Welcome to the UPSC Mains webpage on "Important International institutions, Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests, India and its neighbourhood- relations, and the Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests". Here you will find a comprehensive list of current affairs related to this topic with headings and subheadings to help you interlink and better understand the subject

FAQs

MCQs

1. What is the primary objective of India’s “Act East” policy?

A) Promoting cultural exchange with Southeast Asia

B) Enhancing strategic and economic ties with East and Southeast Asia

C) Increasing military presence in the South China Sea

D) Strengthening relations with European countries

2. Which of the following is a key aspect of India’s foreign policy in the context of its relations with China?

A) Complete economic decoupling from China

B) Emphasis on resolving border disputes peacefully

C) Exclusive focus on strategic competition

D) Limiting trade relations with China

3. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include which of the following objectives?

A) Ending all conflicts globally

B) Achieving universal education and gender equality

C) Ensuring no country faces economic crises

D) Restricting global trade for environmental reasons

4. The primary purpose of the BRICS grouping is to:

A) Promote regional security cooperation

B) Enhance economic cooperation among emerging economies

C) Establish military alliances

D) Focus on global climate change initiatives

5. What is the significance of India’s strategic partnership with the United States?

A) It is focused mainly on economic trade

B) It aims at strengthening defense and security cooperation

C) It is limited to environmental agreements

D) It is focused on South Asian regional issues

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Analyze the implications of the India-China border dispute on India’s foreign policy.

Answer: The India-China border dispute has a profound impact on India’s foreign policy, particularly in terms of defense, security, and diplomatic engagement. The ongoing tension in regions like Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh has pushed India to strengthen its defense posture along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Moreover, India has been increasingly aligning with other major powers, such as the US and Japan, to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Diplomatically, India calls for peaceful resolution of the dispute but refuses to compromise on territorial integrity. This dispute affects trade relations and regional cooperation in multilateral forums, posing a challenge to India’s "Act East" policy.

Q2: Discuss India’s role in the United Nations and its approach to global issues such as climate change and security reforms.

Answer: India’s role in the United Nations is active, particularly in advocating for comprehensive reforms in the Security Council, which India argues should reflect current global realities. India’s contributions to peacekeeping missions and humanitarian efforts underscore its commitment to global peace. On climate change, India supports sustainable development goals (SDGs) and calls for equitable actions by developed countries, alongside the provision of financial support for developing nations. India also advocates for the reduction of carbon emissions and has launched initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to promote clean energy. In global security, India has focused on counterterrorism and the reform of global governance mechanisms to address the evolving geopolitical challenges.

Q3: Evaluate the significance of India’s membership in regional forums like SAARC, BIMSTEC, and SCO.

Answer: India’s membership in regional forums such as SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation), BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), and SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) reflects its strategic vision for regional stability, economic integration, and security. SAARC serves as a platform for cooperation on issues like trade and development in South Asia, though its progress has been hindered by tensions with Pakistan. BIMSTEC offers India the opportunity to deepen ties with Southeast Asian nations, focusing on economic and security cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region. The SCO, meanwhile, enables India to engage with Central Asian countries on security issues, particularly terrorism, while fostering economic partnerships with China and Russia. These forums enhance India’s regional influence, support its security concerns, and facilitate cross-border economic growth.

Previous Year Questions on International Relations

1. UPSC CSE 2022:

Question: Explain the role of India in the G20 and its contribution to global economic governance.

Answer: India’s participation in the G20 is vital for shaping global economic policy, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. India has advocated for debt relief to developing nations, pushed for reforms in international financial institutions, and emphasized the need for a more inclusive global economic system. Through the G20, India seeks to strengthen multilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges like climate change, digital transformation, and trade imbalances. India also uses the platform to advance its foreign policy objectives by aligning with other major economies and strengthening its influence in global governance.

2. UPSC CSE 2021:

Question: How does India’s engagement with ASEAN contribute to its strategic and economic interests in the Indo-Pacific region?

Answer: India’s engagement with ASEAN is central to its "Act East" policy, aimed at enhancing economic and security ties in the Indo-Pacific region. ASEAN provides India with critical access to regional trade routes and markets, promoting economic growth. Additionally, India and ASEAN cooperate on security matters, particularly in countering maritime threats, terrorism, and maintaining stability in the South China Sea. India also seeks to strengthen its connectivity with Southeast Asia through infrastructure projects and collaborations, fostering regional peace and stability.