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 over the years emerged as the 'Preferred Security Partner' and a 'net security provider' in the Indian Ocean Region. Substantiate the statement with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Security and Strategic AffairsRegional Groupings
Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in African economy and society. Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in the African Continent in this context.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Indian DiasporaBilateral Relations
The India-US relationship has been a source of strength in the midst of a global pandemic. Elaborate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
India - ASEAN relationship is the strongest arm in Act East Policy of India.
Answered by 1 topper
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
India’s foreign policy is increasingly navigating a “post-Western” global order. Critically examine this trend and its strategic consequences for India’s multilateral engagement.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Global InstitutionsRegional Groupings
IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
The strategic partnership between India and the European Union holds a lot of untapped potential, but is constrained by a range of factors. Discuss. (10M)
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
The inherent potential of India-EU bilateral relationship to forge a mutually beneficial strategic partnership remains unrealised due to several factors. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Quad is a decisive step towards the consolidation of a strategic partnership with the USA and its Asian allies and in enhancing Delhi's bargaining power vis-a-vis Beijing
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Regional GroupingsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Soft power is the ability of the country to get what it wants through attraction rather than coercion. What are the elements of India's soft power? How far has India been able to leverage its soft power?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
"The bond between Indian Diaspora and their homeland is eternal" (President Murmu). Discuss the role of Indian Diaspora in India's development and foreign policy, and examine the challenges in institutionalising their engagement. Q3. The Indus Water Treaty has survived three wars, several proxy wars and complete diplomatic breakdown. Examine the diplomatic and security implications of recent calls to review or suspend the treaty.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Indian DiasporaBilateral Relations
Throw light on the reasons for growing salience of Africa in India's foreign policy framework. Also, mention the contemporary areas of engagement between India and Africa.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
How Wuhan Summit was an important signal of intent by India & China to revive the relationship and better understand areas of convergence. Explain with suitable arguments.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
What do you understand by Non Aligned Movement (NAM)? Is India's foreign policy still guided by principles of non-alignment? Justify.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
Indo-US relations are more robust than ever, but the deepening of the relationship is not without challenges. Analyse.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
Evaluate the role of the India-UK FTA in facilitating greater market access and professional mobility.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
How far do you think has India's foreign policy traveled from the heydays of Non-Aligned Movement? What factors in your opinion have contributed to it?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
The importance of Central Asia for India is not merely cultural and historical. In the light of this statement, describe the strategic importance of Central Asia for India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
The strategic partnership between India and European union holds a lot of untapped potential, but is constrained by a range of factors. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
Explain the factors that make Indo-Pacific a region of significance for India. What are the impediments in reaping the geo-strategic potential of the Indo-Pacific?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
Despite their significance, India has not been able to strengthen its ties with the Central Asian countries. Bringing out the reasons for the same, discuss how India can deepen its relationship with countries in this region.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
India's "Balancing act" in the ongoing Ukraine crisis is borne out of mature strategic thinking rather than mere necessities. Explain.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Discuss how American sanctions on its adversaries affect India. Taking the example of CAATSA, analyse how India can shield its strategic interests in face of such sanctions.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
What is Vaccine diplomacy? Explain the significance of Vaccine Diplomacy for India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
World in 21st century is seeing rise of smaller groupings, instead of large groups of 20th century.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
India and US have had an oscillating relationship in the past, to what extent has the relationship acquired depth in recent times? How should New Delhi navigate its relationship with the US after its sharp divergence with Washington on the issue of the Russia-Ukraine war?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
Iran stands as a gateway for India's Central & West Asia Policy. Elaborate. Also highlight the key challenges that confront closer India - Iran ties..
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
India's response to Ukraine crisis is an expression of strategic autonomy and not a reflection of strategic compulsions. Examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs