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.
India has placed soft power as an important pillar of its foreign policy to enhance its global standing and image abroad. Discuss the statement along with the initiatives taken by the government.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral Relations
The new grouping of the US, Israel, India and UAE, also termed the QUAD in West Asia, give a further push to India's West Asia diplomacy. Discuss
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
Explain the concept of 'soft power' and examine its significance for a country's foreign policy goals with reference to India.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Bilateral RelationsGlobal Institutions
India is a bridge between the Global North and Global South (as divided by Brandt line) and is the 'voice of Global South'?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Global InstitutionsBilateral Relations
'You can change your friends but not neighbors.' In the light of the statement, examine the relevance of Gujral doctrine in India's Foreign Policy.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
Do you think India's foreign policy is becoming more China centric with the challenges of rising CHN? Comment (10m)
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Security and Strategic AffairsMajor Powers
Critically examine India's decision of opting out of the RCEP, despite the push from several nations like Japan and Australia to rethink its decision.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Trade and Economic DiplomacyRegional Groupings
Guided by their desire for strategic autonomy, India and France have been traditional partners and have adapted well to the changing global context. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
The realization of a successful Asian century is premised upon stable India-China relations. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
Elaborate on the reasons for growing importance of Africa in India's foreign policy framework. Also, underline the contemporary areas of their bilateral engagement.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
How scrapping of the Joint comprehensive plan of action by the U.S would affect India? Analyse. Also, discuss measures that could help India buffer the consequences of such a move.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Comment on the role played by the diaspora in India's development process. Also, discuss the challenges in terms of engaging the Indian diaspora and suggest ways to translate these partnerships into benefits.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Indian DiasporaBilateral Relations
India and European Union had a limited yet promising bilateral ties in the last six decades. However, current geopolitical challenges now offer an opportunity to work together and actualize the true potential of their relations. Analyze.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Built upon common democratic values & shared vision of strategic autonomy, India-France bilateral ties exude a promise of stability, growth & security in time of geopolitical flux & uncertainty. Do you agree?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
"The strategic embrace of Israel and continued commitment to Palestine is a paradox that defines India's West Asia policy." Critically analyze this dual diplomacy.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Explain the significance and implications of the China-brokered diplomatic accord between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
Notwithstanding China-Bhutan relations, India's emphasis on "Neighbourhood First Policy" has helped maintain healthy ties with Bhutan. Analyse
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
Mutually strengthening economic visions and attuned geopolitical outlooks have laid the foundation for a more robust and promising alliance between India and the UAE. Elaborate
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
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 and also throw light upon the initiatives taken by India to strengthen ties with these states.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
Bangladesh is not only a key part of India's "Neighbourhood First policy" but also crucial for the "Act East policy". In this context, discuss the steps taken by the two countries to strengthen their relationship.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
Discuss the concerns that have arisen in India-Sri Lanka relations in recent times. How can India ensure a favourable relationship with Sri Lanka given its importance in the Indian Ocean region?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
NeighbourhoodSecurity and Strategic Affairs
India's strategic autonomy remains the guiding principle in navigating relations with the United States and China. In this context, analyze the potential challenges and opportunities for India and how should India navigate this renewed US-China rivalry.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
"India must leverage, if not manage, global political divides". How can current geopol churn pave way to India's rise to global high table?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
India's image as a soft power has helped it garner trust in the developing world. Examine the statement in the context of vaccine diplomacy.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Bilateral RelationsGlobal Institutions
Soft power has the potential to multiply the efforts of Indian diplomacy, and in this regard should be pursued as an important objective. In this context, assess the extent to which it has been leveraged in Indian foreign policy. (10M)
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
‘India is taking a geopolitical balancing act in maintaining its longstanding friendship with Russia, even as it grows closer to the United States and its partners.’ How far has India been able to maintain its autonomy and look out for its own strategic interests? Examine.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
India has had ancient, historical networks with Africa and its importance is being reinforced in contemporary times. Discuss. Q2. The China+1 strategy of the West presents an opportunity for India to become a global manufacturing hub. Analyze. Q3. Discuss the significance of the Gulf region for India's diaspora. Highlight the challenges faced by them. Q4. Critically examine the funding mechanisms of WHO and their implications for global health priorities. Discuss the role of developing nations in this context.
Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
The Indian diaspora has played a critical role in strengthening the ties with many countries of the developed world. Enumerate the noted achievements that Indian diaspora has helped in? Also, highlight the steps taken by India to reach out to its diaspora worldwide. (15M)
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Indian DiasporaBilateral Relations
"Berlin can be India's gateway to EU". Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with EU.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
Immediate neighbours are "the first circle of priority" in India's relation with the world. In this context, highlight the salient features of 'Neighbourhood First' policy. Also, mention the associated challenges.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations