International Relations (P2SB) PYQ Analysis

Indian Foreign Policy: Determinants of foreign policy; the institutions of policy-making; continuity and change

1.       Explain the major features of India’s Foreign Policy in the 21st century. (2023) 10

2.       Peaceful co-existence remains the cornerstone of India’s foreign policy. Comment. (2022) 10

3.       Discuss the role of public diplomacy in the enhancement of India’s global standing. (2022) 10

4.       Critically examine the major factors responsible for a turnaround in the trajectory of India’s foreign policy in the post-cold war period. (2022) 15

5.       Explain the philosophical foundations of India’s foreign policy. (2021) 10

6.       Examine the increasing significance of maritime security in India’s foreign policy. (2019) 20

7.       Do you agree with the view that the Indian foreign policy is increasingly being shaped by the neoliberal outlook? Elaborate. (2018) [factors shaping IFP] 10

8.       India is often said to have a rich strategic culture. Discuss. (2018) [10]

9.       India’s current foreign policy marks a significant qualitative shift from that of the previous regimes. Discuss. (2018) 10

10.   Examine the Indian National movement and geographical location of India as determinants of India’s foreign policy. (2017)  10

11.   Which determinant factors play an important role in making India’s foreign policy? Illustrate with examples. (2016)

12.   The social structure of a country influences its foreign policy making. How does the social structure of India impact the course and direction of its foreign policy? (2015)

13.   Economic interest has emerged as the main component of India’s foreign policy. Discuss the statement in the light of India’s initiative to improve relations with China, Japan and the Central Asian republics. (2015)

14.   Identify the elements of change in India’s foreign policy. (2013)

15.   Economic content of India’s foreign trade is increasingly growing. Substantiate the statement with economic diplomatic engagement of India in the last decade. (2013)

16.   How do the constituent states influence the foreign policy making process in India? (2021) 15

17.   Describe the structure and function of the National Security Council of India. What role does it play in the formulation of Indian foreign policy? (2020)

18.   Examine the role of ‘parliamentary diplomacy’ in India’s foreign policy. (2019)

19.   Discuss the role of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in promoting India’s soft power abroad. (2018)

20.   How does the parliament determine and influence the making of India’s foreign policy? (2015)

21.   “Federal units are critical in making India’s foreign policy’. Examine this statement with the role of West Bengal vis-á-vis Bangladesh. (2014)

22.   The Ministry of External Affairs is losing its importance in the making of India’s foreign policy with the parallel rise of PMO. Explain. (2014) 20

23.   Would you concur with the view that of late, India’s foreign policy has been in a transition mode from Nehruvianism to Neoliberalism? Support your answer with the help of suitable examples. (2024) (20)

India’s Contribution to the Non-Alignment Movement Different phases; current role.

1.       “Non-alignment was little more than a rational strategy on the part of a materially weak India to maximize its interests with a bipolar distribution of global power.” Comment. (2021) 10

2.       Compare and contrast Non-alignment 1.0 with Non-alignment 2.0. (2019) 10

3.       Comment on India’s contribution to non-alignment movement and its contemporary relevance. (2016) 10

4.       Non-alignment has been the basic principle of India’s foreign policy since independence. Discuss its relevance in the contemporary context. (2015) 10

5.       India’s policy of Non-Alignment has been guided by the genius of the Indian people and their interests. Explain. (2014) 15

6.       “India has of late, chosen to debunk non-alignment in its pursuit of multi-alignment.” Comment (2024) (15)

India and South Asia

1.       What are the reasons for lack of 'regionness' in South Asia? (2023) 10

2.       Why do ethnic conflicts and insurgencies continue to remain major impediments to regional co-operation in South Asia? (2023) 10

3.       “Sometimes we visualize that SAARC’s efforts come to halt because of various impediments to regional cooperation.” Elaborate with reasonable examples of impediments. (2016) 10

4.       Outline the reason for the low volume of trade in the SAARC region. (2018) 10

5.       Discuss the ways and means to realise greater economic co-operation among the Member States of South Asia. (2022) 10

6.       Why South Asia is considered as the world’s politically and economically least integrated region? Explain. (2021) 20

7.       What are the impediments in the development of the South Asian free trade area (SAFTA)? (2017) 10

8.       Identify the constraints / challenges to the regional cooperation in South Asia. (2015)  10

9.       How does cross-border terrorism impede the achievements of peace and security in South Asia? (2020) 10

10.   Despite the differences between India and Pakistan on various issues, Indus water treaty has stood the test of times. In the light of this statement, discuss the recent developments over the issue. (2017) 15

