UPSC Mains · GS II · Topic

Trade and Economic Diplomacy

18 UPSC Mains GS II questions on Trade and Economic Diplomacy, 2013 to 2025, newest first, as UPSC set them. See also practice questions on Trade and Economic Diplomacy toppers answered.

  1. 2025 Q9India-Africa digital partnership is achieving mutual respect, co-development and long-term institutional partnerships. Elaborate.10 marks · 150 words
  2. 2025 Q19“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?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. 2022 Q19How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics ?15 marks · 250 words
  6. 2021 Q9“If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years.10 marks · 150 words
  7. 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
  8. 2018 Q10A 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, 2018.10 marks · 150 words
  9. 2018 Q19What 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?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. 2017 Q19The 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.15 marks · 250 words
  12. 2016 Q17“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 seem doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries.” Discuss in the Indian perspective.12.5 marks · 200 words
  13. 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
  14. 2015 Q17Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically examine.12.5 marks · 200 words
  15. 2014 Q17The 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 ?12.5 marks · 200 words
  16. 2014 Q18Some of the International funding agencies have special terms for economic participation stipulating a substantial component of the aid to be used for sourcing equipment from the leading countries. Discuss on merits of such terms and if, there exists a strong case not to accept such conditions in the Indian context.12.5 marks · 200 words
  17. 2014 Q20WTO 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.12.5 marks · 200 words
  18. 2013 Q20Economic ties between India and Japan while growing in the recent years are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints which are inhibiting this growth.10 marks · 200 words

Other GS II topics

Bilateral RelationsCentre-State RelationsChildrenCitizen Charters and Grievance RedressCivil ServicesComparative ConstitutionsConstitutional BodiesConstitution and Basic StructureCorruption and ProbityEducationE-GovernanceElections and RepresentationExecutiveFederalism

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