UPSC CSE 2026 Essay Paper Discussion
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General Studies Paper 2 · By subject

International relations — UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 PYQ

89 previous year questions on International relations, 2013–2026, each with a model answer

← All GS Paper 2

2026

  1. Q9
    “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.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q10
    “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.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q19
    “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.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q20
    “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.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →

2025

  1. Q9
    India-Africa digital partnership is achieving mutual respect, co-development and long-term institutional partnerships. Elaborate.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q10
    “With the waning of globalization, post-Cold War world is becoming a site of sovereign nationalism.” Elucidate.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q19
    “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?
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q20
    “The reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved, because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs. Russo-Chinese alliance.” Examine and critically evaluate the East-West policy confrontations in this regard.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →

2024

  1. Q9
    ‘The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.’ Explain this statement with examples.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q10
    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.
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  3. Q19
    ‘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.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  4. Q20
    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?
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →

2023

  1. Q9
    ‘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.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q10
    Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  3. Q19
    ‘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.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  4. Q20
    ‘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.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →

2022

  1. Q9
    ‘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.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q10
    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?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q19
    How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics?
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q20
    ‘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.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →

2021

  1. Q9
    “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.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q10
    “The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q19
    Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India?
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  4. Q20
    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.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →

2020

  1. Q9
    Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic.
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  2. Q10
    ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  3. Q19
    ‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)’ is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times — Discuss.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q20
    What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →

2019

  1. Q9
    ‘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.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  2. Q10
    ‘Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q19
    ‘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.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q20
    ‘What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s national self-esteem and ambitions.’ Explain with suitable examples.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →

2018

  1. Q9
    “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q10
    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.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q19
    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?
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  4. Q20
    In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to this situation?
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →

2017

  1. Q9
    “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 neighbour.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q10
    What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  3. Q19
    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.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q20
    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.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →

2016

  1. Q17
    “The broader aims and objectives of WTO are to manage and promote international trade in the era of globalization. But the Doha round of negotiations seem doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries.” Discuss in the Indian perspective.
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q18
    Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post Cold War international scenario.
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q19
    “Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of several member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable examples.
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q20
    What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What is India’s position on these?
    12.5 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →

2015

  1. Q17
    Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically examine.
    12.5 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →
  2. Q18
    Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UN Security Council.
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q19
    Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian Government to improve relationship with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss.
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q20
    Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India-Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchanges could help generate goodwill between the two countries? Discuss with suitable examples.
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →

2014

  1. Q16
    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.
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q17
    The aim of Information Technology Agreements (ITAs) is to lower all taxes and tariffs on information technology products by signatories to zero. What impact would such agreements have on India’s interests?
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q18
    Some of the International funding agencies have special terms for economic participation stipulating a substantial component of the aid to be used for sourcing equipment from the leading countries. Discuss on merits of such terms and if, there exists a strong case not to accept such conditions in the Indian context.
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q19
    India has recently signed to become founding member of New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). How will the role of the two Banks be different? Discuss the strategic significance of these two Banks for India.
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  5. Q20
    WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries in a profound manner. What is the mandate of WTO and how binding are their decisions? Critically analyse India’s stand on the latest round of talks on Food security.
    12.5 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →

2013

  1. Q18
    The proposed withdrawal of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 is fraught with major security implications for the countries of the region. Examine in light of the fact that India is faced with a plethora of challenges and needs to safeguard its own strategic interests.
    10 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →
  2. Q19
    What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this.
    10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q20
    Economic ties between India and Japan while growing in the recent years are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints which are inhibiting this growth.
    10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q21
    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?
    10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  5. Q22
    Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India?
    10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  6. Q23
    In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy.
    10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  7. Q24
    What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss.
    10 marks 200 words Easy Model answer →
  8. Q25
    The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions and mandate are distinctly different. Elucidate.
    10 marks 200 words Easy Model answer →

