UPSC Mains Topic-Wise Previous Year Questions – International Relations

The UPSC Mains Topic-Wise Previous Year Questions in International Relations. This exploration offers valuable insights into the multifaceted world of international affairs, providing a nuanced understanding of historical contexts, contemporary issues, and the evolving nature of diplomatic relations tested by the UPSC examinations.

Foreign Policy of India

1. Answer the following (Answer to each question should be in about 20 words): (2000, 10 Marks)
   (a) What does Track Two Diplomacy stand for?
   (b) Non-alignment is a need, not a creed. Elaborate.
   (c) Differentiate between Peace-making and Peace keeping.
   (d) What is deterrence?
   (e) Why has the indigenous development of cryogenic engine become necessary for India?
2. How can India accommodate her foreign policy principle of ‘non-intervention’ with the emerging right to ‘intervention’? (2000,15 Marks)
3. What does the ‘Gujral doctrine’ stand for? (2002, 2 Marks)
4. “NAM (Non-Aligned Movement) is relevant in unipolar world as well.” Comment. (2002,15 Marks)
5. Write about the Panchsheel Pact (20 words) (2004, 2 Marks)
6. Discuss the role of intelligence in the making of foreign policy. (2004,15 Marks)
7. Describe the role of the Amnesty International in securing human rights. (2004,15 Marks)
8. Examine the relevance of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru’s ideas in the international relations of today. (2004, 15 marks)
9. Present a complete picture of India’s efforts for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.(2005,15 Marks)
10. What is India’s ‘Look East’ Policy? (2006, 2 Marks)
11. Write about the expanding role of Amnesty International. (2006, 15 Marks)
12. Write about the Outer Space Treaty. (2006, 2 Marks)
13. Write about Panchsheel in India’s Foreign Policy. (20 words) (2007, 2 marks)
14. Write about the relevance of NAM. (2007, 2 Marks)
15. Write about the Impact of globalization on state system and its institutions. (150 words) (2007, 15 marks)
16. Write about the Know India Programme (KIP). (20 words) (2007, 2 Marks)
17. Write notes on India and the New World Order in about 150 words. (2008, 30 marks)
18. Write about India’s Ocean Development Policy. (2008, 2 Marks)
19. Write about the Council for Promotion of Overseas Employment (CPOE) in 20 words. (2008, 2 marks)
20. Write about the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Scheme in 20 words. (2008, 2 Marks)
21. Write note on India’s ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ power strategy in Foreign Policy. (2009, 15 marks)
22. Write brief note on Nuclear Supply Group (NSG) and India. (2009, 5marks)
23. Critically examine the implications of the disintegration of the Soviet Union on India’s security and strategic perspectives. What further responses would you suggest in India’s foreign policy to accommodate these implications? (2010, 20 Marks)
24. Is there still a role for the concept of balance of power in contemporary international politics? Discuss. (2011, 12 Marks)
25. Critically review the international concern in achieving the targets set for the Millennium Development Goals. (2012, 15 Marks)
26. Why is international trade perceived to have failed to act as an “engine of growth” in many developing countries including India? (2012, 10 Marks
27. What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this. (200 words) (2013, 10 Marks)
28. What is meant by the Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss. (200 words] (2013, 10 Marks)
29. 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? (2014, 12 Marks)
30. Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations. (2016, 12 Marks)
31. Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions. of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post Cold War international scenario. (2016, 12 Marks)
32. 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, 2018. (2018, 10 marks)
33. “The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalized nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order.’ Elaborate (2019, 15 Marks)
34. Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India? (250 words) (2021, 15 marks)
35. How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics? (250 words) (2022, 15 marks)
36. ‘Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO’ In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the problems. (150 words) (2023, 10 Marks)
37. ‘The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well for India.
    What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer. (250 words) (2023, 15Marks)

