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.
Comment upon the evolving nature of India-UAE relations with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
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 recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
"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
Discuss factors and geopolitical interest which shapes India's engagement with central Asia. Also Mention steps which India need to take to enhance its reach in the region.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
How have the growing tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran affected regional stability in West Asia? In this context, evaluate the key considerations for India's foreign policy to safeguard its interests in West Asia.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
India's engagement with the Taliban may or may not achieve much, but non-engagement will definitely hurt India's interests. Examine the statement in light of steps taken by the government of India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
NeighbourhoodSecurity and Strategic Affairs
India is uniquely positioned on the world map for its rich culture. In this context discuss the role of culture, diaspora, and democracy as instruments of India's soft power. To what extent India has been able to position itself as a 'smart power'?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Trade and Economic DiplomacyBilateral 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
In light of the changing geopolitical landscape, what are the emerging areas of cooperation and potential challenges in the India-Japan strategic relationship?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
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
Geopolitical shifts pose challenges to India-Russia relations, yet the relationship remains robust, driven by deep-rooted trust and a shared commitment to sustain a multifaceted strategic partnership. Analyse.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
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
India's approach to its relationship with China has evolved into what can be best described as 'competitive coexistence'. Discuss in light of recent developments. What should be the broad contours of India's future China policy?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
NeighbourhoodMajor Powers
'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
"In a fluid geopolitical arena, engagement without formal endorsement is a pragmatic middle path." Do you agree? Explain in the context of India's current approach towards the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
India-Bangladesh relations, once marked by shared history and cultural proximity, are now shaped by strategic calculus, regional competition, and shifting domestic politics in both countries. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
Strategically located ports are vital assets in regional and economic integration. In this context discuss the significance of ports like Chabahar and Sittwe in India's strategy to enhance connectivity and their contribution to India's geopolitical objectives.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Trade and Economic DiplomacySecurity and Strategic Affairs
Providing a brief overview of the aims and objectives of BIMSTEC, explain its significance for India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
Regional GroupingsNeighbourhood
Discuss the significance of India's diaspora and its role in enhancing India's economic and strategic interests.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Indian DiasporaTrade and Economic Diplomacy
China's interest in Russia is not only that of a strategic partner, but also for it being a strategic diversion for the west. Analyze.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Major PowersBilateral Relations
India's engagement with Africa is no longer limited to development cooperation but is increasingly shaped by strategic and economic considerations. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
"The ongoing internal crisis in Myanmar is impeding India's Act East Policy." In light of the statement, discuss the measures taken by India to deal with the crisis and associated challenges.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
NeighbourhoodSecurity and Strategic Affairs
India-China relations are evolving from confrontation to cautious diplomacy. In this context, discuss the recent efforts made to stabilise the relationship and identify the structural challenges that continue to impede complete normalisation.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
The FIPIC initiative represents a significant endeavour aimed at enhancing India's involvement in the Pacific region. comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
The ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel present a foreign policy dilemma for India, given its strategic ties with both. Analyse the challenges this conflict poses and suggest how India can balance its interests amid rising instability in the region?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
'India's recent diplomatic outreach to the Taliban government in Afghanistan marks a significant shift in its regional geopolitical strategy'. Examine the rationale behind this shift and the strategic risks and opportunities it presents for India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
NeighbourhoodSecurity and Strategic Affairs
"ASEAN is the cornerstone of India's Act East Policy and its Indo-Pacific vision." Elucidate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations