Comprehensive Practice Set — Polity & Governance: International Relations

"IPMDA (Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness) bridges the gap between India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and the Quad's collective Indo-Pacific strategy." Make a critical assessment of the statement focusing on IPMDA.

"BRICS acts as a powerful counterweight in global governance, actively amplifying the voice and influence of the Global South." Explain the role of BRICS in projecting itself as an alternative to other groupings.

"India's global diaspora acts as a living bridge, as a critical economic factor and knowledge network in transforming cultural heritage into geopolitical influence and strategic leverage worldwide." Critically examine this statement.

"China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has transformed South Asia from a regional space into a theatre of great power competition." Analyse the strategic implications of the BRI for India's security and regional influence in South Asia.

Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India's maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition?

Checked against the released UPSC Mains 2026 GS-II paper: Q.20 there is the BRI question above. Treat this Maldives question as a practice item, not a PYQ.

Critically analyse India's evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics.

'India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.' Discuss India's role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement.

Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation?

'Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security.' Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council's Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its associated bodies in addressing and mitigating this threat at the international level.

How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India's position in global politics?

'Clean energy is the order of the day.' Describe briefly India's changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics.

Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India.

The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China's ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario.

'If the last few decades were of Asia's growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa's.' In the light of this statement, examine India's influence in Africa in recent years.

Identify the major gains for India from the Indo-U.S. Nuclear Deal (2007) under the 123 Agreement.

'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.

'Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO.' In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the problems.

Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India.

'Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos.' Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security.

"Energy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India's foreign policy, and is linked with India's overarching influence in Middle Eastern countries." How would you integrate energy security with India's foreign policy trajectories in the coming years?

Assess how border disputes with neighbouring countries have impacted India’s foreign policy and security strategies.

“India’s relationship with SAARC countries has been a balancing act between fostering regional cooperation and navigating bilateral tensions.” Explain.

Examine the challenges and opportunities in India’s diplomatic relations with its immediate neighbours in the context of regional security and economic cooperation.

Despite sharing a strong historical and cultural bond, India and Bangladesh continue to face challenges in their bilateral relationship. Critically examine the factors that contribute to both cooperation and contention.

Briefly discuss the crucial importance of the Maldives for India in the South Asian region, and how ongoing tensions between the two nations can be resolved.

How has India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy been challenged by the growing popularity of anti-India regimes in its immediate neighbourhood? What strategies could mitigate these challenges?

Examine the effectiveness of SAARC as a platform for India to advance its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.

How might the deepening economic and political ties between Sri Lanka and India affect Sri Lanka’s foreign policy, particularly in balancing its relations with China?

Examine the impact of growing political instability in South Asia on India’s foreign policy. How can SAARC serve as a platform for India to address these challenges?

“Panchsheel was a diplomatic ideal but fell short of realpolitik.” Critically analyse.

Evaluate the effectiveness of India’s Act East Policy in strengthening its relations with Southeast Asian countries.

Analyse how India’s Act East Policy and its relations with Southeast Asian countries impact its engagement with South Asia.

“India’s leadership in the Indian Ocean Region is vital for promoting peace, stability and prosperity.” Comment.

Discuss India’s role in ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, and examine how multilateral efforts bolster India’s maritime strategy.

Discuss the significance and challenges associated with the Indus Waters Treaty in managing the shared water resources between India and Pakistan.

Examine the historical dynamics and contemporary challenges in the Indo-China relationship.

India and Nepal share a close bond often termed ‘Roti Beti ka Rishta’. Critically analyse the India-Nepal relationship in the present context.

Discuss the contemporary dynamics of the Indo-Afghan relationship, highlighting its geopolitical significance and implications for regional stability.

Discuss how India has positioned itself as a key advocate for the Global South, addressing the complex issues faced by developing nations.

Shared economic visions and geopolitical outlooks have spurred India and the UAE to expand cooperation across multiple domains. Elaborate.