11.   Discuss the shift of India’s foreign policy towards Pakistan in light of Pathankot incident. (2016)  15

12.   River water disputes are emerging as a major source of irritation between India and its neighbours. Identify sources of conflicts and suggest remedial measures. (2015)  15

13.   Discuss the future prospects of Indo-Nepal relations in the context of the recent publication of new Nepalese map wrongly claiming Indian territory. (2020) 10

14.   The treaty of perpetual peace and friendship between India and Bhutan needs to be revised with more pragmatic, realistic obligations and responsibilities. Comment. (2017) 10

15.   Discuss the steps required to realise ‘hydro-co-operation’ between India and Bangladesh. (2022) 10

16.   Write a brief analysis of the ethnic conflicts and cross-border migrations along India-Myanmar and India-Bangladesh borders. (2021) 15

17.   Analyze the impact of hydropolitics on Indo-Bangladesh relations. (2020) 10

18.   Ethnic conflicts and insurgency in North East India can be better managed by improving relations with neighbouring countries. Substantiate the statement with suitable examples. (2015) 10

19.   What are the implications of ‘Look-East’ Policy on the north-eastern region of India? (2022) 15

20.   Discuss the Consequences of illegal cross-border migration in India’s north-eastern region. (2022) 15

21.   Discuss the strategic implications of India’s ‘Look East Policy’ transforming into ‘Act East Policy’. (2021) 10

22.   How is India responding to the idea of Indo-Pacific? (2019)

23.   Evaluate India’s stand on the recent Rohingya refugee issue. (2018)

24.   Analyse the significance of India’s Look East policy in the light of concerns of the indigenous peoples of North East India. (2018)

25.   What are the hopes and aspirations of ‘Look East policy’ of India? Explain. (2016)

26.   Discuss the future of SAARC in the light of India’s increased focus on other regional groupings like ASEAN and BIMSTEC. (2024) (20)

27.   Bhutan has historically been an ally of India, but the China-Bhutan border-related issues have become a security issue for India. Discuss. (2024) (10)

28.   Despite deep ties, India’s relations with Sri Lanka have seen strains due to China’s growing influence in Sri Lanka through investments and economic dominance. Analyse. (2024) (10)

29.   Discuss the implications of the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime with Myanmar by the Indian Government on the complex ethno-political dynamics of the north-eastern region. (2024) (15)

India and the Global South: Relations with Africa and Latin America; Leadership role in the demand for NIEO and WTO negotiations.

1.       Why is the compromise reached at WTO regarding the Covid-19 vaccine manufacturing not a Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver? (2023) 10

2.       What diplomatic steps has India taken to articulate the interests of the Global South in International Politics? (2023) 10

3.       Explain the concept of the North-South divide and suggest how structural inequalities between the high wage, high investment industrial North and low wage, low investment predominantly rural South can be reduced. (2016) 15

4.       Discuss the major drivers of India's interests in Africa. (2023) 15

5.       Identify the drivers of India’s new interest in Africa. (2021)  15

6.       How do the guiding principles of India-Africa relations seek to enhance harmony and mutual cooperation between India and Africa? (2020)  20

7.       How is India pursuing her foreign policy objectives through the IBSA (India, Brazil and South Africa) Dialogue Forum? (2019)  10

8.       India’s capacity building programs under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) has earned much Goodwill for it in Africa. Discuss. (2018) 15

9.       India Research and Information System (RIS) for developing countries is a major initiative in the area of South-South Cooperation. Discuss. (2018) 15

10.   Suggest measures so that India’s partnership with Africa becomes a true symbol of South-South Cooperation, delivering clear cut economic and political divisions to both sides of the equation. (2017) 20

11.   Discuss factors for the decline of India’s presence in Latin America. (2015)

12.   Discuss the relevance of the demand for New International Economic Order (NIEO) in the present era of globalisation. (2022) 20

13.   Explain India’s position on the waiver of intellectual property rights on COVID-19 vaccines in WTO. (2021) 10

14.   India’s coalition diplomacy within the WTO has earned it wide appreciation. What accounts for the success of India’s coalition diplomacy? (2018) 20

15.   “Nothing is going to move within the WTO negotiations unless India is on board.” Discuss the main reasons behind India’s increased clout in the WTO. (2024) (10)

16.   Discuss the potential role that India could play as the leader of the Global South in realising the goal of establishing a new international economic order in the 21st century. (2024) (15)

India and the Global Centres of Power

1.       Explain the significance of Basic Exchange and Co-operation Agreement (BECA) for Indo-US strategic relations. (2022) 10

2.       Discuss the significance of Indo-US strategic partnership and its implications for India’s security and national defence. (2020) 15

