Major Powers

12 UPSC Mains GS II questions on Major Powers, 2013 to 2026, newest first, as UPSC set them. See also practice questions on Major Powers toppers answered.

1. 2026 Q20“China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has transformed South Asia from a regional space into a theatre of great power competition.” Analyse the strategic implications of the BRI for India’s security and regional influence in South Asia.15 marks · 250 words
2. 2025 Q10“With the waning of globalization, post-Cold War world is becoming a site of sovereign nationalism.” Elucidate.10 marks · 150 words
3. 2025 Q20“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.15 marks · 250 words
4. 2024 Q9‘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.10 marks · 150 words
5. 2023 Q19‘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.15 marks · 250 words
6. 2021 Q10“The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain.10 marks · 150 words
7. 2020 Q20What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals ? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.15 marks · 250 words
8. 2019 Q20‘What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that 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.15 marks · 250 words
9. 2018 Q20In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to this situation?15 marks · 250 words
10. 2017 Q9“China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia.” In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour.10 marks · 150 words
11. 2014 Q16With 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 over flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China.12.5 marks · 200 words
12. 2013 Q19What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’ ? How does it impact India ? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this.10 marks · 200 words

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination question papers, upsc.gov.in. Topics are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.