International Relations Questions for UPSC Mains (100 Questions)

Description

International Relations (IR) in the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination focuses on India’s foreign policy, bilateral and multilateral relations, global organizations, and current geopolitical developments. This set of 100 questions is divided into chapters in line with the UPSC syllabus to help aspirants systematically prepare for GS Paper II. These questions aim to improve analytical depth, factual recall, and answer-writing skills.

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Chapter 1: Basics of India’s Foreign Policy

1. Explain the guiding principles of India’s foreign policy.
2. Discuss the significance of Panchsheel in India’s diplomacy.
3. Explain the role of non-alignment in India’s foreign policy.
4. Discuss the evolution of India’s foreign policy since independence.
5. Explain the shift in India’s foreign policy after the Cold War.
6. Discuss the role of strategic autonomy in India’s diplomacy.
7. Explain how economic interests influence India’s foreign policy.
8. Discuss the importance of soft power in India’s global image.
9. Explain the role of diaspora in shaping India’s foreign policy.
10. Discuss the impact of globalization on India’s diplomatic engagements.

Chapter 2: India and Its Neighbours

11. Discuss the current status of India-Pakistan relations.
12. Explain the role of the Indus Waters Treaty in bilateral relations with Pakistan.
13. Discuss India’s approach towards counter-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan.
14. Explain the evolution of India-China relations post-1962 war.
15. Discuss the border dispute and recent tensions between India and China.
16. Explain the significance of the Doklam standoff in India-China relations.
17. Discuss India’s relations with Nepal in the context of cultural and strategic ties.
18. Explain the challenges in India-Nepal border management.
19. Discuss India’s role in supporting Bhutan’s development.
20. Explain the strategic significance of India-Bangladesh relations.
21. Discuss the resolution of the India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement.
22. Explain the importance of connectivity projects with Bangladesh.
23. Discuss India’s relations with Myanmar in the context of Act East Policy.
24. Explain India’s role in supporting democratic movements in Myanmar.
25. Discuss the significance of Sri Lanka in India’s maritime security.

3: India and Major Powers

26. Discuss the evolution of India-US relations in the 21st century.
27. Explain the role of the civil nuclear deal in India-US ties.
28. Discuss the significance of defence cooperation between India and the US.
29. Explain India’s engagement with Russia post-Cold War.
30. Discuss the role of defence and energy in India-Russia relations.
31. Explain India’s stand on Russia-Ukraine conflict.
32. Discuss India’s economic and strategic relations with Japan.
33. Explain the importance of India-Japan civil nuclear agreement.
34. Discuss the role of India-EU relations in global governance.
35. Explain the challenges in deepening India-EU trade ties.
36. Discuss the importance of India-France defence cooperation.
37. Explain India’s role in BRICS cooperation with other powers.
38. Discuss India’s engagement with the UK in trade and education.
39. Explain the importance of Australia in India’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
40. Discuss India’s relations with the Gulf countries in terms of energy security.

Chapter 4: Multilateralism and International Organizations

41. Discuss India’s role in the United Nations.
42. Explain India’s demand for reforms in the UN Security Council.
43. Discuss India’s contributions to UN peacekeeping missions.
44. Explain the significance of India’s election to the UNSC as a non-permanent member.
45. Discuss India’s engagement with the World Trade Organization.
46. Explain India’s stance in WTO negotiations on agriculture subsidies.
47. Discuss India’s role in the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.
48. Explain the importance of G20 for India’s economic diplomacy.
49. Discuss India’s contribution to the Paris Climate Agreement.
50. Explain India’s role in the International Solar Alliance.
51. Discuss the importance of BIMSTEC in regional cooperation.
52. Explain the role of SAARC in India’s neighbourhood policy.
53. Discuss India’s participation in the ASEAN-led forums.
54. Explain the role of the Quad in India’s foreign policy.
55. Discuss India’s approach towards SCO as a strategic platform.

Chapter 5: Security, Defence, and Strategic Issues

56. Discuss the importance of the Indo-Pacific in India’s security strategy.
57. Explain India’s maritime security policy in the Indian Ocean Region.
58. Discuss India’s counter-terrorism strategy in the international arena.
59. Explain the role of defence diplomacy in India’s foreign policy.
60. Discuss the impact of China’s Belt and Road Initiative on India’s security.
61. Explain the significance of Malabar naval exercises.
62. Discuss India’s approach to cyber security in international relations.
63. Explain the role of intelligence sharing in combating transnational crimes.
64. Discuss the significance of space diplomacy in India’s foreign policy.
65. Explain India’s approach towards nuclear disarmament.

6: Economic Diplomacy

66. Discuss the role of economic reforms in shaping India’s external trade.
67. Explain India’s trade relations with ASEAN countries.
68. Discuss India’s decision to opt out of RCEP.
69. Explain the impact of Free Trade Agreements on India’s economy.
70. Discuss the role of investment treaties in India’s economic diplomacy.
71. Explain India’s approach towards energy diplomacy.
72. Discuss the significance of India’s engagement in global supply chains.
73. Explain the importance of technology transfer agreements for India.
74. Discuss India’s role in promoting South-South cooperation.
75. Explain the impact of sanctions on India’s foreign trade policy.

Chapter 7: Global Issues and India’s Role

76. Discuss India’s stand on climate change and sustainable development.
77. Explain India’s approach towards global health governance.
78. Discuss the role of India in international humanitarian assistance.
79. Explain India’s response to the refugee crisis in South Asia.
80. Discuss the significance of India’s engagement in disaster relief operations abroad.
81. Explain India’s position on human rights issues at the global level.
82. Discuss India’s approach to internet governance in the global arena.
83. Explain the role of India in global anti-piracy operations.
84. Discuss India’s policy towards arms control treaties.
85. Explain the significance of cultural diplomacy in India’s foreign policy.

Chapter 8: Applied and Analytical Questions

86. Analyse the challenges of balancing relations between the US and Russia.
87. Evaluate the effectiveness of India’s Act East Policy.
88. Discuss the strategic importance of the Chabahar port for India.
89. Examine the role of India in promoting peace in Afghanistan.
90. Discuss India’s response to the changing geopolitics of West Asia.
91. Evaluate the impact of Indo-Pacific partnerships on India’s security.
92. Discuss the challenges India faces in reforming the UN system.
93. Analyse India’s response to Chinese assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.
94. Discuss the role of India in strengthening South Asian regionalism.
95. Examine India’s approach towards countering terrorism globally.
96. Discuss the importance of vaccine diplomacy in enhancing India’s image.
97. Evaluate the impact of India’s engagement in BRICS on its global stature.
98. Analyse India’s strategic partnerships in Africa.
99. Discuss the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on India’s foreign policy.
100. Evaluate the challenges and opportunities for India in a multipolar world.

Conclusion

International Relations in the UPSC Mains exam requires a balance between current affairs awareness and conceptual clarity on India’s foreign policy and global issues. By practicing these 100 questions, aspirants can develop a strong grip on bilateral, multilateral, and global dimensions of India’s diplomacy. Structured preparation will enable candidates to write analytical and well-substantiated answers that reflect a nuanced understanding of global geopolitics from an Indian perspective.

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