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.
There can be no genuine Asian century without amicable India-China relations. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
A China-Taiwan conflict can severely jeopardize India's security and economic interests, making it a situation India cannot afford to overlook. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Despite certain hiccups, recent developments suggest that continuity still looms large in the Indo-Bhutan relationship. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
Analyze the key shifts in India's foreign policy since independence and evaluate their success in achieving India's objectives.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Critically examine the efficacy of BRICS in the evolving global order. Also discuss India's recent diplomatic shifts regarding Afghanistan and the Iran-Israel conflict.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
Recent tensions between Iran backed Yemen based Houthi Rebels and other countries have created a crisis in Red Sea.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Security and Strategic AffairsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Discuss the significance of India's Arctic Policy in the context of its foreign policy and domestic development goals. Also, explain the differences between the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee in Parliament, highlighting their complementary roles in ensuring accountability.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Global Commons and TreatiesParliament
The shifting geopolitical dynamics cast a shadow on the India-Russia relationship, but it remains resilient, rooted in trust and shared interests. Examine.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral Relations
Discuss the emerging avenues of International relations and assess the preparedness of India in these area of expertise.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsGlobal Institutions
Europe's increased focus on the Indo-Pacific and the deepening economic and technological collaboration with India offer mutual benefits. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
The latent potential of the India-EU strategic partnership is deterred due to a slew of factors. Elaborate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Soft power is "a means to success in world politics" for those that know how to leverage it. Describe the significance of soft power for India to achieve its foreign policy goals.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
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.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral Relations
Examine the historical evolution of India-USA relations and evaluate how recent collaborations in technology have impacted the relationship.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
Recently, the Maldivian President attended India's Prime Minister's swearing-in ceremony, hinting a revival in ties.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
India's focus has shifted from Indian Ocean to Indo-Pacific, showing evolution of foreign policy.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
The recent political crisis in Myanmar and Afghanistan has put India's neighbourhood on the boil. Discuss the role of India's soft power in protecting its strategic interests in the region. 10. What is 'Economic Diplomacy'? Examine its contribution to achieving India's foreign policy objectives. 11. The pendency of cases at all levels of the judiciary is a major concern. Discuss the impact of this on the functioning of the Supreme Court and suggest ways to address it.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
NeighbourhoodTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Trace the evolution of India's Foreign Policy since independence. Do you see a paradigm shift in this evolution
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Has India leveraged its soft power to enhance its global stature and influence? Analyze.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsGlobal Institutions
Whoever controls the oceans, runs the world. In this context, discuss the shift in India's maritime strategy from SAGAR to MAHASAGAR.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Security and Strategic AffairsRegional Groupings
BRICS and QUAD are crucial for advancing Indian interests in a multipolar world while maintaining its strategic autonomy.
Answered by 1 topper
Regional GroupingsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Discuss the emerging avenues of international relations and assess the preparedness of India in these areas of expertise.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsGlobal Commons and Treaties
China views India as "Asian Rival" with innate ability to counter its hegemonic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also convergences. Discuss.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
India's engagement with Africa is no longer limited to development cooperation, but increasingly shaped by strategic and economic considerations. Discuss
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
It is often argued that SAARC did not have a promising childhood but it can expect a better adulthood. In light of this statement, explain the reasons for the failure of SAARC and need for its revival.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Regional GroupingsNeighbourhood
India depends heavily on the Middle East for its energy needs and is against any escalation of tension in the region. How can India play a greater role in the region amid rising tensions? (15M)
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
The expansion of BRICS reflects changing power dynamics in global politics. Discuss the strategic, economic, and diplomatic implications for India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
The recent visit of PM Modi to France has reinforced the deep ties that the two nations share.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Bilateral Relations
From being indentured labourers to holding positions of influence and power presently, the Indian Diaspora has been playing a crucial role in the development of the Caribbean Islands. Elaborate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Indian DiasporaBilateral Relations