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.
Throw light on the reasons for growing salience of Africa in India's foreign policy framework. Also, mention the contemporary areas of engagement between India and Africa.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
India sees Indian Ocean as not just a water body, but a global stage for continued economic, social, and cultural dialogue. Elaborate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Security and Strategic AffairsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
What do you understand by Non Aligned Movement (NAM)? Is India's foreign policy still guided by principles of non-alignment? Justify.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
Indo-US relations are more robust than ever, but the deepening of the relationship is not without challenges. Analyse.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
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
The importance of Central Asia for India is not merely cultural and historical. In the light of this statement, describe the strategic importance of Central Asia for India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
ASEAN centrality, a key element in regional security and Asia's multilateral cooperation, can be deployed to ensure that Asia's future is not dictated predominantly by great power interests. Discuss. (10M)
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsMajor Powers
Explain the factors that make Indo-Pacific a region of significance for India. What are the impediments in reaping the geo-strategic potential of the Indo-Pacific?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
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
India's "Balancing act" in the ongoing Ukraine crisis is borne out of mature strategic thinking rather than mere necessities. Explain.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Discuss how American sanctions on its adversaries affect India. Taking the example of CAATSA, analyse how India can shield its strategic interests in face of such sanctions.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
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
In the backdrop of changing geography of Arctic Ocean, the global order provides opportunity of shifting focus to untapped resources at Arctic region.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Global Commons and TreatiesTrade and Economic Diplomacy
India and US have had an oscillating relationship in the past, to what extent has the relationship acquired depth in recent times? How should New Delhi navigate its relationship with the US after its sharp divergence with Washington on the issue of the Russia-Ukraine war?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
Iran stands as a gateway for India's Central & West Asia Policy. Elaborate. Also highlight the key challenges that confront closer India - Iran ties..
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Discuss the centrality of ASEAN bloc in India's Act East policy and SAGAR initiative.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Regional GroupingsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
India's response to Ukraine crisis is an expression of strategic autonomy and not a reflection of strategic compulsions. Examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
There can be no genuine Asian century without amicable India-China relations. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
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
A China-Taiwan conflict can severely jeopardize India's security and economic interests, making it a situation India cannot afford to overlook. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
As China continues to pursue dominance over Indo-Pacific, the trilateral technology alliance between India, South Korea and the United States aim to enhance collaboration in key emerging technology fields. Discuss the implications of this alliance for the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Analyze the key shifts in India's foreign policy since independence and evaluate their success in achieving India's objectives.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Critically examine the efficacy of BRICS in the evolving global order. Also discuss India's recent diplomatic shifts regarding Afghanistan and the Iran-Israel conflict.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
Recent tensions between Iran backed Yemen based Houthi Rebels and other countries have created a crisis in Red Sea.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Security and Strategic AffairsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Europe's increased focus on the Indo-Pacific and the deepening economic and technological collaboration with India offer mutual benefits. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
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
India's focus has shifted from Indian Ocean to Indo-Pacific, showing evolution of foreign policy.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Trace the evolution of India's Foreign Policy since independence. Do you see a paradigm shift in this evolution
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Whoever controls the oceans, runs the world. In this context, discuss the shift in India's maritime strategy from SAGAR to MAHASAGAR.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Security and Strategic AffairsRegional Groupings