GS2 · Topic
Trade and Economic Diplomacy
Agreements, connectivity and economic statecraft.
126 UPSC Mains GS2 questions on Trade and Economic Diplomacy 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
India's timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its "Neighbourhood First" policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
Discuss the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan for India in the context of continental connectivity and access to Central Asia. How has the altered political landscape post-2021 affected India's connectivity and energy corridor ambitions?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
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
What are the main functions of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)? How will its recent treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge benefit India?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024
Global InstitutionsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
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
India's relationship with the UAE has witnessed a remarkable expansion across various domains in the last decade. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsTrade 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
"Digital governance is emerging as a frontier of the global agenda, and India seeks to lead by example." Examine
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
E-GovernanceTransparency and Accountability
Despite the recent rise in politically contentious issues, the India-Canada bilateral relationship has remained committed to shared values of democracy, pluralism, expanding economic engagement and long-standing people-to-people ties. Highlighting the significant pillars of the India-Canada relationship, discuss the potential areas of cooperation and collaboration between India and Canada.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Bilateral RelationsIndian Diaspora
Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
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
As an important attribute of soft power, "Knowledge diplomacy" has the potential to further various objectives of foreign policy. Explain.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Trade and Economic DiplomacyBilateral Relations
What are the strategic challenges to the global economy in active decoupling from China? How will it benefit India's economic growth prospects?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Trade and Economic DiplomacyMajor Powers
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
Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Bilateral RelationsGlobal Institutions
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
Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
NeighbourhoodBilateral 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
Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
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
Built upon common democratic values and shared vision of strategic autonomy, India-France bilateral ties exude a promise of stability, growth, and security in a time of geo-political flux and uncertainty. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Bilateral RelationsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Examine the factors behind the growing salience of the Arctic region in international politics. Discuss, in this context, strategies for India to recalibrate its Arctic engagement.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Global Commons and TreatiesSecurity 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
The synergy of shared values and vibrant people-to-people connections between India and Australia creates a fertile ground for fostering long-lasting trade relations and strategic collaboration between the two nations. Analyse.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
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
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 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