia attacked Ukraine, USA imposed sanctions on country whosoever will trade with Russia & fuelling its war funds. However India is import dependent on Russia for crude oil (approx 70%) & serve its welfare policy by purchasing at discounted rate.
In 2022, when Russia attacked Ukraine, USA imposed sanctions on country whosoever will trade with Russia & fuelling its war funds. However India is import dependent on Russia for crude oil (approx 70%) & serve its welfare policy by purchasing at discounted rate.
Suggestions to improve:
- Could begin with India's strategic autonomy doctrine and how the Ukraine crisis tested this principle (e.g., "India's strategic autonomy, rooted in non-alignment principles, faced its biggest test when the Ukraine war forced nations to choose sides")
- Can provide accurate context about India's energy security concerns without overstating dependency figures
What you wrote:
Balancing with Russia & protecting strategic autonomy
1. Abstaining from voting at UNGA. Abstain it's not neutral but on side of peace. eg Modi's statement of "It is not the era of war".
2. Trading between India-Russia is approx 80% in local currency thus maintaining bilateral relation with Russia.
3. Modi's visit to both Moscow & Ukraine last year to balance its stance in war.
4. Taking advantage of buying discounted oil & maintain its strategic reserves thus upholding sovereignty. eg during Mr. Biden period; India's exception in CAATSA sanctions.
Balancing with Russia & protecting strategic autonomy
1. Abstaining from voting at UNGA. Abstain it's not neutral but on side of peace. eg Modi's statement of "It is not the era of war".
2. Trading between India-Russia is approx 80% in local currency thus maintaining bilateral relation with Russia.
3. Modi's visit to both Moscow & Ukraine last year to balance its stance in war.
4. Taking advantage of buying discounted oil & maintain its strategic reserves thus upholding sovereignty. eg during Mr. Biden period; India's exception in CAATSA sanctions.
Suggestions to improve:
- Could elaborate on how abstention at UN votes demonstrates strategic autonomy (e.g., "India's abstention on 12 UN resolutions showed its refusal to be pressured into taking sides, unlike many nations that voted under Western influence")
- Can explain local currency trade mechanism more clearly (e.g., "Rupee-Ruble trade mechanism bypassed SWIFT sanctions, allowing India to maintain $13 billion annual defense cooperation without violating Western restrictions")
- Could add India's humanitarian aid to Ukraine showing balanced approach (e.g., "Operation Ganga evacuated 22,500 Indian students while maintaining dialogue with both sides")
What you wrote:
5. Recent visit of Putin, made various agreement eg Comprehensive Economic Programme 2030 to increase bilateral trade to $100bn (presently around $60bn)
→ Agreement of S-400 purchase
→ SMR nuclear reactor life cycle technology transfer.
→ easing VISA policy for Indian tourists.
However, India in order to maintain high bilateral relations with USA it's also engaging and balancing its relation.
→ Increase in India's oil purchase from USA & decreasing its trade gap. eg due to reciprocal tariff & sanctions (50% tariff on India).
→ talks in progress for Bilateral trade Agreement in advance stage.
→ Diversifying its defence trade from Russia to countries like France (Rafale), US (F-20) & exporting to country like Philippines (BrahMos).
5. Recent visit of Putin, made various agreement eg Comprehensive Economic Programme 2030 to increase bilateral trade to $100bn (presently around $60bn)
→ Agreement of S-400 purchase
→ SMR nuclear reactor life cycle technology transfer.
→ easing VISA policy for Indian tourists.
However, India in order to maintain high bilateral relations with USA it's also engaging and balancing its relation.
→ Increase in India's oil purchase from USA & decreasing its trade gap. eg due to reciprocal tariff & sanctions (50% tariff on India).
→ talks in progress for Bilateral trade Agreement in advance stage.
→ Diversifying its defence trade from Russia to countries like France (Rafale), US (F-20) & exporting to country like Philippines (BrahMos).
Suggestions to improve:
- Could specify accurate defense deals (e.g., "S-400 delivery continued despite CAATSA threats, with India receiving five squadrons by 2024")
- Can mention India's position on price cap mechanisms (e.g., "India rejected the $60 per barrel price cap on Russian oil, asserting its right to secure affordable energy")
- Could add recent diplomatic initiatives (e.g., "India's proposal for 'Bharat-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission' strengthened institutional cooperation beyond Western pressure")
What you wrote:
India has upheld its sovereignty & whenever has put a step down is not due to any pressure but to strike a better bargain (eg discounted oil) & vouches for peace (SDG-16).
India has upheld its sovereignty & whenever has put a step down is not due to any pressure but to strike a better bargain (eg discounted oil) & vouches for peace (SDG-16).
Suggestions to improve:
- Could emphasize India's success in maintaining strategic autonomy (e.g., "India's approach demonstrates that middle powers can pursue independent foreign policy while engaging with all stakeholders in a multipolar world")
- Can link to broader foreign policy doctrine (e.g., "This balanced approach aligns with India's vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and its role as a bridge between competing blocs")
The answer demonstrates good understanding of India's balancing strategy and covers most key aspects. However, it needs better factual accuracy and stronger connection to strategic autonomy principles rather than just bilateral relationship management.
Demand of the Question
- Ukraine war context - Impact on India's foreign policy choices
- Western sanctions framework - How India navigates sanctions while maintaining ties
- Balancing relations with Russia - Specific strategies to maintain partnership
- Protecting strategic autonomy - Independence in decision-making despite pressures
What you wrote:
In 2022, when Russia attacked Ukraine, USA imposed sanctions on country whosoever will trade with Russia & fuelling its war funds. However India is import dependent on Russia for crude oil (approx 70%) & serve its welfare policy by purchasing at discounted rate.
In 2022, when Russia attacked Ukraine, USA imposed sanctions on country whosoever will trade with Russia & fuelling its war funds. However India is import dependent on Russia for crude oil (approx 70%) & serve its welfare policy by purchasing at discounted rate.
Suggestions to improve:
- Could begin with India's strategic autonomy doctrine and how the Ukraine crisis tested this principle (e.g., "India's strategic autonomy, rooted in non-alignment principles, faced its biggest test when the Ukraine war forced nations to choose sides")
- Can provide accurate context about India's energy security concerns without overstating dependency figures
More Challenges
View All- View Challenge
GS2
International Relations
24 Dec, 2025
India recently signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Oman. Examine the key features of the India–Oman CEPA and analyse its strategic and economic significance for India’s West Asia trade policy. Also discuss the challenges associated with the agreement.
- View Challenge
GS2
Indian Geography
Yesterday
Dense fog episodes are increasingly affecting northern India during winter months. Explain the formation of fog and its major types. Examine the impacts of persistent fog on weather conditions and socio-economic activities in India.
- View Challenge
GS2
Indian Polity
22 Dec, 2025
“Recent legislative reforms indicate a shift towards greater foreign participation in strategic sectors.” In this context, examine the objectives of the SHANTI Bill, 2025 and the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and discuss their implications for India’s energy security and financial sector development.
