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.
'The expansion of BRICS signals a shift towards a more multipolar world order.' Discuss how this expanded grouping presents India with opportunities to enhance its global leadership while introducing certain challenges.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
"In a fluid geopolitical arena, engagement without formal endorsement is a pragmatic middle path." Do you agree? Explain in the context of India's current approach towards the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
India-Bangladesh relations, once marked by shared history and cultural proximity, are now shaped by strategic calculus, regional competition, and shifting domestic politics in both countries. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
Effective transboundary water management can act as a catalyst for regional peace and cooperation.' In light of this statement, bring out the opportunities and challenges for India in leveraging 'water diplomacy' in its neighbourhood.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
G-20 presidency under India is an embodiment of inclusivity, ambitiousness and decisiveness. Discuss
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsGlobal Institutions
Strategically located ports are vital assets in regional and economic integration. In this context discuss the significance of ports like Chabahar and Sittwe in India's strategy to enhance connectivity and their contribution to India's geopolitical objectives.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Trade and Economic DiplomacySecurity and Strategic Affairs
BIMSTEC lies at the crossroads between SAARC and ASEAN, drawing its energy from the natural convergence of the countries around the Bay of Bengal. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
Regional GroupingsNeighbourhood
China's interest in Russia is not only that of a strategic partner, but also for it being a strategic diversion for the west. Analyze.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Major PowersBilateral Relations
India's engagement with Africa is no longer limited to development cooperation but is increasingly shaped by strategic and economic considerations. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Discuss the challenges and opportunities for India in its engagement with the African Continent and suggest ways to improve, enhance the partnership.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Rather than seeing it as a replacement for SAARC, BIMSTEC must be appreciated for its critical role as a bridge between South Asia and ASEAN. Analyze.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
"In the era of globalization, the concept of Para diplomacy has become increasingly important in shaping foreign policy, highlighting the growing significance of subnational actors in international relations". Elaborate in the context of India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Bilateral RelationsFederalism
India-China relations are evolving from confrontation to cautious diplomacy. In this context, discuss the recent efforts made to stabilise the relationship and identify the structural challenges that continue to impede complete normalisation.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
The FIPIC initiative represents a significant endeavour aimed at enhancing India's involvement in the Pacific region. comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
The ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel present a foreign policy dilemma for India, given its strategic ties with both. Analyse the challenges this conflict poses and suggest how India can balance its interests amid rising instability in the region?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
"A multipolar world order is not merely an option but a necessity". Elaborate. How can India leverage its position to strengthen multipolarity in the global arena?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
"ASEAN is the cornerstone of India's Act East Policy and its Indo-Pacific vision." Elucidate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
Compare the aims and objectives of I2U2 and Quad. What importance does I2U2 hold for India?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
Present a comparative analysis of political system of India and Sri-Lanka. How far do you agree that the reason for the economic crisis in Sri-Lanka lies in its political structure?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Comparative ConstitutionsBilateral Relations
India has a pride of place among the comity of nations with strong credentials in the arena of soft power. Identifying the key attributes of India's soft power, assess the extent to which it has been leveraged in India's foreign policy matrix.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsGlobal Institutions
Berlin can be India's gateway to EU. Elaborate with respect to Germany's importance in India's relation with EU.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
ASEAN centrality, a key element in regional security and Asia's multilateral cooperation can be deployed to ensure that Asia's future is not dictated predominatly by greater power interests. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
SCO is seen as a major coordinating and balancing force in the region; however, its position is increasingly challenged by internal contradictions and divergences. In this context, critically evaluate the relevance of SCO in advancing India's interests.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
Growing isolation of Russia creates great stress on India-Russia relations and affects the balance of power in Eurasia. Examine.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Highlighting the significance of Central Asia for India, discuss the challenges in strengthening the Indo-Central Asian relationship.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
Does the recent Prime Ministerial visit to Israel mark a tectonic shift in India's policy towards the Israel - Palestine conflict? Do you think India and israel relations have reached their natural climax?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Bilateral Relations
Today, the India-US relationship encompasses a large variety of activities, from information sharing and joint exercises to emerging industrial cooperation. Despite this convergence, India-U.S relations have been the subject of constant criticism, a combination of unrealistic expectations and doubt. Analyse.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
Given the fact that India cannot match China's financial clout, it is seen to be diversifying the ways in which it can enhance cooperation and promote its diplomatic profile in Africa. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Discuss the potential for deeper dialogue and cooperation between NATO and India, considering their shared values and interests.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs