GS2 · Topic
Major Powers
The United States, China, Russia and the European Union.
49 UPSC Mains GS2 questions on Major Powers that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
Examine the geopolitical challenges India faces in South Asia despite its global rise. How can India navigate these challenges to strengthen its regional leadership?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
NeighbourhoodSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Examine the influence of human rights issues and democratic values on the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and India. How have these concerns affected bilateral engagements and what can be done to mitigate tensions arising from these issues?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Bilateral RelationsGlobal Institutions
The launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) marks a turning point in India's connectivity diplomacy. Analyse its strategic relevance for India vis-à-vis China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Trade and Economic DiplomacyRegional Groupings
China's acquisition of strategic ports globally has significant implications for international trade routes and economic relations. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024
Security and Strategic AffairsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
India's strategic autonomy remains the guiding principle in navigating relations with the United States and China. In this context, analyse the potential challenges and opportunities for India and how India should navigate this renewed US-China rivalry.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
The new cold war between the USA and China may have the effect of casting a long shadow on India's strategic interests from Pacific to Atlantic. Evaluate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
What are the strategic challenges to the global economy in active decoupling from China? How will it benefit India's economic growth prospects?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Trade and Economic DiplomacyMajor Powers
In Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has become a coveted prize to win for India and China. Discuss how this competition is affecting relations between India and Sri Lanka.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
'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
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
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
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
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
The expansion of BRICS has been projected as a step towards greater representation for the Global South. Critically examine this claim in the context of growing concerns about China's strategic dominance within the grouping.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Regional GroupingsMajor Powers
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
India's approach to its relationship with China has evolved into what can be best described as 'competitive coexistence'. Discuss in light of recent developments. What should be the broad contours of India's future China policy?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
NeighbourhoodMajor Powers
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-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
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
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
Discuss China's Polar Silk Road initiative in view of the growing interest in the Arctic region and state its implications for India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Global Commons and TreatiesSecurity and Strategic Affairs
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
Examine the causes of complication in India-Maldives relationship and assess the impact on the Indian Ocean region, with special emphasis on the role of China.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
NeighbourhoodSecurity and Strategic Affairs
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
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