Nuclear Policy

1. Differentiate and state the significance of Pokharan | and Pokharan II. (2000, 15 Marks)
2. What are the prospects of CTBT? (2000, 2 Marks)
3. Differentiate between Explosion and Implosion. (2000, 2 marks)
4. Outline the salient features of India’s nuclear policy and explain the reasons for India’s refusal to signthe C.T.B.T. (2001, 15 Marks)
5. Account for India’s opposition to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. (2002, 15Marks)
6. What do you know about ‘Pinaka’? (2002, 2 Marks)
7. Explain India’s ‘No First Use’ policy in the context of Nuclear Weapons. (2002, 2 Marks)
8. Write about Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty. (2006, 2 Marks)
9. Elaborate on India’s Nuclear Doctrine. (2007, 15 Marks
10. Subsequent to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) waiver in 2008, what are the agreements on nuclear energy that India has signed with different countries? (2011, 12 Marks)
11. In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to this situation? (2018, 15 Marks)

Disarmament

1. What is meant by SDI? (2000, 2 Marks)
2. Differentiate between SALT and START. (2000, 2 Marks)
3. Highlight the main points of Nuclear Disarmament Treaty signed by U.S. President George Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin in May 2002. (2002, 15 Marks)
4. Comment on the present status of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). What important issues, do you think, need to be taken up at the seventh review conference of the BWC scheduled for 2011? (2010, 12 marks)

Pakistan

1. Write about Pakistan’s role in Sri Lanka. (2006, 10 marks)
2. “The situation today is far different to that prevalent fifty years back when the Indus Water Treaty was signed.” Highlight the complexity of the current challenges on both sides of the border in this regard. Do you think that a review of the Treaty is in India’s best interests? (2012, 25 marks)
3. 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. (2015, 12 Marks)

Indo Pak

1. India’s Kargil victory rested on its successful effort to combine diplomacy with the use of force. Discuss. (2000, 15 Marks)
2. What do you know about Siachin Dispute? (2000, 2 Marks)
3. Why does India object to Kashmir being treated as a disputed territory? (2001, 2Marks)
4. Discuss the importance of the Agra Summit on Indo-Pakistan relations. (2003, 2 marks)
5. What has been the nature of “Track II diplomacy” between India and Pakistan? (2003, 2 marks)
6. Discuss the role played by the United States in promoting/hindering improved relations between India and Pakistan.. (2004, 15 marks)
7. Answer the following in 20 words: Hot Line between Islamabad and New Delhi. (2004, 2 marks)
8. Write about MFN status to India by Pakistan. (2005, 2 Marks)
9. Write about Simla Agreement in 20 words. (2006, 2 marks)
10. Write about major hurdles in Indo-Pak ties in 20 words. (2008, 2 marks)

Myanmar

1. Write about Military rule in Myanmar. (2005, 10 marks)
2. Write in about 50 words about Sino – Myanmar relations. (2009, 5 marks)
3. Examine the recent developments towards the solution of the Bangladesh – Myanmar maritime boundary dispute. What implications do these have for India. (2010, 12 Marks)

Nigeria

Indo-Nigeria

1. Write about India – Nigeria: Abuja Declaration in 20 words. (2008, 2 Marks)

Russia

1. What is the problem in Chechnya? (2003, 2 marks)
2. Write about the G -5 Summit in Russia. (2006, 15 marks)
3. Does Putin’s return as President of Russia mark a shift to a confrontationist stance in international diplomacy towards the West? (2012, 15 Marks）

Indo-Russia

1. Discuss the impact of the collapse of the Soviet Union on Indo-Russian relations. (2003, 15 Marks)
2. Explain India’s strategic relationship with Russia. (2004, 15 marks)
3. Write about Indo-Russian Defence Co-operation. (2007, 15 Marks)
4. Write a note on India-Russia defense ties. (2009, 15 Marks)

Indonesia

India-Indonesia

1. What were the main strategic concerns of Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri during her recent visit to India? (2002, 10 Marks)

Japan

Indo-Japan

1. How far have Japan’s principles of Hikaku San Gensoku impacted bilateral ties with India? (2010, 12 Marks)
2. Economic ties between Indian and Japan while growing in recent years are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints that are inhibiting this growth. [200 words] (2013, 10 Marks)
3. ‘The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole. Comment. (2019, 10 marks)

Bhutan

India-Bhutan

1. Write notes on Indo-Bhutan Relations in about 150 words. (2008, 30 Marks)
2. Write in about 50 words about Indo-Bhutan trade relations. (2009, 5 Marks)

Saudi Arabia

India-Saudi Arabia

1. List the salient features of the Riyadh declaration and the bilateral agreements between India and Saudi Arabia signed earlier this year. (2010, 5 Marks)

Israel

Indo-Israel

1. Write about the India-Israel cooperation (2004, 2 marks)
2. Write about India-Israel cooperation in the field of agriculture. (2006, 2 Marks)
3. Do you agree with the view that Israel is a ‘natural ally’ of India? (2010, 12 Marks)
4. “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back”. Discuss. (2018, 10 Marks)

Iran

1. Write about the Al Gharib prisoners. (2004, 2Marks)

Indo-Iran

1. Examine the latest phase of Indo-Iran relations. (2001, 15 marks)
2. Explain the political and economic implications of the Indo-Iran gas pipeline. (2005, 15 Marks)
3. How have the US sanctions against Iran affected India’s bilateral relations with Iran? (2012,10 Marks)

Iraq

1. Write about the withdrawal of Japanese troops from Iraq (2006, 2 Marks)

Nepal

1. Write about Madheshis in Nepal. (2007, 2 Marks)
2. Discuss the contentious issues that have caused the prolonged constitutional logjam in Nepal. (2012, 25 Marks)

Indo-Nepal

1. In what sense is Indo-Nepal cooperation important for both countries’ national security? (2003, 2 Marks)
2. Answer the following in 20 words: Weak spots in India-Nepal relations. (2004, 2 Marks)

United States of America

1. Explain the position of US vis a vis the League of Nations. (2000, 2Marks )
2. Discuss the global response to President George Bush’s ‘National Missile Defence Plan’ (NMD). (200I, 15 marks)
3. Explain the position of US vis a vis the League of Nations. (2001,2 Marks)
4. Explain U.S. stand on the proposal for establishing an International Crime Court. (2002, 2 Marks)
5. What is the significance of Enola Gay in world history? (2003, 2 Marks)
6. Detail the salient features of the project ‘Anthareeksha”. (2005, 15 Marks)
7. Explain the China-US textile war. (2005, 15 marks)
8. Write about US policy on Iran’s nuclear programme. (2006, 15 marks)
9. “As regards the increasing rates of melting of Arctic Sea ice, the interests of the Arctic Council nations may not coincide with those of the wider world.” Explain. (2011, 12 Marks)

Indo -US

1. How did the U.S. respond to the problem of cross-border terrorism in the state of Jammu and Kashmir after the Kaluchak events? (150 words) (2002, 15 Marks)
2. Discuss the major issues in Indo-US relations in recent times. (150 words) (2003, 15 Marks)
3. Write about the Camp David Accord of 1978. (20 words) (2005, 2 Marks)
4. What is the ‘strategic partnership’ between India and the United States of America? What are its implications for both the partners? (250 words) (2006, 30 Marks)
5. Write about Indo-US military cooperation in about 20 words. (2006, 2 Marks)
6. Write about the Hyde Act of 2006. (2007, 2 marks)
7. Comment on India – USA as strategic partners. (2009,10 Marks)
8. Discuss the Indo-US Knowledge Initiative in Agriculture. (2009, 20 Marks)
9. Comment on the reason for the recent hike in visa processing fees for certain categories of US visas. What is the likely impact of this hike on India? (2010, 5 Marks)
10. Discuss the likely negative impact of the protectionist measures proposed by the US on India’s software industry.(2012, 15Marks)
11. India and USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based. (2018, 15 marks)
12. “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. (2019, 15 Marks)
13. What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)(2020, 15 Marks)

Bangladesh

1. 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? (200 words) (2013, 10 Marks)

India-Bangladesh

1. What is the significance of Pyrdiwah and Boraibari in Indo-Bangladesh relations? (20 words) (2001, 2 marks)
2. How does India benefit from good neighbourly relations with Bangladesh? (20 words) (2002, 2 marks)
3. Discuss the major irritants to Indo-Bangladesh relations. (20 words) (2003, 2 Marks)
4. Write about India’s response to political crisis in Bangladesh. (150 words) (2007, 15 marks)
5. Write about India-Bangladesh Border Road cum fencing in 20 words. (2008, /2 Marks)

South Africa

Indo-South Africa

1. What are the salient features of the political and economic relationship between India and South Africa? (2011,12 marks)
2. The increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically examine. (2015, 12 marks)

Sri Lanka

Indo-Sri Lanka

1. Discuss Indian-Sri Lankan relations in recent years. (150 words) (2000, 15 Marks)
2. Explain India’s stand on LTTE. (2000, 2 Marks)
3. Write short note on Pakistan’s role in Sri Lanka in about 20 words. (2006, 2 Marks)
4. In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy. (200 words] (2013, 10 Marks)
5. ‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka! Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in light of the preceding statement. (150 words) (2022, 10 marks)

China

1. Why was Macau in the news recently? (2001, 2 Marks)
2. Answer by expanding and explaining the objectives of ARF. (2004, 2 Marks)
3. Write note on China’s “peaceful rise” doctrine (2009, 15 Marks)
4. South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment. (2016, 12 marks)
5. “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. (150 words) (2017, 10 Marks)

Indo-China

1. Discuss the major irritants in Indo-China relations and highlight the latest moves to overcome these. (in about 150 words) (2002, 15 Marks)
2. Discuss the recent trends in India’s relations with China. (150 words) (2003, 15 Marks)
3. Write short note on Indians in China in about 20 words. (2005, 2 Marks)
4. Write notes on India and China’s Strategy to Boost Tiesin in about 150 words. (2008, 30 Marks)
5. Evaluate the prospects for greater economic cooperation between India and China. (2009, 15 Marks)
6. Critically examine the security and strategic implications of the so-called ‘string of pearls’ theory for India. (2011, 20 Marks)
7. Trace the progress of India’s efforts for a joint counter-terrorism strategy with China. What are the likely implications of the recent Xinjiang violence on these efforts? (2011, 12 Marks)
8. Do you think that China’s emergence as one of the largest trading partners of India has adversely affected the settlement of the outstanding border problem? (2011, 25 Marks)
9. What are India’s stakes in the South China Sea? (2012, 5 Marks)
10. 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. (2014, 12 Marks)

Afghanistan

1. Examine the developments in Afghanistan in the post-Taliban period. (2005, 15 Marks)
2. Write brief note on Wakhan Corridor. (2009, 5 Marks)

Indo-Afghanistan

1. Briefly write about India’s role in Afghanistan today in 20 words. (2008, 2 Marks)
2. What are the major capacity-building and reconstruction projects being undertaken by India in Afghanistan? (2010, 5 Marks)
3. The proposed withdrawal of the 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 (200 words) (2013, 10 Marks)

Europe

1. What is the European Union? (2001, 2 Marks)
2. Write about the role of the European Parliament. (2006, 15 Marks)
3. In the context of the ‘Euro-zone’ debt crisis, examine the proposed ‘six-pack’ solution. Do you think that this has a better chance of success than the earlier Stability and Growth Pact? (2011, 20 Marks)

India-Europe

1. Write short note on the European Union’s trade restrictions against India. (20 words) (2004, 2 Marks)
2. Write about Indo-EU economic ties. (2008, 2 Marks)

Maldives

Indo Maldives

1. Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India? (200 words) (2013, 10 Marks)

Indian Diaspora

1. Answer the following. (The answer to each question should be in about 20 words):
   (a) What does the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin stand for?
   (b) What is the impact of economic sanctions against India on NRIs?
   (c) Why is the Fiji crisis of May 19, 2000, a specific concern for India?
   (d) Examine the role of NRIs in the liberalisation process of India.
   (e) Mention few NRIs who have brought name and fame for India. (2000, 10 Marks)
2. Answer the following (Answer to each question should be in about 20 words):
   (a) In what fields have NRIs excelled in the developed countries?
   (b) In which specialties Indians are most wanted abroad?
   (c) What efforts are being made by Indian Government to look after NRI’s?
   (d) What is the contribution of the NRI’s to India’s development?
   (e) Why do NRIs retain their emotional attachment to India? (2001, 10 Marks)
3. Answer the following (Answer to each question should be in about 20 words):
   (a) What are the problems NRIs have to face if they decide to settle in India?
   (b) What was India Millennium Deposit Scheme?
   (c) What has been the impact of Gulf remittances on the Indian economy?
   (d) Name the nodal agency to deal with issues relating to Indians abroad and explain its main task.
   (e) What is distinction between ‘Non Resident Indian and ‘People of Indian origin’?(2002, 10 Marks)
4. Answer the following (in about 20 words each):
   (a) Under what conditions are NRis permitted to remit deposits in India in any currency of their choice? (b) How can NRIs be attracted to invest in India?
   (c) What is the significance of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas in modern India?
   (d) In what ways did Idi Amin make life difficult for the people of Indian origin in his country?
   (e) What is Brain Drain? (2003, 10 Marks)
5. Answer the following (Answer to each question should be in about 20 words):
   (a) Categorize the People of Indian Origin (PIO).
   (b) Point out the difference between the Jewish Diaspora and the Indian Diaspora.
   (c) What are the references made to the NRIs in the Union Budget in July 2004? (d) What is known as reverse migration?
   (e) Why was January 9 chosen to observe the NRI (Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas) Day? (2004,10 Marks)
6. Write about the following (in about 20 words each):
   (a) Contribution of the NRIs to GCC countries
   (b) Future of Indians in Fiji
   (c) Indians in the House of Lords, UK
   (d) Contribution of Indians in Silicon Valley
   (e) Exodus of persons of Indian origin from Uganda (2006,10 Marks)
7. Write about Pravasi Bhartiya Bima Yojana, 2006. (20 words) (2007, 2 Marks)
8. Write about the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs. (2020 (2007, 2 Marks
9. Write about Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. (2008, 2 Marks)
10. Write about Indian diaspora in Singapore (2008, 2 Marks)
11. Write about the Indian diaspora and Bollywood. (2008, 2 Marks)
12. Assess the contributions of the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean. (2010, 12 Marks)
13. Write a short analytical note on the Indian diaspora. How is the New Diaspora different from the Old Diaspora? (2012, 15 Marks)
14. Indian diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries, economy and society. Appraise the role of the Indian diaspora in South-East Asia in this context. (250 words) (2017, 15 Marks)
15. Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European countries. Comment with examples. (150 words) (2020, 10 Marks)
16. Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West.. Describe its economic and political benefits for India. (150 words) (2023, 10 Marks)

Important International Institutions/Agencies

United Nations

1. What do the UNCIP stand for? (2001, 1 Marks)
2. Which is the latest right confirmed by the 57th session of the United Nations? (2001, 2 Marks)
3. What is the ‘Veto’ in the UN-system?(2003, 15 Marks)
4. Discuss the role of the United Nations in the protection and promotion of Human Rights. (2003, 15 Marks)
5. What do the following stand for: (2003, 2 Marks)
   (i) IBRD (ii) UNHCR
6. Who is Hans Blix? (2003, 2 Marks)
7. What is the significance of the Robin Island? (2003, 2 Marks)
8. Write about Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 150 words. (2008, 15 Marks)
9. Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. (2015, 12 Marks)
10. What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What is India’s position on these?(2016, 12 marks)

SAARC

1. What do the SAARC stand for? (2000, 1 Mark)
2. Why is SAFTA being mooted?(2002, 2 Marks)
3. Write about SAFTA in 20 words. (2007, 2 Marks)
4. Write about SAARC Summit-2007. (2007, 15 Marks)
5. Write about the SAARC Human Rights Report-2006 in about 20 words. (2007, 2 Marks)
6. Comment on ethnic conflicts in South Asia. (2009, 10 Marks)
7. “Compared to the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multisectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation Free Trade Area (BIMSTEC FTA) seems to be more promising.” Critically evaluate. (2011, 20 Marks)
8. “Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable examples. (2016, 12 Marks)
9. 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? (150 words) (2022, 10 Marks)

West Asia/Arab World/QIC

1. What do the OIC stand for? (2000, 1Mark)
2. What is GCC? (2001, 2 marks)
3. Outline the features of latest Saudi Peace Plan for the West Asia Crisis and assess its importance. (2002, 15 Marks)
4. Write about the ICJ verdict on Israel’s erection of a barrier on the West Bank. (2004, 2 Marks)
5. Write about the Camp David Accord of 1978. (2005, 2 Marks)
6. Write short note on future of Indian expatriates in the Gulf. (in about 20 words) (2005, 2 Marks)
7. Write about G.C.C. (20 words). (2008, 2 Marks)
8. Examine the opportunities for a lasting West Asia peace solution in the context of the ‘historic’ talks started in September 2010. (2010, 2 Marks)
9. “The causes and implications of the Jasmine Revolution and its spread are as much economic in nature as they are political.” Critically evaluate. (2007, 2 Marks)
10. “Strategic interests seem to be replacing commercial Interests for the host country with regard to Cam Ranh Bay.” Amplify. (2011, 20 Marks)

ASIAN

1. What do the ASEAN stand for? (2000, 1 Mark)
2. What is India’s ‘Look East Policy’? (2001,2 Marks)
3. Who is Meghawati Sukarnoputri? (2011, 2 Marks)
4. Discuss the recent trends in India’s relations with China. (2004, 15 Marks)
5. Write about India and East Asia Summit (EAS). (20 words) (2007, 2 Marks)
6. Write about Look East Policy and North-East India in 20 words. (2008, 2 Marks)
7. Write a note on India’s strategic interests in South (2009, 15 Marks) Asia.
8. Critically assess the recent Free Trade Agreement entered into by India with ASEAN. (2009,15 Marks)

Africa

1. Discuss the causes and ramifications of hunger in Africa. (2005, 30 Marks)
2. Comment on ‘NEPAD and its objectives. (2009, 10 Marks)
3. Has the February agreement between the Sudanese government and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) been more successful in ending the strife in Darfur than the Abuja Peace Agreement of 2006? (2010,12 Marks)
4. To what extent has the withdrawal of al-Shabab from Mogadishu given peace a real chance in Somalia? Assess. (2011, 12 marks)
5. Write about the Success of international intervention in Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). (2011, 5 Marks)
6. Why have the resource-rich African and South Asian countries remained poor for decades? Explain. (2012, 15 marks)

Latin America

1. Discuss the Strategies adopted by Colombia to eliminate its drug cartels. (2011, 5marks)

Central Asia

1. List the Central Asian Republics and identify those of particular strategic and economic importance to India. Examine the opportunities and bottlenecks in enhancing relations with these countries. (2011, 20 Marks)

South East Asia

1. The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries. (250 words) (2017,15 Marks)

International Organisations

1. What do you know about G-777 (2000, 2 Marks)
2. What do you understand by G-15? (2001, 2 Marks)
3. What is G8? (2001, 2 marks)
4. What do the following stand for? (2002, 2 Marks)
   (i) WCAR
   (II) INTERPOL
   (iii) SPDC
   (iv) WIPO
   What do the following stand for? (2002, 2 Marks)
   (i) UNIDO
   (ii) MIGA
   (iii) UNCHR
   (iv) WTO
5. What is the main purpose of G-15? (2002, 2 Marks)
6. Answer the following, by expanding and explaining the objectives (The answer to each question should be in about 20 words): (2004, 10 Marks)
   (a) BIMSTEC
   (b) Red Cross
   (c) IAEA
   (d) ARF
   (e) OPEC
7. Write about the following, by expanding and explaining the objectives (in about 20 words each): (2009, 10 Marks)
   (a) ICJ
   (b) IBRD
   (c) WHO
   (d) INTELSAT
   (e) WMO
8. Write about UNIDO in 20 words. (2006, 2 Marks)
9. Write about Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (S.C.O.) (in about 20 words) (2007, 2 Marks)
10. Write about G-8 Summit-2007. (2007, 2 Marks)
11. Write about G-77 (20 words). (2008, 2 Marks)
12. Write about I.C.R.C. (20 words). (2008, 2 Marks)
13. Write about MERCOSUR (20 words). (2008, 2 marks)
14. Write about INTERPOL (20 words). (2008, 2 Marks)
15. Comment on the significance of the Kampala Declaration of the International Criminal Court (ICC). (2010, 5 Marks)
16. Comment on trial chamber of the Extraordianry Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) and its recent verdict. (2010, 5 Marks)
17. Write about the Functions of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) (2011, 5 Marks)
18. Write about the World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations (UN) (2011, 5 marks)
19. Compare the significances of IBSA and BRICS in the context of India’s multilateral diplomacy. (2012, 10 marks)
20. What is meant by the G8+5 group? (2012, 5 marks)
21. The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter- governmental 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. (200 words) (2013, 10 Marks)
22. 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. (2014, 12 Marks)
23. India has recently signed to become founding member of New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). How will the role of the two Banks be different? Discuss the strategic significance of these two Banks for India. (14/11/19/12%)
24. What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it. (150 words) (2017, 10 Marks)
25. 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 having ‘anti-Israel bias’. (2019, 10 Marks)
26. Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the COVID-19 pandemic. (150 words) (2020, 10 Marks)
27. ‘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. (250 words) (2022, 15 Marks)
28. ‘Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos’ Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security. (250 words) (2020,15 Marks)

W. T. 0.

1. What does WTO stand for? (2002, 2 Marks)
2. What is WTO? What are India’s objections to its overall functioning? (2004, 10 Marks)
3. What do we understand by the Doha Round of talks? (2006, 10 Marks)
4. 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. (14/11/20/12%)
5. “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 seem doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries.” Discuss in the Indian perspective. (2016, 12marks)
6. What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India. (2018, 15Marks)

Miscellaneous

1. What do the KLA stand for? (2001, 1 Mark)
2. Why has Slobodan Milosevic been in news in the recent post? (2001, 2 Marks)
3. Who is Gao Zhan? (2001, 2 Marks)
4. Who is Xanana Gusmao? (2002, 2 Marks)
5. What do you mean by Uni-Polar World. (2002, 2 marks)
6. What do you know about North-South dialogue? (2002, 2 Marks)
7. Why was David Kelly in the news recently? (2003, 2 Marks)
8. What is the theory of clash of civilisations? (2003, 2 Marks)
9. What does the theory of end of history mean? (2003, 2 Marks)
10. Write about the Maastricht Treaty. (2006, 2 marks)
11. Write about Cuba and Castro. (2006, 2 Marks)
12. Write about Indian All-Women contingent to Liberia. (20 words) (2007, 2 Marks)
13. Write about Global Governance. (2007, 2 Marks)
14. Write about Operation Silence. (2007, 2 Marks)
15. Write about New Seven Wonders of the World (20 words). (2008, 2 Marks)

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