0

  1. •
    India and the European Union concluded their Free Trade Agreement negotiations on 27 January 2026 after nine years. Examine the strategic value of the deal and the residual chapters that remain contested.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  2. •
    Critical-mineral supply chains have become a tool of statecraft for both China and the United States. With reference to the National Critical Mineral Mission (January 2025), discuss India’s response.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  3. •
    The India Semiconductor Mission has approved five fabs and packaging units with Rs 76,000 crore in incentives. Examine the strategic logic and the limits of India’s chip strategy.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  4. •
    India imports 88 percent of its crude oil and the Strait of Hormuz still carries roughly a third of those imports. Examine India’s energy-security strategy under the West Asia stress test.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  5. •
    India’s defence dependence on Russia fell from 70 percent in 2011-15 to 40 percent in 2021-25 per SIPRI, while Russia became India’s top crude supplier at about 35 percent. Examine the changing texture of India-Russia ties.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  6. •
    India and China agreed on patrolling arrangements at Depsang and Demchok on 21 October 2024 but the larger force build-up persists. Examine the meaning of ‘disengagement’ and what a full normalisation would require.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  7. •
    The UN Security Council’s permanent membership structure has not changed since 1945 even as the General Assembly’s Pact for the Future (September 2024) and the G4 push for reform continue. Examine India’s case for permanent membership.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  8. •
    The World Trade Organization’s Appellate Body has been paralysed since 2019 and the MC13 Abu Dhabi outcome (2024) did not restore it. Discuss the implications for India’s trade policy.
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  9. •
    The IPCC AR6 Synthesis Report (March 2023) reaffirmed that limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius requires global emissions to peak before 2025. Examine India’s negotiation position at COP30 Belem in light of its updated NDC.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  10. •
    The India-US 2+2 ministerial dialogue and the iCET framework have shifted the bilateral from buyer-seller defence ties to co-development. Examine the breakthroughs and the residual frictions, with reference to GE F414 jet engines and the Sonobuoy MoU.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  11. •
    The G20 New Delhi Declaration (September 2023) was the first G20 consensus that did not name Russia, and it admitted the African Union as a permanent member. Examine its enduring impact on India’s global standing.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  12. •
    US secondary tariffs raised duties on Indian goods to 50 percent in August 2025 over Russian-oil purchases before the 6 February 2026 framework rolled them back to 18 percent. Examine how this episode tested India’s strategic autonomy.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  13. •
    The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) enters full reporting from 2026 and tariffs from January 2026 on six carbon-intensive sectors. Examine its implications for India’s exports and climate diplomacy.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  14. •
    China’s export licensing on seven rare earths (4 April 2025) extended to foreign-made products containing Chinese-origin material from 1 December 2025. Discuss the chokepoint logic and the implications for India’s clean-energy transition.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  15. •
    India has the world’s largest diaspora at about 35.4 million Persons of Indian Origin and Non-Resident Indians, contributing record remittances of $135 billion in FY25. Examine the policy frameworks that engage the diaspora.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  16. •
    The Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025 consolidates four colonial-era laws and creates a Bureau of Immigration. Examine its impact on India’s diaspora engagement and overseas labour mobility.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  17. •
    India’s Nepal policy has oscillated between an open-border, currency-pegged friendship and friction over the 2015 Constitution, the Kalapani map and EPG report non-acceptance. Examine the structural irritants and the recent stabilisation.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  18. •
    BIMSTEC was revived as the Bay of Bengal alternative to a deadlocked SAARC, with the Charter entering force in May 2024. Examine its present trajectory, with reference to the 2025 outcomes and connectivity priorities.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  19. •
    The Quad’s 2025 Wilmington-to-2025 framework has shifted from a security caucus toward technology, supply chains and maritime security. Discuss India’s role and the limits of the Quad as a coalition for the Indo-Pacific.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  20. •
    BRICS has grown from five members to ten, but the foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi (14-15 May 2026) ended without a joint statement on the Iran-Israel war. Critically analyse whether BRICS embodies multipolarity or only its weight.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  21. •
    The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has expanded to nine members with Iran and Belarus joining recently. Examine its relevance for India’s Eurasian strategy, with reference to the SCO Tianjin Summit (2025).
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  22. •
    ASEAN centrality remains a core principle of India’s Indo-Pacific Initiative, but the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (2010) is widely seen as a one-way arrangement. Examine the case for and against an AITIGA review.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  23. •
    Neighbourhood First is being stress-tested as governments in Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Maldives change against incumbents friendly to India. With reference to specific instruments such as MAHASAGAR and the Greater Male Connectivity Project, examine India’s recalibration.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  24. •
    China’s Belt and Road Initiative and India’s refusal to join it rest on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor’s passage through Gilgit-Baltistan. Examine how this sovereignty position has shaped India’s connectivity diplomacy.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  25. •
    Neighbourhood First is being stress-tested by the China factor across South Asia. With reference to India’s response across Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Maldives, examine.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  26. •
    BRICS has the weight of a pole in the international system but not the cohesion of one. In the light of the New Delhi foreign ministers’ meeting (14-15 May 2026), critically analyse.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  27. •
    IMEC offers a multilateral, rules-based alternative to BRI, but the West Asia war exposes its single point of failure. Evaluate.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  28. •
    The Indian diaspora is the largest in the world and increasingly a lever of foreign policy. With reference to the policy frameworks that engage it, comment.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →

Other GS Paper 2 subjects

Social JusticeJudiciaryGovernanceConstitution & Polity