UPSC Mains Previous Year Questions 2020: GS2 International Relations | UPSC Mains: International Relations PDF Download

Q1:  Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic. (international relations)
Ans:
Role of WHO: WHO's primary role within the United Nations system is to direct and coordinate international health efforts. Its main areas of focus include health systems, health across the life-course, non-communicable and communicable diseases, preparedness, surveillance, response, and corporate services.

WHO during the COVID-19 Pandemic:

• COVID-19, characterized as a virus-induced pandemic, posed a new disease without existing immunity.
• WHO provided guidelines to prevent COVID-19 spread but faced criticism for perceived dependence on China, delaying pandemic declaration, and withholding information on the virus' origin.
• Delayed information release led to delayed responses by nations, exacerbating the pandemic's impact.
• There were concerns about WHO's handling of China due to perceived pressures and limitations in taking strict actions against influential funders like China.
• US withdrawal, insufficient funds, and manpower affected WHO's independence and operations.
• Global institutions often rely heavily on contributors for funding, influencing their political alignment. WHO faced challenges with funding cuts from the US and increased contributions from China.
• Despite challenges, WHO's track record includes commendable efforts in eradicating smallpox, reducing polio cases, and combatting outbreaks like Ebola in its 70 years of existence.

Q2: ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples. (international relations)
Ans:
India's Diaspora Impact: India topped the list of international migrant-origin countries in 2019, boasting a diaspora of 17.5 million individuals. The diverse profile of the Indian diaspora enables active contributions to the host country's economy and politics.

Political Influence:

• Electorate Influence: Growing numbers of Indians in host nations wield electoral influence, like Indian-Americans impacting swing states and 15 Indian-origin MPs in the British House of Commons.
• Emerging Leaders: Notable individuals of Indian origin hold high political positions, such as Kamala Harris as the US Vice President, Rishi Sunak as UK's Finance Minister, and António Costa as Portugal's Prime Minister.
• Lobbying Strength: Indian diaspora's efforts in lobbying, especially in the US Congress, play a role in international relations, as seen in events like the India-U.S. nuclear deal.
• Soft Power: Through yoga, cinema, and spirituality, the Indian diaspora exerts considerable soft power, contributing to India's robust diplomatic relations.

Economic Contributions:

• Technological Proficiency: Renowned for their innovation and tech expertise, the Indian diaspora significantly contributes to the IT industry's growth, notably in Silicon Valley. Figures like Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadela head technological giants like Google and Microsoft.
• Indian Industrialists: Eminent Indian-origin industrialists like Lakshmi Mittal and the Hinduja brothers have made a mark in American and European industries.
• Global Presence: Indian multinational corporations have made significant global investments, creating jobs and leaving a mark, like Tata's ownership of British car manufacturers Jaguar and Land Rover.

Impact of Indian Diaspora: The growing political and financial influence of the Indian diaspora contributes through remittances, investments, lobbying for India, promoting Indian culture abroad, and enhancing India's image globally through their intellect and industry.

Q3: Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times Discuss. (international relations)
Ans: Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is an informal strategic collaboration among India, the USA, Japan, and Australia. Initially formed as a response to China's assertiveness in the South China Sea, Quad's collective aim to promote a "free, open, and prosperous" Indo-Pacific region is now evolving into a trade agreement, potentially transforming it into a significant trade bloc.

Is Quad transitioning into a trade bloc?

• India-Pacific Ocean Initiative (IPOI): IPOI is a global initiative focusing on practical cooperation across seven thematic areas, including Maritime Resources, Capacity Building, Science, Trade Connectivity, and Maritime Transport. Australia and Japan are leading pillars on Maritime Ecology and Connectivity within IPOI.
• Free and Open Indo Pacific (FOIP): Japan's FOIP centers around Asia, Africa, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, aiming for cooperation with nations sharing the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
• Blue Dot Network: Led by the USA, Japan, and Australia, this initiative brings together various stakeholders to promote high-quality infrastructure development standards, potentially countering China's Belt and Road Initiative.
• Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI): Japan proposed SCRI as a trilateral trade approach with India and Australia in response to disruptions caused by COVID-19 and trade tensions. It addresses concerns about supply chain stability amidst Chinese political behavior.

Challenges:

• Integration: The trade initiatives from Quad nations remain separate, lacking a unified push in the trade and economic domain.
• Lack of Cooperation: Trade differences persist among Quad nations, such as India not having a Free Trade Agreement with Australia and the USA.
• Need for Clear Vision: A comprehensive Indo-Pacific Vision from Quad nations is essential to advance economic and security interests, reassuring regional states and dispelling Chinese claims of a military alliance.

Quad members acknowledge the long-term benefits of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. However, there's a need to align the military and economic aspects for a cohesive approach.

Q4:  What is the significance of Indo-US defense deals over Indo-Russian defense deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (international relations)
Ans: 20:
India’s ties with the US in defense and strategic affairs have grown stronger, notably in their alignment within the security framework of the Indo-Pacific region. By 2014, the US had become India’s primary arms supplier, displacing Russia to the second position.

Russia: A Longstanding Ally

• India has enjoyed enduring and extensive defense cooperation with Russia over the years.
• This collaboration has expanded into joint development and production of advanced defense technologies like BrahMos.
• However, India aims to diversify its defense imports due to dissatisfaction with Russia's post-sales services and maintenance.

Shifting Sino-Russian Relations and Impact

• The current global dynamics witness a shift in Sino-Russian ties from rivalry to cooperation, affecting India and the USA.
• China’s aggressive behavior, especially in the Indo-Pacific, challenging ASEAN countries' sovereignty, poses a significant threat.

USA: Strengthening Ties

• India has been steadily fostering significant defense relations with the US, driven by mutual concerns over China's expansionist policies in the Indo-Pacific.
• The US supports India’s role as a key security provider in safeguarding maritime trade routes in the region.
• Both nations have signed several defense agreements, including foundational pacts like LEMOA, COMCASA, BECA, and GSOMIA, enabling interoperability, logistic support, and the sale of sensitive weaponry.
• India has acquired defense assets like Apache helicopters and P-8I aircraft from the US, boosting its defense capabilities.
• The QUAD, an informal strategic alliance among the US, India, Japan, and Australia, aims to back a "free, open, and prosperous" Indo-Pacific.
• However, US support comes with certain conditions. It has expressed concerns over India's S-400 deal with Russia and has threatened sanctions under CAATSA.

Conclusion: Over the last two decades, US-India defense relations have grown stronger, yet India faces the challenge of maintaining a balance between its two defense partners while addressing security concerns related to China and Pakistan.