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.
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
"New imperative of GeoEconomics and Geo-Technology are appending the old premises and promises of globalisation" - Vikram Misri (Foreign Secy). Evaluate the role of WTO as the cornerstone of global trade architecture and discuss the challenges undermining it. Suggest measures for reform.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Global InstitutionsTrade 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
"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
There have been arguments that with the old global multilateral order failing to manage rising challenges, issue-based coalitions are gaining traction and have become the arenas of functional cooperation. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsGlobal Institutions
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
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
The new grouping of the US, Israel, India and UAE, also termed the QUAD in West Asia, give a further push to India's West Asia diplomacy. Discuss
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
India is a bridge between the Global North and Global South (as divided by Brandt line) and is the 'voice of Global South'?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Global InstitutionsBilateral Relations
Critically examine India's decision of opting out of the RCEP, despite the push from several nations like Japan and Australia to rethink its decision.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Trade and Economic DiplomacyRegional Groupings
“A multipolar world order is not merely an option but a necessity”. In light of the statement, discuss how India can leverage its position to strengthen multipolarity in the global arena.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsGlobal Institutions
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
Discuss the reforms that must be undertaken to strengthen the World Trade Organisation in order to address the vulnerabilities in the present global trading system.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Global InstitutionsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
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
Comment on the role played by the diaspora in India's development process. Also, discuss the challenges in terms of engaging the Indian diaspora and suggest ways to translate these partnerships into benefits.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Indian DiasporaBilateral Relations
ASEAN serves the twin purpose of developing India's Northeast and augmenting the country's reach in the Southeast Asian region. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsNeighbourhood
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
"The strategic embrace of Israel and continued commitment to Palestine is a paradox that defines India's West Asia policy." Critically analyze this dual diplomacy.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Mutually strengthening economic visions and attuned geopolitical outlooks have laid the foundation for a more robust and promising alliance between India and the UAE. Elaborate
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Discuss the role that the Indian diaspora can play in the making of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India). Also, mention the challenges in this regard.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Indian DiasporaTrade and Economic Diplomacy
"WTO is dead! Long live WTO!" In the context of this statement, account for the reasons behind why the WTO is dysfunctional. In your opinion, what reforms are needed to promote resilient, sustainable, and inclusive world trade.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Global InstitutionsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
The changing global dynamics require prompt effective and meaningful reforms within the World Trade Organization (WTO), to ensure its relevance and capacity to address modern trade complexities. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Global InstitutionsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
"India must leverage, if not manage, global political divides". How can current geopol churn pave way to India's rise to global high table?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
India's image as a soft power has helped it garner trust in the developing world. Examine the statement in the context of vaccine diplomacy.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Bilateral RelationsGlobal Institutions
Soft power has the potential to multiply the efforts of Indian diplomacy, and in this regard should be pursued as an important objective. In this context, assess the extent to which it has been leveraged in Indian foreign policy. (10M)
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
India has had ancient, historical networks with Africa and its importance is being reinforced in contemporary times. Discuss. Q2. The China+1 strategy of the West presents an opportunity for India to become a global manufacturing hub. Analyze. Q3. Discuss the significance of the Gulf region for India's diaspora. Highlight the challenges faced by them. Q4. Critically examine the funding mechanisms of WHO and their implications for global health priorities. Discuss the role of developing nations in this context.
Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
"Berlin can be India's gateway to EU". Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with EU.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Bilateral RelationsRegional Groupings
Immediate neighbours are "the first circle of priority" in India's relation with the world. In this context, highlight the salient features of 'Neighbourhood First' policy. Also, mention the associated challenges.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
NeighbourhoodBilateral Relations
South Asia is one of the least integrated regions in the world in terms of trade. What are the challenges in building a robust regional economy? Suggest measures to overcome the challenges.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
NeighbourhoodRegional Groupings