Explore a curated selection of UPSC Mains Topic Wise Questions centered on International Relations, with a specific focus on Pakistan. Delve into a diverse array of questions meticulously designed to deepen your understanding and preparation for the UPSC Main examination. This resource provides a structured approach to mastering key concepts essential for comprehending and addressing issues related to Pakistan’s foreign relations. Whether you’re a novice seeking foundational knowledge or an advanced candidate refining your understanding, these questions offer valuable insights and practice opportunities. With a strategic emphasis on topic-wise questions, aspirants can enhance analytical skills and develop a comprehensive understanding of Pakistan’s role in international affairs. Elevate your preparation, grasp essential insights, and optimize your performance in the UPSC Mains with proficiency in Pakistan-related topics within the realm of International Relations.
Q1. Write about Pakistan’s role in Sri Lanka. (2006, 10 marks)
Answer: Pakistan’s relationship with Sri Lanka has been multifaceted, marked by periods of cooperation and competition. Here’s a concise analysis:
Strategic Cooperation:
- Defense: Pakistan has been a supplier of military equipment to Sri Lanka during the civil war. [Consider mentioning specific examples if you can]
- Counter-terrorism: Both nations share concerns about terrorism and collaborate on intelligence sharing.
Economic Ties:
- Trade: Bilateral trade is modest, with Sri Lanka primarily exporting tea and rubber to Pakistan.
- Development Assistance: Pakistan has offered some development assistance programs to Sri Lanka.
Competition:
- Regional Influence: Both countries vie for influence in the Indian Ocean region, potentially complicating relations with India.
Current Scenario:
- The nature of the relationship is likely influenced by the evolving political landscapes in both countries and their ties with India.
Further Analysis (for additional marks):
- You could delve deeper into specific examples of defense cooperation or economic ties.
- Briefly analyze how Pakistan’s relationship with Sri Lanka impacts India’s security concerns.
Q2. “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)
Answer: The statement rightly points out the significant changes since the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) of 1960. Addressing these complexities is crucial for the UPSC.
Current Challenges:
- Population Growth: Both India and Pakistan face a burgeoning population, increasing water demand for agriculture and domestic use.
- Climate Change: Glacial retreat impacting river flows and unpredictable weather patterns add uncertainty.
- Infrastructure Development: India’s planned projects on western rivers (allocated to Pakistan by IWT) raise concerns about water availability downstream.
- Water Mismanagement: Inefficient irrigation practices on both sides lead to wastage.
Review for India’s Best Interests?
A complete overhaul might be impractical. However, a review exploring these aspects could benefit India:
- Optimizing IWT Provisions: India can utilize the permissible storage capacity on western rivers for hydropower generation, crucial for energy security.
- Dispute Resolution Mechanism: Strengthening existing mechanisms for disagreements over projects could prevent escalation.
- Data Sharing: Collaborative data collection on river flows and sedimentation can ensure transparency and better water management.
Challenges of Review:
- Pakistan’s Resistance: Pakistan might view a review as an attempt to alter water allocations.
- Politicization of Water: Tensions between the countries can hinder objective discussions.
The Way Forward:
The UPSC should advocate for a mature dialogue with Pakistan, focusing on:
- Mutual Benefit: Framing the review as a way to ensure water security for both nations.
- Data-Driven Approach: Utilizing scientific data to address concerns and find common ground.
- Long-Term Vision: Recognizing water as a shared resource for future generations.
Conclusion:
The IWT has provided a framework for water sharing for over 60 years. However, evolving realities necessitate a review that prioritizes cooperation and scientific solutions for sustainable water management in the Indus basin. This nuanced approach aligns with the UPSC’s focus on fostering regional cooperation and resource management.
Q3. 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)
Answer: While terrorist activities and mistrust plague India-Pakistan relations, soft power tools like sports and cultural exchanges can play a significant role in generating goodwill, albeit with limitations.
Potential of Soft Power:
- Shared Passions: Cricket, a unifying force in both nations, can foster camaraderie and positive narratives when teams compete (e.g., the 2008 bilateral series helped thaw tensions).
- Cultural Understanding: Literary exchanges, joint film productions, and artist collaborations can showcase shared cultural heritage and build bridges across borders.
- People-to-People Connect: Educational exchanges and pilgrimages can foster empathy and understanding at the grassroots level.
Limitations and Need for Balance:
- Hostage to Politics: Soft power initiatives are vulnerable to political compulsions. A terror attack can swiftly disrupt cultural exchanges, as witnessed with the suspension of cricket matches.
- Uneven Impact: Cricket’s popularity might overshadow other forms of soft power, limiting their reach.
- Addressing Core Issues: Soft power cannot replace addressing core political issues like terrorism. It can create a conducive environment for dialogue, but firm action against terrorism remains crucial.
Conclusion:
Soft power is a valuable tool in fostering goodwill between India and Pakistan. However, its effectiveness depends on a conducive political environment and must be pursued alongside addressing core security concerns. A multi-pronged approach, with sustained engagement, is necessary to build lasting trust.
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