GS2 · Topic
Bilateral Relations
Relations with individual countries beyond the neighbourhood.
210 UPSC Mains GS2 questions on Bilateral Relations that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Regional GroupingsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
India's timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its "Neighbourhood First" policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
NeighbourhoodSecurity and Strategic Affairs
How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Global Commons and TreatiesRegional Groupings
Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Bilateral RelationsGlobal Institutions
Examine India's transboundary water-sharing challenges with Pakistan and Bangladesh in light of recent disputes.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024
Global InstitutionsRegional Groupings
India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
India's strategic autonomy remains the guiding principle in navigating relations with the United States and China. In this context, analyse the potential challenges and opportunities for India and how India should navigate this renewed US-China rivalry.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
Highlight the significance of the recently envisaged India-Middle East-Europe corridor for India's connectivity with the world, especially the West. Do you think, in recent times, transport and energy initiatives have taken precedence in India's foreign policy?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
With the advent of new regional and multilateral agreements like QUAD, AUKUS, I2U2 etc the old world order represented by organizations like NAM, Davos, and G77 is losing its relevance. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Regional GroupingsGlobal Institutions
Despite the recent rise in politically contentious issues, the India-Canada bilateral relationship has remained committed to shared values of democracy, pluralism, expanding economic engagement and long-standing people-to-people ties. Highlighting the significant pillars of the India-Canada relationship, discuss the potential areas of cooperation and collaboration between India and Canada.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Bilateral RelationsIndian Diaspora
Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
How will the BBIN grouping promote regional integration in South Asia? Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Regional GroupingsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
The new cold war between the USA and China may have the effect of casting a long shadow on India's strategic interests from Pacific to Atlantic. Evaluate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
As an important attribute of soft power, "Knowledge diplomacy" has the potential to further various objectives of foreign policy. Explain.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Trade and Economic DiplomacyBilateral Relations
The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
The island states and territories from the South Pacific to the African coast have become new nodes in India's changing strategic geography. In this context, highlight the importance of these island states for India and also throw light upon the initiatives taken by India to strengthen ties with these states.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Bilateral RelationsGlobal Institutions
How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction." Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
Bangladesh is a key pillar of India's Neighborhood First policy, but recent developments on both sides threaten to disrupt the 'Sonali Adhyay' in bilateral relations. Analyze.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
Presidency of G20 is but a reflection of India's quest for a more just and polycentric world order, where the voice of the global south is mainstreamed not muzzled. Elucidate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Global InstitutionsRegional Groupings
The ongoing conflict in West Asia has exposed the vulnerabilities of regional diplomacy. In this light, discuss the implications of the West Asian conflict for India's strategic autonomy and regional engagement.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
In Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has become a coveted prize to win for India and China. Discuss how this competition is affecting relations between India and Sri Lanka.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Regional GroupingsSecurity and Strategic Affairs