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.
'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 diplomacy. To what extent India has been able to position itself as a 'smart power'?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023
Bilateral RelationsIndian Diaspora
"The expansion of BRICS offers opportunities for India to strengthen its voice in global economic governance." Discuss how India can leverage the BRICS Plus to advance the interests of the Global South.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Regional GroupingsGlobal Institutions
The Indian diaspora in the Gulf region plays a pivotal role in shaping India's economic relations and people-centric diplomacy with West Asia. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Indian DiasporaBilateral Relations
In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
"Cultural diplomacy through diaspora outreach has emerged as a soft power tool in India's global engagement strategy." Evaluate the strengths and limitations of diaspora-led cultural diplomacy in advancing India's national interest.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Indian DiasporaBilateral 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
Despite being a cornerstone of the global trade architecture, the World Trade Organization (WTO) is facing a crisis of relevance. Examine the major challenges undermining the WTO's effectiveness and suggest measures for its revival in a multipolar world.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Global InstitutionsTrade 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 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
Critically examine the role of International Monetary Fund (IMF) in addressing debt distress in the Global South. How can India use its post-G20 presidency momentum to push IMF reforms?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Global InstitutionsBilateral Relations
'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
G-20 presidency under India is an embodiment of inclusivity, ambitiousness and decisiveness. Discuss
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsGlobal Institutions
Analyse the role of India in promoting regional connectivity and economic integration in south Asia.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
NeighbourhoodTrade and Economic Diplomacy
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
What are the key areas of reform if the World Trade Organization (WTO) has to remain relevant in the present context of rising protectionism and trade wars?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
Global InstitutionsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
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
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
Discuss the challenges and opportunities for India in its engagement with the African Continent and suggest ways to improve, enhance the partnership.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Rather than seeing it as a replacement for SAARC, BIMSTEC must be appreciated for its critical role as a bridge between South Asia and ASEAN. Analyze.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
"A multipolar world order is not merely an option but a necessity". Elaborate. How can India leverage its position to strengthen multipolarity in the global arena?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
"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
Compare the aims and objectives of I2U2 and Quad. What importance does I2U2 hold for India?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
Berlin can be India's gateway to EU. Elaborate with respect to Germany's importance in India's relation with EU.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Today, the India-US relationship encompasses a large variety of activities, from information sharing and joint exercises to emerging industrial cooperation. Despite this convergence, India-U.S relations have been the subject of constant criticism, a combination of unrealistic expectations and doubt. Analyse.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
Given the fact that India cannot match China's financial clout, it is seen to be diversifying the ways in which it can enhance cooperation and promote its diplomatic profile in Africa. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
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
BIMSTEC lies at the crossroads between SAARC and ASEAN, drawing its energy from the natural convergence of countries around Bay of Bengal. Discuss
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
How has the India-ASEAN partnership evolved since the implementation of the 'Look East Policy'? In what ways can India leverage the increasing strength of its economy alongside geopolitical realities as opportunities to foster closer India and ASEAN relations?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations
"The AAGC is not an answer for China's OBOR as the approaches of India and China towards Africa are essentially different." Critically examine.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
"Brexit offers India new opportunities of engaging in trade with Europe". Examine.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Trade and Economic DiplomacyBilateral Relations