GS2 · Topic
Neighbourhood
India's relations with the countries on its borders.
61 UPSC Mains GS2 questions on Neighbourhood that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
India's timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its "Neighbourhood First" policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
NeighbourhoodSecurity and Strategic Affairs
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 India's transboundary water-sharing challenges with Pakistan and Bangladesh in light of recent disputes.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
How will the BBIN grouping promote regional integration in South Asia? Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Regional GroupingsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
Bangladesh is a key pillar of India's Neighborhood First policy, but recent developments on both sides threaten to disrupt the 'Sonali Adhyay' in bilateral relations. Analyze.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
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
Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Regional GroupingsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
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
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
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
India's engagement with the Taliban may or may not achieve much, but non-engagement will definitely hurt India's interests. Examine the statement in light of steps taken by the government of India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
NeighbourhoodSecurity and Strategic Affairs
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
"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
Analyse the role of India in promoting regional connectivity and economic integration in south Asia.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
NeighbourhoodTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Providing a brief overview of the aims and objectives of BIMSTEC, explain its significance for India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
Regional GroupingsNeighbourhood
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
"The ongoing internal crisis in Myanmar is impeding India's Act East Policy." In light of the statement, discuss the measures taken by India to deal with the crisis and associated challenges.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
NeighbourhoodSecurity and Strategic Affairs
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
'India's recent diplomatic outreach to the Taliban government in Afghanistan marks a significant shift in its regional geopolitical strategy'. Examine the rationale behind this shift and the strategic risks and opportunities it presents for India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
NeighbourhoodSecurity 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
Instability in Myanmar erodes progress made by India in the last decade and significantly affects India's strategic interests. Comment
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
NeighbourhoodSecurity 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
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