Mains Answer Writing - 22 Jan, 2026

GS2

International Relations

10 marks

“The BRICS Plus naval exercise reflects emerging divergences within the BRICS grouping regarding the scope and direction of cooperation.”
Critically examine this statement in the context of India’s strategic autonomy and its approach towards separating economic multilateralism from security alignments.

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Tips for your answer

Start with context, not description: Briefly mention the BRICS Plus naval exercise only to highlight the shift from economic cooperation to security signalling, and immediately link it to internal divergences within BRICS.
Clearly bring out India’s strategic rationale: Emphasise India’s principles—strategic autonomy, issue-based alignment, and separation of economic forums from military blocs—while explaining why India opted out despite being a core BRICS member.
Balance critique with pragmatism: Acknowledge the Global South narrative and maritime security rationale, but critically assess risks of militarisation, China-led security posturing, and perception of BRICS as an anti-West platform, concluding with India’s calibrated multilateral approach.

6/10

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