3.       How is the current stand-off between the USA and Iran affecting India’s energy security? (2019) 15

4.       Discuss the role of Indian diaspora in promoting Indo-US relations. (2018) 15

5.       The natural behaviour of India and the United States is likely to serve each other’s interests. Hence a deliberate strategy of dovetailing their efforts will obviously benefit both. Elaborate. (2017) 20

6.       Comment on India’s growing relationship with the USA in the background of constrained relations between India and China. (2016) 15

7.       Before the year 2000, the Indo-US relationship had been marked more with estrangement than cordiality. Why? (2015) 20

8.       Do you agree with the view that the USA is off late willing to treat India as a partner rather than merely a camp-follower? Give reasons for your answer. (2014) 10

9.       Arms trade, economic ties and congruent geo-political interests are no longer the three pillars of India - Russia relationship in the emerging strategic context. Comment. (2023) 20

10.   Examine the recent developments in India-Japan relationship. (2013) 10

11.   Explain Britain’s ouster from the EU and bring out its consequences on the world economy in general in India in particular. (2016) [Impact of Brexit on World and Indian Economy] 20

12.   EU-India relations have a long way to go before they can purposely be termed strategic. Discuss. (2014) 10

13.   What are the main drivers of India-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership? (2022)  10

14.   Write about the growing significance of QUAD (2021) 10

15.   What are the notable features of the recently concluded pact or the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) between India and Japan? How is it likely to address the security concerns of India? (2020) 15

16.   Do you agree that the growing assertiveness of China is leading to multi layered Indo Japan relations? Comment. (2018) 15

17.   Do you subscribe to the idea that in the new evolving Asian dynamics Japan and India have not only moved closer in economic cooperation, but also in strategic partnership? (2017) 15

18.   Evaluate the recent changes into Indo-Japan relations. (2014) 10

19.   Examine the recent development in India Japan relationships. (2013) 10

20.   Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) performs an important role in India's strategic balancing act to withstand the dominance of China in Asia. Discuss. (2023) 15

21.   Examine the Geo-strategic points of contention in the bilateral relationship between India and China. (2021) 15

22.   Explain the defence and foreign policy options of India to address the challenges emerging out of the current India-China standoff at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). (2020) 20

23.   Describe briefly China’s ‘One Belt One Road (OBOR)’ Initiative and analyse India’s major concerns. (2019) 20

24.   What are the current issues in Brahmaputra River water sharing between India and China? (2019) 15

25.   Critically examine India’s position on South China Sea Dispute. (2019) 15

26.   Critically assess the evolving convergence of India and China in the areas of trade and environment. (2018) 15

27.   How is the belt and road initiative of China going to affect India-China relations? (2017) 20

28.   Illustrate the main causes of tension between India and China. Suggest the possibilities of improving relationships. (2016) 10

29.   Some of the major changes that occurred in India’s foreign policy after the Sino India war in 1962 were within the larger framework of continuity. Discuss. (2014) 15

30.   “Relations between India and Russia are rooted in history, mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation.” Discuss. (2021) 20

31.   The recent differences between India and Russia are the result of misconceptions rather than facts. Elucidate. (2017) 15

32.   Analyse the drivers of Indo Russia relations in the post-Cold War era. (2014) 20

33.   Does the idea of the 21st century as ‘Asian century’ continue to remain feasible given the growing friction between India and China? (2024) (15)

34.   “India and USA have become such strong strategic partners that they need not become formal allies.” Comment. (2024) (15)

35.   Discuss the rationale behind replacing the “AsiaPacific” strategy with the new term “Indo-Pacific” strategy. (2024) (10)

India and the UN System: Role in UN Peace-keeping; Demand for Permanent Seat in the Security Council.

1.       Discuss the importance of India's role in UN peacekeeping operations as a ground for its claim to a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. (2023) 15

2.       Explain the factors which justify India’s claim for a permanent seat at the UN security council. (2022) 15

3.       Discuss the “Sustainable Development Goals’ as set by the United Nations. (2021)  15

4.       Explain the importance of India’s claim for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. (2020) 15

5.       Analyse the recent trends in India’s role in the UN peacekeeping operations. (2019) 15

6.       Discuss the various impediments in India’s way to a permanent seat in the Security Council. (2018) 15

7.       India has been the largest and consistent country contributing to the UN peacekeepers worldwide. Examine India’s role in this perspective. (2017) 10

8.       Bring out the objectives of India seeking a permanent seat in the security council. (2013)

9.       Uniting for Consensus also known as Coffee Club has opposed the claims of India and other countries for permanent membership of the UN security council. Point out their major objections. (2017) 15

