UPSC Mains 2026 · GS I · Q16 · 15 marks · 250 words

“The centre of global trade is gradually shifting from the Atlantic region to the Indo-Pacific region.” Examine this statement.

हिन्दी में

“वैश्विक व्यापार का केन्द्र अटलांटिक प्रदेश से हिन्द-प्रशान्त (इंडो-पैसिफिक) प्रदेश की ओर धीरे-धीरे स्थानान्तरित हो रहा है।” इस कथन का परीक्षण कीजिए।

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Indo-pacific region has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context.”

Ayan JainAIR 16 · CSE 2023 · 215 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

In the last few years and decades, Asia has risen to be the region of fastest growth; With the rise of India, China and other regional powers, the Indo-Pacific also assumes great geo-political significance.

Body · points

Diagram
[A hand-drawn map of the Indo-Pacific region showing India, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean, labeled with 'High growth area', 'High-trade area', and 'Indo-Pacific region']

Significance of the region

  1. Highest rate of economic growth in the world, which attracts other countries as investors and active players.

  2. High availability of natural resources (eg. Water, minerals like coal)

  3. Strategic location (India, China, Russia and Africa are here).

  4. High amount of global trade (eg Melacca strait).

  5. India and China are two powerful countries poised to be global leaders.

  6. Demographic advantage: This region has extremely high population.

  7. Presence of terrorism which threatens trade and stability.

  8. Military bases present here eg Diego Garcia, Djibhouiti, Reunion Islands.

  9. Constant struggle for power (eg. China's expansionist policies in South China Sea).

  10. This region will soon be at the centre of major global decisions.

  11. Potential of growth in the region since most countries are still developing.

  12. Huge significance of Indian Ocean from trade and strategic / military perspective.

Close · a way forward

Thus, the Indo-Pacific region has assumed significance, and India can make best use of it to pursue our economic and strategic interests with others' cooperation (eg. SAGAR: Security and growth for all in the region)

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026, General Studies Paper I, Q16. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.