Discuss the evolving dynamics of India-US relations and their impact on bilateral cooperation and global affairs.

Discuss the reasons behind India’s aspiration for permanent membership of the UN Security Council, the challenges involved, and the efforts India is making.

Examine the factors behind the recent rise of protectionist tendencies in global trade and the challenges they pose. How can India address protectionism as a trend among developed countries?

Assess the significance of the BRICS grouping in promoting the economic interests of the Global South, and the challenges it faces in achieving its long-term goals.

India’s recent diplomatic engagements with both Russia and Ukraine underscore its effort to safeguard national interests. Discuss the implications of this approach for India’s foreign policy.

Discuss the strategic significance of the Pacific Island Nations for India’s geopolitical and economic interests, and the initiatives taken under FIPIC.

Analyse the significance of India’s engagement with the African Union in the context of South-South cooperation.

Analyse the major outcomes of the recent G7 Summit and the significance of India’s involvement in the G7.

Examine the challenges India faces in maintaining a principled stance on international justice while pursuing closer ties with Israel.

Discuss India’s changing approach to the Middle East and its impact on the relationship with Israel, particularly in terms of expanding cooperation across sectors.

The trilateral technology cooperation between India, South Korea and the United States aims to enhance collaboration in emerging technologies. What implications does this have for the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific?

Discuss the significance of India’s growing engagements with Taiwan and Ukraine for its position as a rising power in international relations.

Evaluate the economic and strategic impacts of RCEP on India’s Act East Policy. How can India enhance its engagement with ASEAN in the absence of RCEP membership?

“India-ASEAN economic cooperation is a driving force for achieving the SDGs.” Critically analyse the role of aligning economic policies for sustainable development in the region.

Examine how the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation can enhance India’s strategic presence in Southeast Asia.

Critically assess India’s integral role in the geopolitical and economic renaissance of the Asia-Pacific region.

Examine the implications of the recent India-Iran Chabahar port agreement for India’s relations with Central Asian countries.

“India has implemented strategic measures to reduce its dependence on Middle Eastern oil and gas by diversifying energy sources through engagement with Central Asian countries.” Comment.

Elucidate the evolving dynamics of India’s relationship with the Indo-Pacific region and the factors driving India’s engagement with it.

With rising concerns over brain drain, assess the impact of the Indian diaspora on India’s human capital development.

What role does the Indian diaspora’s economic and cultural influence play in shaping India’s foreign policy?

Examine the efforts of the Indian diaspora in preserving and promoting Indian culture abroad. What challenges do they face in maintaining cultural identity?

Discuss the evolution of India’s policy towards its diaspora, and the impact of recent government initiatives on diaspora relations.

Assess the significance of BIMSTEC in fostering sub-regional collaboration among India and its neighbouring nations.

Elucidate the significance of the NATO Plus framework in the Indo-Pacific region and the rationale behind India’s reluctance to endorse this concept.

Analyse the structure and mandate of the UNHCR and assess its effectiveness in addressing the growing refugee crisis worldwide.

Enumerate the challenges in enforcing International Humanitarian Law globally and suggest measures to improve compliance, considering India’s efforts in this regard.

What strategic benefits does India seek from its membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and how do ongoing disputes with China and Pakistan affect these benefits?

Examine the major issues that have impeded the effectiveness of SAARC as a regional organisation, and the economic and political challenges within member states that contribute to them.

Explain the significance of India’s membership in the SCO in combating terrorism, and the challenges India faces within the grouping in this regard.

Discuss the evolution of NATO’s strategic focus in response to the militarisation of Russian foreign policy, and the measures needed to address long-term challenges to Euro-Atlantic security.

“Global governance reforms are critical for a multipolar world.” Discuss India’s stance on UNSC reforms, WTO negotiations and global climate frameworks.

Cultural diplomacy is a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy. Discuss how India’s engagement with UNESCO contributes to its soft power and global image.

Elucidate the significance of a strong BIMSTEC for India’s strategic, economic and diplomatic interests.