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.
While India aspires to become a 'Vishwa Mitra', it still remains 'boxed up in South Asia'. Discuss the geopolitical challenges India faces in its neighborhood and suggest a way forward to navigate these challenges.
Answered by 1 topper
Neighbourhood
"India's focus on active involvement with multilateral grouping is putting under scanner its neighbourhood first policy". Explain with suitable examples. (10M)
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
NeighbourhoodRegional Groupings
Discuss the various concerns that have arisen for India after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Also, suggest the measures that India should take in the given context.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
NeighbourhoodSecurity and Strategic Affairs
'You can change your 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 1 topper · CSE 2024
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
What can be the potential role of India in Afghanistan, with the changing political scenario in the country? Explain. (10M)
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
NeighbourhoodSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Amid Bangladesh's internal crisis, India and Bangladesh face a critical test in redefining their enduring partnership. Examine.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Neighbourhood
ASEAN serves the twin purpose of developing India's Northeast and augmenting the country's reach in the Southeast Asian region. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsNeighbourhood
Notwithstanding China-Bhutan relations, India's emphasis on "Neighbourhood First Policy" has helped maintain healthy ties with Bhutan. Analyse
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
Bangladesh is not only a key part of India's "Neighbourhood First policy" but also crucial for the "Act East policy". In this context, discuss the steps taken by the two countries to strengthen their relationship.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
Discuss the concerns that have arisen in India-Sri Lanka relations in recent times. How can India ensure a favourable relationship with Sri Lanka given its importance in the Indian Ocean region?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
NeighbourhoodSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Island nations of the Indian Ocean hold immense strategic value in shaping the geopolitical contours of the region and ensuring maritime security of India. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
NeighbourhoodSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Immediate neighbours are "the first circle of priority" in India's relation with the world. In this context, highlight the salient features of 'Neighbourhood First' policy. Also, mention the associated challenges.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
South Asia is one of the least integrated regions in the world in terms of trade. What are the challenges in building a robust regional economy? Suggest measures to overcome the challenges.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
NeighbourhoodRegional Groupings
Evaluate the effectiveness of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy in the context of China's increasing presence in the region.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
NeighbourhoodSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Taliban's policy on opium has led to a drastic drop in poppy cultivation. Analyze its impact on organized crime in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
NeighbourhoodSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
How Wuhan Summit was an important signal of intent by India & China to revive the relationship and better understand areas of convergence. Explain with suitable arguments.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
India intends to achieve a balanced and optimal development of energy infrastructure in the South-Asian region through mutual understanding and cooperation. In light of this statement, discuss the need as well as existing gaps in South Asia's energy cooperation.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
NeighbourhoodTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Instability in its neighbourhood combined with displacement & humanitarian crisis don't auger well for India's interest in the region. Elucidate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
NeighbourhoodSecurity and Strategic Affairs
India's membership in the Shanghai cooperation organization (SCO) is aimed at securing strategic benefits. In this context, discuss how ongoing disputes with China and Pakistan impact india's ability to achieve these benefits?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsNeighbourhood
In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
Road to development in the 21st century goes through the Indian Ocean but the deteriorating relations of India with Maldives have serious implications to deliberate upon. Discuss. Also, suggest how India's intervention strategy in this light could be modified.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
NeighbourhoodSecurity and Strategic Affairs
While other geopolitical issues are important, India must give South Asia its fullest attention. Do you agree? Discuss in light of the problems and prospects of Neighbourhood First Policy of India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Neighbourhood
China has been recently extending its influence over small countries in India's neighborhood. How does it do so? What steps India needs to take to counter China's influence and safeguard its interests in the region?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
NeighbourhoodSecurity 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
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 Afghanistan policy must be based on a clear-eyed understanding of important strategic goals in the region amidst the current regional and global strategic environment. Elaborate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
NeighbourhoodSecurity 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
India's engagement with the Taliban may or may not achieve but non-engagement will definitely hurt India's interests. Examine the statement in light of steps taken by the government of India.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
NeighbourhoodSecurity and Strategic Affairs
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