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In today’s era of globalization, where everything is highly interconnected and interdependent, international relations have become an important component of every country’s policy. Moreover, they are not only related to governance and policies but also to a number of other academic disciplines, such as political science, geography, history, economics, law, sociology, philosophy, and more. UPSC also recognises the relevance of international relations (IR). Constant focus on IR in UPCS questions every year is a testimony to this fact.
Thus, from the prelims to the mains to the interview stage of the civil service examination, international relations have emerged as a crucial section.
In this article, we provide a nitty-gritty of this popular section of the UPSC syllabus, or what would otherwise popularly be called an analysis of the Previous Year’s UPSC questions related to International relations. We explore the evolving patterns and highlight areas that have gained prominence in recent years. By examining these trends, aspirants can reflect on their preparation strategies and ensure a thorough understanding of India’s International relations.
Prelims Examination: Current events of national and international importance
Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations
The trend analysis helps in understanding the requirements of the civil services examination as:
1. It helps in understanding the pattern of the questions, such as the number of questions, structure, word limit, and marks.
2. It helps in identifying the recurring topics and nature of questions.
Topic and year-wise analysis of the previous year’s questions asked by UPSC
3 Quantitative takeaways you must note
1. The data presented above indicates that since 2015, four International Relations-related questions have been asked every year in the GS Paper 2 in the Mains exam.
2. The word limit for the questions has typically been either 150 words or 250 words.
3. The total marks allotted to this section have consistently been 50 marks since 2015.
10 Qualitative takeaways to look out for
1. The ‘Obvious’ for IR: Focus on India’s Neighborhood Relations
If you want to start with a topic frequently asked, pick up your Atlas and start looking at India’s immediate neighbours. From 2013 to 2023, a total of 12 questions have been asked regarding India and its neighbouring countries. These questions covered India’s relations with neighbouring nations such as Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, China and the Maldives.
The focus has been on India’s efforts in maintaining peace and stability, as well as addressing challenges stemming from political crises, terrorist activities, and regional security issues in neighbouring countries.
Examples:
‘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. (UPSC CSE 2022)
The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split in society between the nationalists. and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India? (UPSC CSE 2013)
Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India? (UPSC CSE 2013)
2. Always ‘Trending’, news or no news: China as a Key Geopolitical Factor
One bilateral relation you should know everything about is India-China relations. In India’s neighbourhood, China has been a significant geopolitical player on which various kinds of questions have been asked in the mains. These questions have delved into India-China relations, both on a bilateral level and within larger regional contexts such as the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific.
For instance, questions on the “String of Pearls”, China’s economic influence transforming into military power, and its impact on India’s strategic interests highlight the UPSC’s focus on China’s role in regional geopolitics. Besides this, questions also have been asked concerning the power tussle between the USA and China.
Examples:
“The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain (UPSC CSE 2021)
‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor. (UPSC CSE 2017)
What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this. (UPSC CSE 2013)
3. Not missing the ‘Fundamentals’: Various Doctrine and Important Foreign Policies of India
You are preparing for not just ‘any’ exam. It is UPSC which demands you to have some depth. This is that area.
From time to time, questions have been asked on India’s popular foreign policies and doctrines. This includes India’s Look East Policy and its engagement with ASEAN nations, as well as the Gujral doctrine.
Examples:
Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. (UPSC CSE 2016)
Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian government to improve relationships with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss (UPSC CSE 2015)
What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2013)
4. The ‘Indispensable’: Special Emphasis on Regional and Global Groupings
The quantity of questions tells us that this theme is unavoidable. A significant number of questions have been asked on the bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements that involve India or affect India’s interests. These questions often focus on India’s participation in various groups such as the SCO, SAARC, BIMSTEC, I2U2, QUAD and AUKUS, particularly concerning India’s foreign policy goals and strategic interests.
Questions like “BIMSTEC vs SAARC” or “India’s role in mitigating SCO problems” highlight the growing importance of these groupings in the main examination. Therefore, groups and summits that have been in the news could potentially be topics for the main examination. However, the questions in this section have mainly focused on analyzing these groupings from India’s perspective.
