UPSC Mains Previous Year Questions 2022: GS2 International Relations | UPSC Mains: International Relations PDF Download

Q1: ‘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. (International Relations)
Ans: 

Sri Lanka and India Relations: India and Sri Lanka share a longstanding relationship dating back to the time of Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, marked by intellectual, cultural, religious, and linguistic interactions.

Current Economic Turmoil in Sri Lanka:

• Unprecedented economic turmoil, the severest in seven decades, has left millions in Sri Lanka struggling to afford essential items like food, medicine, and fuel.
• Factors contributing to the crisis:
  • Easter Bomb Blasts in 2019 affecting tourism and forex reserves.
  • Government's commitment to lower tax rates.
  • Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on exports.
  • High government expenditure leading to a fiscal deficit exceeding 10% in 2020-21.
  • Overnight shift to organic farming affecting food production in 2021.

India's Support to Sri Lanka:

• India has provided significant assistance to Sri Lanka during this crisis:
• Food, health, and energy security packages along with foreign reserves support exceeding USD 3.5 billion.
• Concessional loan of US$ 1 billion and a Line of Credit (LOC) of USD 500 million for purchasing petroleum products.
• Indian Oil Corporation supplied 40,000 MT of fuel outside the LOC facility.
• Currency swap facility of USD 400 million under the SAARC Currency Swap Framework 2019-22.
• Large consignment of drugs and medical supplies and a USD 55 million credit line for Urea fertilizer procurement.

Significance of India's Assistance: The crisis in Sri Lanka has regional implications, and India's support aligns with its 'neighborhood first' policy and the Security and Growth for All (SAGAR) vision. These principles emphasize India's commitment to being a primary responder to meet the needs of neighboring countries in the region.

Q2: 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? (International Relations)
Ans: 

BIMSTEC as an Alternative to SAARC: The failure of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in fostering cooperation in South Asia has prompted regional players to seek an alternative. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), comprising nations in the Bay of Bengal region, is increasingly seen as a promising alternative.

BIMSTEC Compared to SAARC:

• BIMSTEC as a Parallel Organization to SAARC:
  • BIMSTEC focuses primarily on economic and technical cooperation among South Asian nations.
  • BIMSTEC member countries generally maintain cordial relationships, unlike in SAARC.
  • India ceased engagement with Pakistan following terror attacks, which hindered SAARC's progress.
  • The SAARC satellite project was abandoned due to objections from Pakistan in 2016.
  • SAARC lacks dispute resolution mechanisms or conflict mediation mechanisms.
• Similarities and Dissimilarities between SAARC and BIMSTEC:
  
• Significance of BIMSTEC in India's Foreign Policy:
  • Pakistan's non-cooperation stalled SAARC's regional connectivity, leading India to seek an alternative.
  • BIMSTEC serves as a bridge between South and Southeast Asia in various fields like science, technology, trade, and commerce.
  • Including influential regional powers like Thailand and India reduces smaller neighbors' concerns about dominance by a single major power.
  • BIMSTEC nations hold greater trade potential compared to SAARC, benefiting South Asia's growth.
  • India's goal of being a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region gets a boost through coordination among BIMSTEC countries.

Conclusion: While BIMSTEC and SAARC focus on overlapping geographic regions, BIMSTEC's success adds a new dimension to regional cooperation in South Asia. However, the resurgence of SAARC remains crucial for India-Afghanistan relations, especially as India currently lacks diplomatic ties with the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan.

Q3: How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India's position in global politics? (International Relations)
Ans: I2U2 refers to India, Israel, the UAE, and the US, also known as the ‘West Asian Quad’. Its formation in 2021 aimed to address matters related to maritime security, infrastructure, and transportation.

Role of I2U2 in Enhancing India’s Global Position

• Ties with West Asia: India gains increased flexibility in engaging with Israel and its Gulf partners through the I2U2 framework.
• Crude Oil and Defence: India holds significant ties with UAE and Saudi Arabia as major oil exporters, and Israel as a key defense ally.
• Success of India’s Foreign Policy in West Asia: Despite conflicts, India has balanced diplomatic relationships with Israel and Gulf nations.
• India and USA: I2U2 complements India-US engagement in the Indo-Pacific, enhancing India’s role as a security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Food Security: Investment of USD 2 billion in Integrated Food Parks and modern climate technologies aims to alleviate food insecurity in South Asia and the Middle East.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Strengthens the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India & UAE, the largest contributor of FDI from the Gulf region to India.
• Clean Energy: Establishing a hybrid renewable energy project in Gujarat will help address energy scarcity in South Asia through an interconnected grid network.

The I2U2 framework is strategically significant for West Asia and South Asia geopolitics. India utilizes its strong relations with Israel, the Gulf, and the USA to foster economic and diplomatic ties. However, there's a need for confidence-building measures between Israel and the Arab world, where India can serve as a mediator to build mutual trust.

Q4: '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. (International Relations)
Ans: India’s stance on climate change has significantly evolved, shifting from a focus on energy security to a global leadership role in clean energy. The country's diplomatic efforts at global summits, such as the Conference of Parties, reflect its pro-environmental stance. By committing to net-zero goals, India emphasizes its approach based on common but differentiated responsibilities.

India’s historical perspective emphasizes harmony with nature, evident in its adherence to the Paris Accord and acceptance of net-zero targets, showcasing a keen awareness of the importance of clean energy.

The five-point Panchamrit agenda outlines ambitious targets for renewable energy adoption, carbon emissions reduction, and achieving net-zero status, underscoring India's commitment to clean energy and a leading role in this domain.

India’s geopolitical outlook on global environmental challenges is reflected in its diplomatic engagements at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It opposes binding targets to maintain strategic autonomy for its domestic developmental agenda and to determine its approach to climate change and clean energy.

Transitioning from a reactive to a participatory approach, India has evolved its position from the Kyoto Protocol to the Paris Agreement, aligning with its ambition to enhance its global profile and power. Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), One Sun, One World, One Grid program, and the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) Movement demonstrate its proactive engagement.

India has expressed concerns about developed nations' reluctance to share crucial technologies with developing countries to effectively tackle climate change.

Hence, India has adapted its climate policy in response to global developments, actively addressing climate change challenges while considering its geopolitical objectives.