10.   Critically analyse China’s role in international politics against India’s demand for permanent seat in UN Security Council. (2016) 15

11.   The United Nations completes 70 years of its establishment in 2015. What reforms is India asking for to strengthen the global institution of governance and why? (2015) 20

12.   Is India’s quest for a permanent seat in the Security Council a possibility or just a pipe-dream? Elaborate with reasons. (2014) 10

13.   Evaluate India’s participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations over the years. (2014) 15

14.   “India must strive to become a semi-permanent member of the UNSC, rather than a permanent member without the right to veto.” Comment. (2024) (10)

India and the Nuclear Question: Changing perceptions and policy.

1.       "India's Nuclear policy is deeply influenced by its cultural beliefs and the pragmatic approach of its foreign policy." (2023) 20

2.       Discuss the reasons behind India’s refusal to sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT). (2022) 15

3.       Examine the evolution of India’s role in the global nuclear order. (2021) 15

4.       Discuss the efficacy of India’s ‘no first use’ policy (nuclear weapons) in the context of the evolving strategic challenges from its neighbours. (2020) 15

5.       Given the recent developments in the region, do you think that there is a need to change India’s ‘No First Use (NFU)’ nuclear policy? (2019) 15

6.       Nuclear non-proliferation treaty – NPT, has failed to achieve the ultimate objective of global nuclear disarmament. Discuss the deficiency in the provisions of NPT. (2017) 15

7.       Critically analyse India’s nuclear policy. (2016) 10

8.       Explain the socio-economic impacts of arms race and identify the obstacles in the way of disarmament. (2016) 20

9.       In 1998, India declared itself a nuclear weapons state. India refuses to sign NPT and CTBT. What would be the implications for India’s nuclear policy in case it signs both the treaties? (2015) 15

10.   Discuss the grounds for India’s opposition to NPT. (2014) 10

11.   Is India’s nuclear doctrine a viable one? (2013) 10

12.   What does the pace of nuclear proliferation in the post-Cold War suggest? (2013) 10

13.   Critically examine India’s persistent refusal to sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) despite being recognized as a de facto nuclear power. (2024) (15)

Recent developments in Indian Foreign Policy: India’s position on the recent crises in Afghanistan, Iraq, and West Asia, US and Israel; Vision of a new world order.

1.       What are the challenges and limitations in India - Iran relations? (2023) 15

2.       What steps has India taken to regain its foothold in Afghanistan since the Taliban has taken over the country in August 2021?  (2023) 15

3.       Discuss India’s vision of a New World order in the 21st century. (2022) 15

4.       How does India-Israel bilateral ties reflect the autonomy of India’s foreign policy choices? (2022) 20

5.       How does the recent takeover of Afghanistan by Taliban impact India’s strategic interests? (2021) 10

6.       “The war in Afghanistan is crucial from the point of view of India’s national security. If the Americans withdraw and Jihadis emerge with a sense of triumphalism, India will face increasing onslaught of terrorism.” Comment. (2020) 20

7.       Identify the key sectors of cooperation between India and Israel since 2014. Examine their significance in strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries. (2020) 15

8.       Critically examine the role of India in shaping the emerging world order. (2020) 15

9.       “The growing closeness between India and Israel will strengthen the cause of Palestine.” Comment. (2019) 15

10.   Write a brief note on India’s interests in West Asia. (2019) 15

11.   Evaluate India’s vision of a new world order. (2019) 20

12.   Do you think that India’s capacity building role in Afghanistan has shrunk the strategic space for Pakistan there? Discuss. (2018)

13.   Has the recent Indo Israeli relationships given a new dynamic to India’s stand on Palestinian statehood? (2017) 10

14.   Vision of the new world order has emerged as the major objective of India’s foreign policy. Discuss the policy initiative taken by India in this regard and challenges faced by it. (2015) 20

15.   Discuss the realistic foreign policy initiatives taken by India to balance its relations between Israel and the Arab World. (2015) 15

16.   Discuss the humanitarian role played by India in the crisis-stricken Gulf countries of Yemen and Iraq. (2015) 15

17.   Afghanistan is a litmus test for India’s ascendance as a regional and global power. Discuss. (2014) 10

18.   Examine the implications of turmoil in Iraq and West Asia for India’s security and foreign policy concerns. (2014) 15

19.   In the history of foreign policy, seldom have relations between any two nations blossomed as fast as they have in the case of India and Israel. Discuss. (2014) 15

20.   examine the continuity and change in India’s Palestine policy in the wake of the ongoing Israel-Hamas War. (2024) (20)