Security and Strategic Affairs

19 UPSC Mains GS II questions on Security and Strategic Affairs, 2013 to 2026, newest first, as UPSC set them. See also practice questions on Security and Strategic Affairs toppers answered.

1. 2026 Q9“IPMDA (Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness) bridges the gap between India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and the Quad’s collective Indo-Pacific strategy.” Make a critical assessment of the statement focusing on IPMDA.10 marks · 150 words
2. 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
3. 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
4. 2024 Q10Critically analyse India’s evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics.10 marks · 150 words
5. 2024 Q19‘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.15 marks · 250 words
6. 2024 Q20Discuss 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 ?15 marks · 250 words
7. 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
8. 2023 Q20‘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.15 marks · 250 words
9. 2021 Q20The 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.15 marks · 250 words
10. 2020 Q19‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)’ is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times – Discuss.15 marks · 250 words
11. 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
12. 2019 Q9‘The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.’ Comment.10 marks · 150 words
13. 2019 Q19‘The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order.’ Elaborate.15 marks · 250 words
14. 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
15. 2016 Q18Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post Cold War international scenario.12.5 marks · 200 words
16. 2015 Q19Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian Government to improve relationship with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss.12.5 marks · 200 words
17. 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
18. 2013 Q18The proposed withdrawal of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 is fraught with major security implications for the countries of the region. Examine in light of the fact that India is faced with a plethora of challenges and needs to safeguard its own strategic interests.10 marks · 200 words
19. 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.