Examples:
‘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. (UPSC CSE 2023)
‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)’ is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times – Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2020)
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? (UPSC CSE 2022)
5. For the ‘Eggheads’: Emerging focus on Economic and Strategic Partnerships
Every smart candidate will definitely know what not to leave when it comes to IR. Here’s that topic. With the rapidly changing global order, questions also have been asked regarding India’s economic and strategic partnerships with countries such as the US, Russia, Japan, and Israel, especially in the areas of defense cooperation, energy security, and trade. You need to develop good interest to deal with such topics effectively.
Examples:
What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (UPSC CSE 2020)
‘The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.’ Comment. (UPSC CSE 2019)
6. ‘Going with the flow’: Growing Focus on Indo-Pacific and Maritime Security
Some topics are predictable because the world is talking about them. Like this one. There is an increasing emphasis on India’s maritime security and its Indo-Pacific strategy, as evidenced by several questions.
Questions about India’s actions in safeguarding freedom of navigation in its maritime areas, especially concerning China’s influence have been asked. Additionally, questions have been asked about India’s participation in different alliances aimed at ensuring maritime security.
Examples:
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. (UPSC CSE 2021)
With respect to the South China sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affirm the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and over flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China. (UPSC CSE 2014)
7. Making IR ‘Comprehensive’: Indian Diaspora, Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy
The syllabus of IR doesn’t seem to leave anything. The economic and political influence of the Indian diaspora, especially in the West and Southeast Asia has also been asked. Questions majorly have focused on how the diaspora contributes to diplomacy, economic relations, and political influence, which in turn strengthens India’s soft power on a global scale.
Examples:
Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India. (UPSC CSE 2023)
Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries.’ Comment with examples (UPSC CSE 2020)
Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries’ economy and society. Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in South- East Asia in this context. (UPSC CSE 2017)
8.Having an ‘Eagle eye’: Impact of Global Politics on India
Going beyond factual topics, UPSC expects to have thinking administrators. Hence, such topics – where you can reflect on what you have read, learned and observed. Questions have been asked examining the impact of significant global events such as NATO expansion, the US-Iran nuclear deal, and US-China rivalry on India’s national interests. This highlights the importance for aspirants to link global developments to India’s strategic calculus. You will be able to score high if you are observant enough to know what is going on in current affairs.
Examples:
‘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 CSE 2023)
In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to its situation? ( UPSC CSE 2018)
9. Everyone’s favourite: International Organizations
You’ve spent days and months covering this theme for your prelims – from all possible sources you had at your disposal, making sure that you only gain marks from here. Here is a chance to brush up on this topic for your Mains too.
International organizations form a crucial part of the International Relations section. On average, one question related to international organizations such as the WTO, UN, WHO, and IMO is asked every year. These questions typically focus on the structure, mandate, and India’s stance regarding these organizations. UPSC tends to explore how India engages with global institutions like the IMF, World Bank, and UNSC to further its economic and strategic interests. It also examines how India approaches issues of reform within these institutions.
Examples:
‘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 the environment and enhancing maritime safety and security. (UPSC CSE 2023)
What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India? (UPSC CSE 2018)
Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UNSC. (UPSC CSE 2015)
10. The ‘Newbie’: West Asia and Energy Security
When you see a lot of coverage in the newspapers and other media sources around one particular topic frequently, expect it to be UPSC’s new favourite. The last few years have seen a significant focus on the areas of conflict and their crucial role in India’s energy security. Questions have been asked regarding Central Asia and energy security.
Examples:
A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India’s joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018. (UPSC CSE 2018)
The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries. (UPSC CSE 2017)
The detailed analysis of the previous year’s IR-related questions presents a growing trend where India’s foreign policy is increasingly assessed based on regional stability, economic and strategic partnerships, and multilateral engagements. Therefore, candidates must stay updated on global geopolitical changes, bilateral relationships, and India’s impact on global governance.
Also, connect IR with every subject you have studied – everything makes sense with IR. Don’t forget to keep looking at the Atlas and connecting static with the dynamic.
Expect the unexpected! UPSC can surprise you with new areas to ask questions from or bore you with repetitions. IR is a topic that is easy for experimentation linking it with other subjects and topics. So, there is no final word here. Nevertheless, it is a good section to have an extra edge.
For IR remember: know something about everything and everything about something.
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