GS2 · Topic
Regional Groupings
SAARC, BIMSTEC, ASEAN, QUAD, BRICS, SCO and the like.
112 UPSC Mains GS2 questions on Regional Groupings that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
Analyze the transformation of the G7 from a symbol of Western strategic unity to a forum marked by internal contradictions. How should India navigate this changing dynamic to advance its strategic interests?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Regional GroupingsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
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
How does India's Arctic Policy align with its broader foreign policy objectives? Broadly discuss the collaborations and agreements India is involved in with the Arctic Council.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Global Commons and TreatiesRegional Groupings
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
India used its Presidency of the G20 to bring the voice of the Global South to the centre stage. Discuss with special reference to Africa.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024
Global InstitutionsRegional 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
Highlight the significance of the recently envisaged India-Middle East-Europe corridor for India's connectivity with the world, especially the West. Do you think, in recent times, transport and energy initiatives have taken precedence in India's foreign policy?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
With the advent of new regional and multilateral agreements like QUAD, AUKUS, I2U2 etc the old world order represented by organizations like NAM, Davos, and G77 is losing its relevance. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Regional GroupingsGlobal Institutions
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
The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
The island states and territories from the South Pacific to the African coast have become new nodes in India's changing strategic geography. In this context, highlight the importance of these island states for India and also throw light upon the initiatives taken by India to strengthen ties with these states.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
Examine the objectives of the Indian Ocean Rim Association. What importance does it hold for India's strategic interest?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Regional GroupingsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
Presidency of G20 is but a reflection of India's quest for a more just and polycentric world order, where the voice of the global south is mainstreamed not muzzled. Elucidate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Global InstitutionsRegional Groupings
The ongoing conflict in West Asia has exposed the vulnerabilities of regional diplomacy. In this light, discuss the implications of the West Asian conflict for India's strategic autonomy and regional engagement.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
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 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
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
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
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 expansion of BRICS offers opportunities for India to strengthen its voice in global economic governance." Discuss how India can leverage the BRICS Plus to advance the interests of the Global South.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Regional GroupingsGlobal Institutions
"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
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
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
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
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
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
'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