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.
Built upon common democratic values and shared vision of strategic autonomy, India-France bilateral ties exude a promise of stability, growth, and security in a time of geo-political flux and uncertainty. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
'Starved of funds, shackled by geopolitics, WHO is facing a crisis of capacity and credibility.' Discuss the statement in the light of USA's withdrawal and its accusation of the health body of being 'biased towards China and mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic'.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Global InstitutionsHealth
Examine the factors behind the growing salience of the Arctic region in international politics. Discuss, in this context, strategies for India to recalibrate its Arctic engagement.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Global Commons and TreatiesSecurity and Strategic Affairs
The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is born from a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth. Comment. Also, discuss India's concerns in this context.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Regional GroupingsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
The trajectory of India-China relations in the last 75 years reflects a balance between pragmatic cooperation and unresolved strategic tensions. Discuss the contours of this evolving policy and highlight the measures India should take to counterbalance asymmetries with China.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
NeighbourhoodSecurity and Strategic Affairs
“The weakening commitment of major powers to international health frameworks poses serious challenges to equitable global cooperation.” Discuss in light of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO and its implications for India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Global InstitutionsHealth
Despite considerable geographical contiguity. SAARC has remained in a condition of jammed traffic. Discuss what SAARC can learn from other regional groupings from around the world.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
'You can change our 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 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
The synergy of shared values and vibrant people-to-people connections between India and Australia creates a fertile ground for fostering long-lasting trade relations and strategic collaboration between the two nations. Analyse.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
What is I2U2 summit? How its interests align with India's interests? Discuss in context of India trying to expand its presence in global affairs.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
The evolution of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) from a maritime security grouping to a multidimensional partnership reflects changing strategic realities in the Indo-Pacific. In this context, examine the opportunities and challenges that QUAD presents for India's regional aspirations and strategic autonomy.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Regional GroupingsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Comment upon the evolving nature of India-UAE relations with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
The recent Russia-Ukraine war has deepened the Sino-Russian engagement. Analyze its geopolitical implications for India?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
'India is uniquely positioned on the world map for its rich culture.' In this context discuss the role of culture, diaspora, and democracy as instruments of India's soft power diplomacy. To what extent India has been able to position itself as a 'smart power'?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023
Bilateral RelationsIndian Diaspora
"Act East Policy is as much about regional balancing as it is about economic diplomacy." Analyse this statement in the context of India's engagement with ASEAN amidst shifting power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
The Indian diaspora in the Gulf region plays a pivotal role in shaping India's economic relations and people-centric diplomacy with West Asia. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Indian DiasporaBilateral Relations
Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
"Cultural diplomacy through diaspora outreach has emerged as a soft power tool in India's global engagement strategy." Evaluate the strengths and limitations of diaspora-led cultural diplomacy in advancing India's national interest.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Indian DiasporaBilateral Relations
Discuss factors and geopolitical interest which shapes India's engagement with central Asia. Also Mention steps which India need to take to enhance its reach in the region.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
How have the growing tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran affected regional stability in West Asia? In this context, evaluate the key considerations for India's foreign policy to safeguard its interests in West Asia.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
India is uniquely positioned on the world map for its rich culture. In this context discuss the role of culture, diaspora, and democracy as instruments of India's soft power. To what extent India has been able to position itself as a 'smart power'?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Trade and Economic DiplomacyBilateral Relations
Mauritius remains the 'Star and Key' to the Indian Ocean for India. Analyze the geopolitical significance of Mauritius in India's Indian Ocean strategy.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
In light of the changing geopolitical landscape, what are the emerging areas of cooperation and potential challenges in the India-Japan strategic relationship?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
With overlapping geographical and strategic interests, ASEAN-BIMSTEC cooperation can enhance Indo-Pacific connectivity and resilience. Analyze the institutional, political, and external challenges that impede this collaboration.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
Geopolitical shifts pose challenges to India-Russia relations, yet the relationship remains robust, driven by deep-rooted trust and a shared commitment to sustain a multifaceted strategic partnership. Analyse.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Assess the strategic significance of Taiwan for the world, and how its position as a major economic power and a potential flashpoint in the Asia-Pacific region affects the geopolitical balance of power in the 21st century.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
Critically examine the role of International Monetary Fund (IMF) in addressing debt distress in the Global South. How can India use its post-G20 presidency momentum to push IMF reforms?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Global InstitutionsBilateral Relations
Appraise the role of Indian diaspora in the economies of West Asia and Africa. What initiatives can be taken to address the issues faced by the diaspora in these regions?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Indian DiasporaBilateral Relations