Mains Answer Writing - 24 Dec, 2025

GS2

International Relations

15 marks

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.

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Tips for your answer

Do not treat it as a static trade agreement question
Go beyond tariff cuts—link CEPA to services, mobility (Mode 4), energy security, and geopolitics of West Asia.
Use examples to show application
Cite CBAM, LNG security, Duqm port, AYUSH access, or services exports to demonstrate analytical depth.
Balance optimism with realism
Clearly mention implementation risks, market-size constraints, and GCC fragmentation to avoid an overly celebratory answer.

9/15

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