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.
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 predominatly by greater power interests. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
SCO is seen as a major coordinating and balancing force in the region; however, its position is increasingly challenged by internal contradictions and divergences. In this context, critically evaluate the relevance of SCO in advancing India's interests.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
Critical Information Infrastructure has become a global good that requires global norms for its safeguard. What role can the G20 play to safeguard Critical Information Infrastructure?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Regional GroupingsGlobal Commons and Treaties
Growing isolation of Russia creates great stress on India-Russia relations and affects the balance of power in Eurasia. Examine.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Bilateral RelationsSecurity 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
Discuss the potential for deeper dialogue and cooperation between NATO and India, considering their shared values and interests.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
With emerging new vectors in International relations with multi-polarity, opened the new channels for geo-political engagement for India with Western States.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Discuss China's Polar Silk Road initiative in view of the growing interest in the Arctic region and state its implications for India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Global Commons and TreatiesSecurity and Strategic Affairs
India must leverage, if not manage, global divides. How can current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
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
In the context of the evolving discourse on the Indo Pacific, analyse the factors driving the global shift towards the region. Also, identify India's interests and challenges in this regard.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Regional GroupingsSecurity 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
Announcement of the AUKUS security pact heralds a new era of global geopolitics. Comment. Also, discuss how it may affect India's interests.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Security and Strategic AffairsRegional Groupings
"While India's interests in Central Asia are visible; its relations with the region are marginal". Discuss. How far do you think India's admission into SCO as a permanent member would help in correcting the existing imbalances with our neighbours? Justify with suitable arguments.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
The deepening China-Russia strategic relationship has been described by some as the 'most consequential undeclared alliance in the world'. How can this alliance impact India's national interest? What strategies should India adopt to protect her interests?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
Critically examine the economic and strategic dimensions of INDIA-ASEAN relationship in the context of the growing significance of Indo-Pacific Region.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
The objective of foreign policy is not only to build cordial international relations, but also to ensure national security and help citizens in pursuit of their aspirations. Discuss in context of India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
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
NATO, a collective defence organization, formed during the heydays of cold war has outlived its utility in a world increasingly ascribing to multipolar ideals. Analyse.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Regional GroupingsGlobal Institutions
US-China cold war is ushering in an era of renewed bipolarism in the world.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Major PowersBilateral Relations
India-Russia relations lack diversity and strength in changing global geopolitics. Analyse.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
The Ashgabat agreement could be the beginning of constructive regional economic cooperation between Central and South Asia and could help bring stability to disturbed areas in the region. Critically examine.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Regional GroupingsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Examine the major outcomes of soaring global debt crisis in emerging and developing economies on international relations.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Global InstitutionsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Highlight India's ambitions towards Arctic Ocean along with explaining India's Arctic Policy.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Global Commons and TreatiesBilateral Relations
"Look west is as important as Look East." In light of this statement, analyze the growing relevance of West Asia as India's strategic partner.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Analyze the implications of the expansion of BRICS membership to include countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt on the group's geopolitical relevance and economic power. Evaluate the impact of this development on India's position within BRICS and its ability to further its national interests.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
SCO serves India's quest for geopolitical balance and regional engagement; however, any benefits from it are cancelled out by the presence of China and Pakistan. In this context discuss various concerns faced by India regarding SCO?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Despite India having immense soft power potential, it alone will not be sufficient to achieve India's foreign policy objectives. Examine
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
India's relation with West Asia has acquired depth and diversity that can navigate geopolitical hurdles. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy