UPSC Mains Previous Year Questions 2024: GS2 International Relations | UPSC Mains: International Relations PDF Download

Q1: “The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.” Explain this statement with examples. (Answer in 150 words)
Ans: Introduction
As China's economic dominance and assertive expansionist policies grow, Western nations are pursuing a ‘China+1’ strategy, seeking alternative partners, with India emerging as a prime candidate.
This strategic pivot is evident in several key areas

• Diversifying Away from China’s Supply Chain:
  • The US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies fosters collaboration in areas like semiconductors, AI, and defense to reduce dependence on Chinese technology.
  • The EU’s ongoing free trade agreement negotiations with India aim to deepen economic ties and lower tariffs.
  • Global companies like Apple and Samsung are expanding operations in India to diversify supply chains and tap into its vast consumer market.
• India as a Counterweight to China’s Influence:
  • The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) serves as a potential rival to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to curb China’s economic and political dominance in Eurasia.
  • The Quad (comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia) promotes stability in the Indo-Pacific through cooperation in security, economics, and environmental initiatives.
  • India’s 2+2 Dialogues with the US, Japan, and Australia, alongside joint military exercises like Malabar and RIMPAC, strengthen interoperability and collective security.
  • The US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) engages India to address economic challenges and counter China’s influence through enhanced trade collaboration.

Conclusion
India has significant potential to become a central player in global supply chains if it overcomes internal challenges such as infrastructure and regulatory hurdles. By leveraging these partnerships, India can strengthen its economy and contribute to a more balanced global order.

Q2: Critically analyse India's evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with Central Asian Republics highlighting their increasing significance in regional global geopolitics. (Answer in 150 words)
Ans: Introduction
India has significantly deepened its diplomatic, economic, and strategic ties with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) to advance its interests in the region.
Evolution of India-CARs Relations

• Diplomatic Engagements
  • The "Connect Central Asia" Initiative (2012) aims to strengthen India’s relations with CARs and revitalize its regional presence.
  • India’s participation in the India-Central Asia Summit and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) underscores its growing engagement with CARs.
• Economic Relations
  • Projects like the TAPI pipeline and the Ashgabat Agreement enhance India’s access to Central Asian markets.
  • The Chabahar Port facilitates India’s trade routes through Iran, connecting to Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and broader Eurasia.
• Strategic Relations
  • CARs’ proximity to Afghanistan, a hub of religious extremism, makes them strategically significant.
  • India maintains military bases in Tajikistan and conducts joint military exercises with Uzbekistan to bolster regional security.
• Critical Analysis
  • Instability in Afghanistan and strained India-Pakistan relations hinder direct connectivity to Central Asia.
  • India’s trade with CARs, valued at approximately USD 2 billion, is significantly lower than China’s USD 100 billion trade with the region.
  • India’s Central Asia strategy is shaped by its policies toward Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan, as well as the influence of Russian and US interests.

Conclusion
India should continue proactive diplomatic engagement through platforms like the India-Central Asia Dialogue to foster political, economic, and security cooperation. As a full SCO member, India should strengthen its role in regional security and economic discussions to enhance its influence in Central Asia.

Q3: Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security. Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its associated bodies in addressing and mitigating this threat at the international level. (Answer in 250 words).
Ans: Introduction

The Global Terrorism Index 2024 reports a 22% increase in terrorism-related deaths worldwide, the highest since 2017. The UN Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) plays a crucial role in fostering global cooperation to address this escalating threat.
Threat of Terrorism to Global Peace and Security

• Erosion of State Sovereignty: Weak governance in countries like Afghanistan and Somalia enables groups such as the Taliban and Al-Shabaab to flourish.
• Economic Impact: The 9/11 attacks caused USD 40 billion in losses in the U.S., while the 2015 Paris attacks damaged European tourism.
• Humanitarian Crises: ISIS and conflicts in Syria and Iraq have triggered significant refugee crises, overwhelming host nations.
• Political Tensions: Terrorism exacerbates geopolitical conflicts, such as the India-Pakistan tensions highlighted by the 2019 Pulwama attack.

UNSC-CTC and Its Effectiveness

• Established under Resolution 1373 post-9/11 to combat terrorism.
• Facilitates legal frameworks like UNSC Resolutions 1373 and 1540, mandating states to counter terrorism and prevent weapons proliferation.
• Promotes capacity-building, encourages international intelligence-sharing, and addresses modern challenges like cyber-terrorism and social media recruitment.

Challenges of UNCTC

• Lack of Universal Definition: Varying definitions of terrorism result in inconsistent global responses.
• Enforcement Issues: Counter-terrorism efforts in regions like Somalia are often ineffective due to logistical and governance challenges.
• Political Complexities: Veto power, particularly by China, hinders consensus on designating terrorists.
• Evolving Threats: Emerging issues like cyber-terrorism and lone-wolf attacks pose new challenges.

Suggestions for Improvement

• Develop binding counter-terrorism frameworks.
• Improve real-time sharing of intelligence on terrorist financing and movements.
• Engage local communities to prevent radicalization.
• Increase financial and technical support for developing countries.

Conclusion
While the CTC has made strides in countering terrorism, a proactive strategy is essential. Strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing intelligence collaboration, and promoting community-based initiatives will better equip the global community to address evolving threats and enhance international security.

Q4: Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India's maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition ? (Answer in 250 words)
Ans: Introduction
The Maldives, a cornerstone of India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, holds significant geopolitical and geostrategic importance due to its strategic location along vital maritime routes in the Indian Ocean, far outweighing its small physical size.
Geopolitical and Geostrategic Importance of Maldives

• Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs): The Maldives is positioned near two critical SLOCs at its northern and southern ends, essential for maritime trade connecting the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Hormuz, and the Strait of Malacca.
• Approximately 50% of India’s external trade and 80% of its energy imports traverse these SLOCs in the Arabian Sea.
• Indian Ocean as India’s Backyard: The Maldives is vital for India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean, supporting collaborative defense initiatives, maritime surveillance, and humanitarian assistance.

Impact of Changing India-Maldives Relationship
Recent years have seen a perceived decline in India-Maldives relations:

• Strategic Dynamics: Limited engagement by India has allowed China to expand its influence through Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) investments, threatening India’s dominance over key maritime routes and its maritime security.
• Economic Competition: China’s aggressive investments, driven by its chequebook diplomacy, have overshadowed India’s relatively modest economic contributions, challenging India’s traditional role as the Maldives’ primary partner.
• Diplomatic Strain: The Maldives’ balancing act, driven by perceptions of India’s overbearing influence, complicates India’s diplomatic efforts and weakens its regional authority.
• Maritime Security: China’s deployment of submarines and destroyers, coupled with new docking facilities in the Maldives and Sri Lanka, poses a direct threat to India’s maritime interests.
• Terrorism: Rising anti-Indian sentiment and the Maldives’ emphasis on Islamic values raise concerns about potential terrorism, which could destabilize the region and threaten India’s security.

Conclusion
With growing Chinese influence and anti-India sentiment, revitalizing India-Maldives relations is critical for regional stability and mutual prosperity. A strengthened partnership will enhance economic growth, security cooperation, and cultural ties, paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous future for both nations.