Bilateral, Regional & Global Groupings — UPSC Questions

How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India? (UPSC Mains GS3, 2018)

Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)’ is the transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times. Discuss. (UPSC Mains GS2, 2020)

The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well for India. What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer. (UPSC Mains GS2, 2023)

Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. (UPSC Mains GS2, 2016)

The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised Nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order. Elaborate. (UPSC Mains GS2, 2019)

The continuing India-US trade negotiations demonstrate how tariff uncertainty, unilateral trade measures and geopolitical considerations can complicate bilateral economic cooperation. Examine the implications of Section 301 investigations and manufacturing-overcapacity concerns for India's trade competitiveness and industrial-development strategy. Suggest measures to secure a balanced and durable trade agreement. (250 words, 15 marks)

India-Australia relations have moved from a cricket-and-diaspora relationship to a strategic partnership covering defence, energy, critical minerals and the Indo-Pacific. Discuss the significance and challenges of this transformation for India’s foreign policy.

The NATO Ankara Summit reflects both the strengthening and the internal strain of the transatlantic alliance. Discuss its implications for India’s strategic autonomy, defence security and Indo-Pacific interests.

India-Indonesia cooperation is moving from civilisational goodwill to defence exports, critical-mineral security and maritime connectivity. Discuss its significance for India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific strategy.

The 2026 G7 Summit shows that global governance is increasingly shaped by security crises, technology competition, supply-chain vulnerabilities and Global South concerns. Discuss India’s role in bridging the priorities of advanced economies and developing countries.

The India-UK CETA marks India's first bilateral free trade agreement with a major developed Western economy. In this light, examine the opportunities it offers to India's exporters and professionals, and discuss the challenges India must address to ensure such agreements deliver balanced and inclusive gains. (250 words, 15 marks)

The possibility of a reduced US military role in European defence reflects a wider shift in the global security order. Discuss its implications for NATO, European strategic autonomy and India’s foreign policy choices.

"Free Trade Agreements offer India expanded market access but also pose risks to its domestic manufacturing and trade balance." Critically examine, with reference to the concepts of tariff asymmetry, inverted duty structure and FTA utilisation. (15 marks, 250 words)

The 2026 Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak highlights the vulnerabilities of the global health security architecture against emerging zoonotic diseases. In this context, examine the relevance of the "One Health" approach and assess India's preparedness to deal with such public health emergencies. (250 words)

The United States' description of India as a "critical anchor" in the Indo-Pacific reflects both growing convergence with Washington and India's enduring commitment to strategic autonomy. In this context, examine how defence diplomacy and indigenous defence manufacturing are reshaping India's role in regional security. (GS Paper 2 / GS Paper 3 — 250 words, 15 marks)

The recurrence of zoonotic outbreaks such as the Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease underscores the limitations of a purely human-centric public health model. In this context, discuss the relevance of the "One Health" approach and examine India's preparedness to detect and respond to emerging infectious diseases. (250 words)

"The Quad's enduring challenge is not whether it can become an 'Asian NATO,' but whether four democracies with disparate interests can sustain strategic cooperation in an era of great-power competition." In light of the recent Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting and its outcomes, critically examine the relevance, achievements and limitations of the Quad for India's Indo-Pacific strategy. (250 words, 15 marks)

"Peace and tranquillity in the border areas is the essential basis for the normalisation of India-China relations." In the light of the 35th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) held in Beijing in May 2026, critically examine the evolving institutional architecture of India-China border diplomacy. Discuss the progress made since the Galwan clashes of 2020 and the challenges that remain in moving from disengagement to a final boundary settlement. (GS Paper II – International Relations; 250 words, 15 marks)

"The Abraham Accords have redrawn the diplomatic map of West Asia by decoupling Arab-Israeli normalisation from the resolution of the Palestinian question. Critically examine the implications of the proposed 2026 expansion of the Accords for India's strategic and economic interests in West Asia, with particular reference to the IMEC, I2U2, energy security, and India's traditional support for the Palestinian cause." (250 words / 15 marks)

Discuss the strategic importance of freedom of navigation in international straits for India’s energy security in the context of recent disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Analyse the risks of escalation in the ongoing Iran war following the entry of Yemen’s Houthis, with special reference to threats to global energy security and the strategic importance of India’s neighbourhood outreach through measures like the fuel shipment to Sri Lanka.

Evaluate the implications of the West Asia conflict on India's energy security and economy, discussing the role of diversification and diplomacy in mitigating such geopolitical risks.

Examine the evolution of the Monroe Doctrine and its implications for international relations in the context of US intervention in Venezuela under the Trump administration.

Examine the evolving strategic partnership between India and Germany in the context of global geopolitical shifts, highlighting its implications for defence cooperation, economic ties, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Examine the implications of India's inclusion in the US-led Pax Silica initiative for its technological self-reliance and strategic positioning in the global supply chain landscape.

Discuss the implications of the US withdrawal from the UNFCCC on global climate governance and analyze its potential impact on India's climate policy and international relations.

