GS2 · Topic
Security and Strategic Affairs
Defence ties, maritime security, and strategic autonomy.
159 UPSC Mains GS2 questions on Security and Strategic Affairs that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
"Non-alignment remains a guiding principle, yet the national foreign policy also reflects traits that contrast with it". Elaborate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
Changing strategic realities come with their own constraints and possibilities. Describe briefly India's defense diplomacy in the context of contemporary geopolitics.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Security and Strategic AffairsBilateral Relations
What is Minilateralism? Examine the role of minilateral groupings such as the Quad and the Squad in countering China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Regional GroupingsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Do you think India's foreign policy is becoming more China centric with the challenges of rising CHN? Comment (10m)
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Security and Strategic AffairsMajor Powers
As China continues to pursue dominance over Indo-Pacific, the trilateral technology alliance between India, South Korea, and the United States aims to enhance collaboration in key emerging technology fields. Discuss the implications of this alliance for the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Guided by their desire for strategic autonomy, India and France have been traditional partners and have adapted well to the changing global context. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Elaborate on the reasons for growing importance of Africa in India's foreign policy framework. Also, underline the contemporary areas of their bilateral engagement.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
How can SAARC, ASEAN and SCO help India in realizing her geopolitical goals in Asia as well as Global fora?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Regional GroupingsGlobal Institutions
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
How scrapping of the Joint comprehensive plan of action by the U.S would affect India? Analyse. Also, discuss measures that could help India buffer the consequences of such a move.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
India and European Union had a limited yet promising bilateral ties in the last six decades. However, current geopolitical challenges now offer an opportunity to work together and actualize the true potential of their relations. Analyze.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
The Red Sea holds strategic importance in global maritime trade and geopolitics. Analyse the impact of the ongoing Red Sea crisis on regional stability and the global supply chain.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Global Commons and TreatiesSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Built upon common democratic values & shared vision of strategic autonomy, India-France bilateral ties exude a promise of stability, growth & security in time of geopolitical flux & uncertainty. Do you agree?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
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
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 and also throw light upon the initiatives taken by India to strengthen ties with these states.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
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
India's strategic autonomy remains the guiding principle in navigating relations with the United States and China. In this context, analyze the potential challenges and opportunities for India and how should India navigate this renewed US-China rivalry.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
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
Geopolitical tensions unchecked often, turn into humanitarian crises. Discuss the role of ‘World Food Programme’ in containing poverty and hunger near battlegrounds.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Global InstitutionsPoverty and Hunger
‘India is taking a geopolitical balancing act in maintaining its longstanding friendship with Russia, even as it grows closer to the United States and its partners.’ How far has India been able to maintain its autonomy and look out for its own strategic interests? Examine.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
India has over the years emerged as the 'Preferred Security Partner' and a 'net security provider' in the Indian Ocean Region. Substantiate the statement with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Security and Strategic AffairsRegional Groupings
Indo-Pacific in recent times has emerged as zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think Global Security Initiative will supercede Quad in the region?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Regional GroupingsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
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
USA-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for prosperity (IPEF) is an economic initiative to complement its existing security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. Analyze the significance and challenges to IPEF in the present scenario.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Regional GroupingsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
India needs to identify the priority areas to further its techno-diplomacy amidst the complexities of expanding digital space and New and Emerging Strategic Technologies. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Trade and Economic DiplomacySecurity and Strategic Affairs
The inherent potential of India-EU bilateral relationship to forge a mutually beneficial strategic partnership remains unrealised due to several factors. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Quad is a decisive step towards the consolidation of a strategic partnership with the USA and its Asian allies and in enhancing Delhi's bargaining power vis-a-vis Beijing
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Regional GroupingsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
The ‘Diamond of Democracies’ in the Indo-Pacific is more than just a counter to expansionist China”. Analyze.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Regional GroupingsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
"The bond between Indian Diaspora and their homeland is eternal" (President Murmu). Discuss the role of Indian Diaspora in India's development and foreign policy, and examine the challenges in institutionalising their engagement. Q3. The Indus Water Treaty has survived three wars, several proxy wars and complete diplomatic breakdown. Examine the diplomatic and security implications of recent calls to review or suspend the treaty.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Indian DiasporaBilateral Relations