The UPSC mains exam is written (subjective) in nature.
Here We Provide International Relation subject Questions Yearwise.
International Relation
2021
1. “The USA is facing an existential threat in the form a China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet “If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s.” In light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years.
2. “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.
3. 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.
4. Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India?
2019
1. “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
2. The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.’ Comment
3. ‘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
4. The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised Nations has disappeared on account of its newfound role in the emerging global order” Elaborate (15)
2018
5. What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of the ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India?
6. In what ways would the ongoing U.S-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to this situation?
7. “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.”Discuss.
8. 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, in 2018.
2017
9. Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South East Asian countries’ economies and societies. Appraise the role of the Indian Diaspora in South-East Asia in this context.
10. The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyse India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian countries.
11. ‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’. In light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour.
12. What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it.
2016
13. What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of UNESCO? What is India’s position on these?
14. “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 seems doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries.” Discuss from the Indian perspective.
15. Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario.
16. “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.
2015
17. 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.
18. Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pro and cons. Critically examine
19. Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UN Security Council.
20. 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.
2014
21. India has recently signed to become a founding member of New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). How will the roles of the two Banks be different? Discuss the strategic significance of these two Banks for India.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. 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?
25. 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
2013
26. What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss.
27. The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two intergovernmental 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.
28. 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.
29. 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?
30. Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India?
31. In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy
32. 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
33. What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this.