Analyse the implications of Trump's G-2 approach to US-China relations on India's strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region, with reference to the Quad grouping and federal dynamics.

Discuss the role of hydropower and connectivity projects in enhancing India-Bhutan bilateral relations and contributing to regional energy security and economic integration in South Asia.

Analyse the impact of trade policies and energy import strategies on India-US relations in the context of evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.

Examine the implications of the emerging G2 dynamic between the US and China for India's strategic autonomy and role in the Indo-Pacific, and suggest measures for New Delhi to navigate this bipolar shift while advancing multipolar global governance.

Evaluate the strategic and economic significance of India's engagement with ASEAN in the context of US-China rivalry, and suggest measures to deepen bilateral ties for enhanced Indo-Pacific stability.

Evaluate the role of Chabahar port in advancing India's connectivity initiatives in Eurasia, particularly in the context of US sanctions dynamics and the International North-South Transport Corridor, and suggest measures to ensure its long-term viability.

Examine the strategic and economic implications of the recent US-China trade concessions on rare earth minerals and tariffs for emerging economies like India in the Indo-Pacific region.

Evaluate the implications of the US-China trade truce agreed at the 2025 Busan APEC summit for global supply chains and India's strategic positioning in the Indo-Pacific economic architecture.

Examine the strategic significance of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement for India's export diversification and economic resilience, particularly in the context of evolving global tariff regimes, and suggest measures to address key negotiation sensitivities.

Evaluate the significance of recent India-China disengagement agreements along the LAC in fostering bilateral trust and regional security, while suggesting measures to achieve comprehensive de-escalation and prevent future border confrontations.

Examine the implications of East Timor's accession to ASEAN for regional economic integration and geopolitical stability in the Indo-Pacific, with reference to India's strategic interests in Southeast Asia.

Evaluate the strategic rationale behind the US-led international force for Gaza stabilization and assess its potential impact on regional alliances in the Middle East, particularly involving key players like Israel, Arab states, and emerging powers such as India.

Examine the implications of conservative leadership shifts in Japan for regional security and bilateral relations with India in the Indo-Pacific context.

Examine India's evolving diplomatic strategy towards Afghanistan under the Taliban regime, highlighting the implications for regional security and economic cooperation.

Examine the role of Preferential Trade Agreements in India's strategy to diversify export markets and enhance economic resilience in the context of global trade uncertainties.

Analyze the impact of China's rare earth export controls on global supply chains and discuss how they influence India-US trade relations in the context of strategic partnerships and economic autonomy.

Evaluate the role of international mediation in resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict, with special reference to the recent Gaza ceasefire, and discuss the prospects for a two-state solution in the Middle East.

Examine the significance of recent steps in trade, energy, and AI cooperation between India and Canada in restoring bilateral ties, and analyze their implications for India's foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific region.

Examine the implications of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement under Trump's peace plan for regional stability in West Asia and India's strategic interests.

Evaluate the strategic significance of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement in enhancing bilateral relations and contributing to global economic stability in the context of recent geopolitical developments.

Analyse the implications of China's expanding export controls on rare earth elements for global supply chains and India's strategic interests in the context of ongoing US-China trade tensions.

Examine the role of India's AI Mission in promoting equitable and responsible AI development, with reference to its integration with fintech and global partnerships.

Discuss the key components of US President Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza peace plan and critically evaluate its potential to achieve sustainable peace in the region, with reference to India's strategic interests in West Asia.

Discuss the key features of US President Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza peace plan and critically analyze the challenges faced by the proposed International Stabilization Force in achieving sustainable peace in the region, with special reference to India's strategic interests in West Asia.

Discuss the role of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement and Vision 2035 in enhancing economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries, while addressing key challenges in their bilateral relationship.

Discuss the implications of the recent Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defence pact on India's foreign policy and regional security dynamics in South Asia and the Middle East. (250 words)

Evaluate the potential of the EU-India Strategic Agenda in enhancing bilateral trade, technology transfer, and defence cooperation, while addressing geopolitical challenges to foster a balanced Indo-Pacific order.

Discuss the effectiveness of technology-driven measures like enhanced surveillance in addressing the trust deficit along the India-China LAC, and evaluate their role in achieving long-term border stability within the framework of bilateral dialogues.

Examine the implications of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's resignation on US-Japan trade relations and its potential ripple effects on India's strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

Evaluate the potential impact of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement on India's economic resilience in the face of global trade disruptions, with special reference to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and US tariff policies

Evaluate the potential impact of Sergio Gor’s nomination as US Ambassador to India on bilateral relations, considering the ongoing tariff disputes and India’s strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.

Discuss the significance of India’s ‘not neutral’ diplomatic posture in the Russia–Ukraine conflict. How does this reflect India’s evolving global identity and its role in mediation in a multipolar world?

Analyze the strategic significance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) for India's foreign policy and economic interests. Discuss the challenges in implementation and suggest measures to ensure the project's success. (250 words)