AIR 8 · CSE 2025 · GS2 · 27 pages

Pakshal Secretry: GS2 answer copy

6 answers by Pakshal Secretry, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1The rise of inward-looking economic strategies in developed countries, such as the Reciprocal Tariff Plan of the USA, reflects a shift in global trade patterns. Analyse their geopolitical and economic implications for developing economies like India. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks Examine Indian diaspora's role in enhancing India's global profile and contributing to its socio-economic development. Discuss the major challenges related to their welfare and engagement. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) reflects deepening strategic mistrust between India and Pakistan. Examine the diplomatic and security implications of this move and analyse the structural limitations of the IWT that have hindered bilateral cooperation. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks "The Indian Ocean is evolving as a critical geostrategic theatre, yet regional maritime security cooperation remains fragmented." In this context, evaluate the potential of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in fostering a collective maritime security architecture in the Indian Ocean region. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks 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
  2. Q6The 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
  3. Q7'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
  4. Q8The 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
  5. Q9Despite 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
  6. Q10India-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

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 613 words written

The rise of inward-looking economic strategies in developed countries, such as the Reciprocal Tariff Plan of the USA, reflects a shift in global trade patterns. Analyse their geopolitical and economic implications for developing economies like India. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks Examine Indian diaspora's role in enhancing India's global profile and contributing to its socio-economic development. Discuss the major challenges related to their welfare and engagement. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) reflects deepening strategic mistrust between India and Pakistan. Examine the diplomatic and security implications of this move and analyse the structural limitations of the IWT that have hindered bilateral cooperation. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks "The Indian Ocean is evolving as a critical geostrategic theatre, yet regional maritime security cooperation remains fragmented." In this context, evaluate the potential of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in fostering a collective maritime security architecture in the Indian Ocean region. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks 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.

Opening

Recently, America imposed 26% tariff on all goods from India, and higher tariffs on other developing countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam etc.

Body · points and prose

Diagram
- Shift in global trade pattern - Deglobalisation of trade - Rise of Economic nationalism eg America first, Brexit - Rise of Bilateral Agreement inst & fall of WTO - New concept eg Friendshoring, onshoring

Geopolitical Implication

  1. Fall of Multilateralism - eg Decline role of WTO
  2. Spaghetti Bowl problem due to
  • rise of bilateral negotiation

③ Strengthening of China's position As a pole

positive impact → China + 1 opportunity for India → India can emerge as 'Voice of global south'

Economic Implication ① Global Trade war and deglobalisation → negative impact on export ② Incompetitiveness of Indian Products abroad eg steel industry ③ Jobloss and global slowdown (IMF Recent Analysis)

  • ④ Weaponisation of Supply chain eg Chinese REE restriction positive ↓ → positive tariff differential New trade for India (~20% more deals tariff on china) eg FTA with UK

→ There's no alternative to rules based global trade order and all should thus follow WTO rules

Indian diaspora is 32 million strong, given its spread & size it is aptly said, "Sun never sets in Indian diaspora" ☀

Role of Diaspora

(A) Global Profile (i) Creates pro-India content in foreign country (ii) Soft power eg ISKON, Ayurveda, Bollywood. (iii) Acts as a pressure group in respective country → Role of Diaspora in Nuclear Deal with USA

(B) Socio-Economic Development (i) Economic Remittance - $120 bn (highest in world)

(ii) Social Remittances (Agent of social change) Eg Gita Gopinath (IMF) (iii) "Brain gain" instead of brain drain Eg Harsh Jain (Dream 11) moved to India to start venture.

ChallengesWay forward
(1) Diaspora Apartheid → Blue collar and small NRIs overlooked by MEALM Singhvi Committee
(2) No Double Citizenship(1) Give dual citizenship
(3) Engagement stuck only to Pravasi Bharat Diwas(2) Parliamentary Standing committee for diaspora engagement
(4) Stricter Visa norms for Diaspora(3) A MEA cell, for diaspora problem
(4) Special incentive for FDI investment by NRIs

India's engagement must be characterised 4Cs : Care, Connect, Celebrate and collaborate

After Pahalgam Attack, India has held Indus-Water treaty in abeyance following series of diplomatic and kinetic action against Pakistan.

Diplomatic implication of moves

Diagram
- Positive - 1. Clear message to Pakistan - 2. Validates India's stand against cross-border terrorism - 3. Terrorism will no longer be a low-cost option for Pakistan - Negative - 1. Lowers India's global profile → Violation of a signed treaty → Against international law - 2. Pakistan might portray itself as victim

Security implication of move

Positive → ① Reduction in cross border crime activities

Negative → ① Pakistan's message: Stopping water as act of war ② Might fuel more radicalism in Pakistan ③ Security issue of diverting water.

Structural Limitation of IWT ① Violation of India's Right as "upper Riparian state" ② Unjust → 80% of water to Pakistan ③ Pakistan's frequent opposition to Indian project → Rattle, Kishanganga ④ Pakistan's constant cross-border terrorism

Way forward →

  • Scrap the treaty (Brahma Chellaney)
  • Renegotiate new treaty on Indian terms

"Blood and water can't flow together"

  • PM Modi

"Indian Ocean is emerging a new hotspot of great game, where India asserts, China eyes and Us intervenes"

Post Israel - Hamas war and recent Israel - Iran war, Red Sea has remained a constant hot bed of conflict

Diagram
- Strategic importance - global trade = 40% passes - Energy Security - oil shipment - Reducing cost to Europe - Suez Canal

Impact of Crisis

  1. Regional Stability i) Made the region quite volatile and unstable ii) Rise of Hetropolan Actors in region → Hezbollah, Hamas iii) Constant piracy and attacks in the region

② Global supply chain (i) Disruption of supply chain → Attach an MV-Ruen. (ii) Rise of shipping cost → 40% premium charged for shipping due to conflict. (iii) Rising vulnerability of import dependent country → India. (iv) Threat to global security and maritime voyage

Way forward (1) Using military power to thwart attack → Operation Prosperity Guardian (2) Diplomatic negotiation to stop the crisis → Agreement of ceasefire with Hezbollah (3) Alternative routes → IMEC corridor

Close · a way forward

None written.