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.
International relations are not the relations only between nations. Various other players like corporations, global institutions, lobby groups and NGOs, and also media are participants in their own right. How do you think the rise of social media has affected international relations?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Bilateral RelationsGlobal Institutions
With emerging new vectors in International relations with multi-polarity, opened the new channels for geo-political engagement for India with Western States.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
There is an urgent need for global cooperation to eradicate poverty and hunger. In this context analyse how international cooperation can impact efforts to address the challenges of poverty and hunger.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Poverty and HungerGlobal Institutions
India must leverage, if not manage, global divides. How can current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
In the context of the evolving discourse on the Indo Pacific, analyse the factors driving the global shift towards the region. Also, identify India's interests and challenges in this regard.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Regional GroupingsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
In the past more than two decades since its establishment, BIMSTEC has come a long way in distinguishing itself as a group with a vision for collective advancement utilizing its vast potential. Comment.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
Announcement of the AUKUS security pact heralds a new era of global geopolitics. Comment. Also, discuss how it may affect India's interests.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Security and Strategic AffairsRegional Groupings
"While India's interests in Central Asia are visible; its relations with the region are marginal". Discuss. How far do you think India's admission into SCO as a permanent member would help in correcting the existing imbalances with our neighbours? Justify with suitable arguments.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
The deepening China-Russia strategic relationship has been described by some as the 'most consequential undeclared alliance in the world'. How can this alliance impact India's national interest? What strategies should India adopt to protect her interests?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
"India's focus on active involvement with multilateral grouping is putting under scanner its neighbourhood first policy". Explain with suitable examples. (10M)
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
NeighbourhoodRegional Groupings
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 has brought an overarching framework for the protection of children from sexual offences. Discuss its implications on the rights and welfare of children, highlighting its successes and shortcomings. 19. The India-US relationship is often described as a 'defining partnership' of the 21st century. However, recurring tensions over issues like human rights, democratic values, and press freedom continue to challenge this bilateral engagement. Elaborate.
Answered by 1 topper
Welfare SchemesChildren
Critically examine the economic and strategic dimensions of INDIA-ASEAN relationship in the context of the growing significance of Indo-Pacific Region.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
BIMSTEC lies at the crossroads between SAARC and ASEAN, drawing its energy from the natural convergence of countries around Bay of Bengal. Discuss
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
The objective of foreign policy is not only to build cordial international relations, but also to ensure national security and help citizens in pursuit of their aspirations. Discuss in context of India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
How has the India-ASEAN partnership evolved since the implementation of the 'Look East Policy'? In what ways can India leverage the increasing strength of its economy alongside geopolitical realities as opportunities to foster closer India and ASEAN relations?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
"The AAGC is not an answer for China's OBOR as the approaches of India and China towards Africa are essentially different." Critically examine.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
"Brexit offers India new opportunities of engaging in trade with Europe". Examine.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Trade and Economic DiplomacyBilateral Relations
US-China cold war is ushering in an era of renewed bipolarism in the world.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Major PowersBilateral Relations
India-Russia relations lack diversity and strength in changing global geopolitics. Analyse.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
Highlight India's ambitions towards Arctic Ocean along with explaining India's Arctic Policy.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Global Commons and TreatiesBilateral Relations
"Look west is as important as Look East." In light of this statement, analyze the growing relevance of West Asia as India's strategic partner.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Analyze the implications of the expansion of BRICS membership to include countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt on the group's geopolitical relevance and economic power. Evaluate the impact of this development on India's position within BRICS and its ability to further its national interests.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
SCO serves India's quest for geopolitical balance and regional engagement; however, any benefits from it are cancelled out by the presence of China and Pakistan. In this context discuss various concerns faced by India regarding SCO?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Despite India having immense soft power potential, it alone will not be sufficient to achieve India's foreign policy objectives. Examine
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Para diplomacy has the potential to not only strengthen the federal structure of the Indian state but also radically alter the trajectory of Indian foreign policy by helping regional governments to realise their potential in the conduct of cross border relations. Critically Analyse.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
FederalismCentre-State Relations
India's relation with West Asia has acquired depth and diversity that can navigate geopolitical hurdles. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
"Non-alignment remains a guiding principle, yet the national foreign policy also reflects traits that contrast with it". Elaborate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
“Contradictions in the India-Russia relationship will be difficult to overcome in the long term”. Critically comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral Relations
Changing strategic realities come with their own constraints and possibilities. Describe briefly India's defense diplomacy in the context of contemporary geopolitics.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Security and Strategic AffairsBilateral Relations