International Relations - UPSC Mains Previous Year Questions
Get UPSC Mains Previous Year Question (PYQ) papers with detailed model answers, diagrams, flowcharts, and structured answer writing for GS 1, 2, 3, and Ethics - all at one place.
- International Relations15 MarksView Answer for: "The reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved, because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs. Russo-Chinese alliance." Examine and critically evaluate the East-West policy confrontations in this regard.
"The reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved, because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs. Russo-Chinese alliance." Examine and critically evaluate the East-West policy confrontations in this regard.
- International Relations15 MarksView Answer for: "Energy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India's foreign policy, and is linked with India's overarching influence in Middle Eastern countries." How would you integrate energy security with India's foreign policy trajectories in the coming years?
"Energy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India's foreign policy, and is linked with India's overarching influence in Middle Eastern countries." How would you integrate energy security with India's foreign policy trajectories in the coming years?
- International Relations10 MarksView Answer for: "With the waning of globalization, post-Cold War world is becoming a site of sovereign nationalism." Elucidate.
"With the waning of globalization, post-Cold War world is becoming a site of sovereign nationalism." Elucidate.
- International Relations10 MarksView Answer for: India-Africa digital partnership is achieving mutual respect, co-development and long-term institutional partnerships. Elaborate.
India-Africa digital partnership is achieving mutual respect, co-development and long-term institutional partnerships. Elaborate.
- International Relations15 MarksView Answer for: Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India's maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition?
Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India's maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition?
- International Relations15 MarksView Answer for: Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security. Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council's Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its associated bodies in addressing and mitigating this threat at the international level.
Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security. Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council's Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its associated bodies in addressing and mitigating this threat at the international level.
- International Relations10 MarksView Answer for: Critically analyze India's evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics.
Critically analyze India's evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics.
- International Relations10 MarksView Answer for: "The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China's supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China's political and economic dominance." Explain this statement with examples.
"The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China's supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China's political and economic dominance." Explain this statement with examples.
- International Relations15 MarksView Answer for: Sea is an important component of the Cosmos’. Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security.
Sea is an important component of the Cosmos’. Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security.
- International Relations15 MarksView Answer for: The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well for India. What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.
The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well for India. What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.
- International Relations15 MarksView Answer for: Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the west. Describe its economic and political benefits for India.
Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the west. Describe its economic and political benefits for India.
- International Relations15 MarksView Answer for: Virus of conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO”. In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the problems.
Virus of conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO”. In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the problems.
- International Relations15 MarksView Answer for: Clean energy is the order of the day.’ Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics.
Clean energy is the order of the day.’ Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics.
- International Relations15 MarksView Answer for: How will 12U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics?
How will 12U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics?
- International Relations15 MarksView Answer for: Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected.
Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected.
- International Relations10 MarksView Answer for: Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC ? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two ? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation ?
Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC ? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two ? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation ?
- International Relations10 MarksView Answer for: India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement.
India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement.
- International Relations15 MarksView Answer for: The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario.
The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario.
- International Relations15 MarksView Answer for: Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India?
Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India?
- International Relations15 MarksView Answer for: Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India.
Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India.
- International Relations10 MarksView Answer for: “The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain.
“The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain.
- International Relations10 MarksView Answer for: “If the last few decades were Asia's growth story, the next few are expected to be Africa's.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years.
“If the last few decades were Asia's growth story, the next few are expected to be Africa's.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years.
- International Relations15 MarksView Answer for: What is the significance of Indo-US deals over Indo-Russian defense deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
What is the significance of Indo-US deals over Indo-Russian defense deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
- International Relations15 MarksView Answer for: Quadrilateral Security Dialogue is transforming itself into a trade block from the military alliance, in present times. Discuss
Quadrilateral Security Dialogue is transforming itself into a trade block from the military alliance, in present times. Discuss
- International Relations10 MarksView Answer for: The Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries”. Comment with examples.
The Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries”. Comment with examples.
- International Relations10 MarksView Answer for: Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- International Relations15 MarksView Answer for: What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States, 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.
What introduces friction into the ties between
India and the United States, 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. - International Relations15 MarksView Answer for: The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised Nations has disappeared on account of its newfound role in the emerging global order. Elaborate.
The long-sustained image of India as a leader
of the oppressed and marginalised Nations has
disappeared on account of its newfound role in
the emerging global order. Elaborate. - International Relations10 MarksView Answer for: Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in light of the US withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’.
Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO
fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in light of the
US withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural
body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’. - International Relations10 MarksView Answer for: The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.’ Comment.
The time has come for India and Japan to build a
strong contemporary relationship, one involving
global and strategic partnership that will have great
significance for Asia and the world as a whole.’
Comment. - International Relations15 MarksView Answer for: In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to its situation?
In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to its situation?
- International Relations15 MarksView Answer for: What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India?
What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India?
- International Relations10 MarksView Answer for: A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India’s joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018.
A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India’s joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018.
- International Relations10 MarksView Answer for: “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss.
“India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss.
- International Relations15 MarksView Answer for: Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries’ economy and society. Appraise the role of the Indian Diaspora in South-East Asia in this context.
Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries’ economy and society. Appraise the role of the Indian Diaspora in South-East Asia in this context.
- International Relations15 MarksView Answer for: The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries.
The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries.
- International Relations10 MarksView Answer for: What are the main functions of the United Nations? Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)?Explain different functional commissions attached to it.
What are the main functions of the United Nations? Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)?Explain different functional commissions attached to it.
- International Relations10 MarksView Answer for: China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour.
China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour.
- International Relations12.5 MarksView Answer for: What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of UNESCO? What is India’s position on these?
What are the aims and objectives of the
McBride Commission of UNESCO?
What is India’s position on these? - International Relations12.5 MarksView Answer for: Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable examples
Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable examples
- International Relations12.5 MarksView Answer for: Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario.
Evaluate the economic and strategic
dimensions of India’s Look East Policy
in the context of the post-Cold War
international scenario. - International Relations12.5 MarksView Answer for: The broader aims and objectives of WTO are to manage and promote international trade in the era of globalization. But the Doha round of negotiations seems doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries.” Discuss from the Indian perspective.
The broader aims and objectives of
WTO are to manage and promote
international trade in the era of
globalization. But the Doha round of
negotiations seems doomed due to
differences between the developed
and the developing countries.” Discuss
from the Indian perspective.
- International Relations12.5 MarksView Answer for: Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India–Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchange could help generate goodwill between the two countries? Discuss with suitable examples.
Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India–Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchange could help generate goodwill between the two countries? Discuss with suitable examples.
- International Relations12.5 MarksView Answer for: Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian government to improve relationships with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss.
Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian government to improve relationships with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss.
- International Relations12.5 MarksView Answer for: Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in the UNSC.
Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in the UNSC.
- International Relations12.5 MarksView Answer for: The Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically Examine.
The Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically Examine.
- International Relations12.5 MarksView Answer for: WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries in a profound manner. What is the mandate of WTO and how binding are their decisions? Critically analyse India’s stand on the latest round of talks on Food security.
WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries in a profound manner. What is the mandate of WTO and how binding are their decisions? Critically analyse India’s stand on the latest round of talks on Food security.
- International Relations12.5 MarksView Answer for: India has recently signed to become a founding member of New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). How will the role of the two Banks be different? Discuss the strategic significance of these two Banks for India.
India has recently signed to become a founding member of New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). How will the role of the two Banks be different? Discuss the strategic significance of these two Banks for India.
- International Relations12.5 MarksView Answer for: Some of the International funding agencies have special terms for economic participation stipulating a substantial component of the aid used for sourcing equipment from the leading countries. Discuss the merits of such terms and there exists a strong case not to accept such conditions in the Indian context.
Some of the International funding agencies have special terms for economic participation stipulating a substantial component of the aid used for sourcing equipment from the leading countries. Discuss the merits of such terms and there exists a strong case not to accept such conditions in the Indian context.
- International Relations12.5 MarksView Answer for: The aim of Information Technology Agreements (ITAs) is to lower all taxes and tariffs on Information technology products by signatories to zero. What impact would such agreements have on India’s interests?
The aim of Information Technology Agreements (ITAs) is to lower all taxes and tariffs on Information technology products by signatories to zero. What impact would such agreements have on India’s interests?
- International Relations12.5 MarksView Answer for: 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 ever flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China.
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 ever flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China.
- International Relations10 MarksView Answer for: The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions, and mandate are distinctly different. Elucidate.
The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions, and mandate are distinctly different. Elucidate.
- International Relations10 MarksView Answer for: What is meant by the Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss.
What is meant by the Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss.
- International Relations10 MarksView Answer for: In respect of India — Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy.
In respect of India — Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy.
- International Relations10 MarksView Answer for: Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India?
Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India?
- International Relations10 MarksView Answer for: The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split in society between the nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India?
The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split in society between the nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India?
- International Relations10 MarksView Answer for: Economic ties between India and Japan while growing in recent years are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints that are inhibiting this growth
Economic ties between India and Japan while growing in recent years are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints that are inhibiting this growth
- International Relations10 MarksView Answer for: What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this.
What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this.
- International Relations10 MarksView Answer for: The proposed withdrawal of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 is fraught with major security implications for the countries of the region. Examine because India is faced with a plethora of challenges and needs to safeguard its strategic interests.
The proposed withdrawal of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 is fraught with major security implications for the countries of the region. Examine because India is faced with a plethora of challenges and needs to safeguard its strategic interests.
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