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Subject: International Relations

  • Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic.

    The WHO, established in 1948, is the UN’s specialized agency responsible for global public health coordination. During the COVID-19 pandemic, its actions were criticized for lack of timeliness, transparency, and independence.

    Positive Role of WHO during the Pandemic

    Early Alerts: Declared COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in January 2020.

    Technical Guidance: Issued scientific protocols, travel advisories, and surveillance guidelines to member states.

    Global Solidarity Mechanisms: Launched the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-A) and COVAX Facility to ensure equitable vaccine distribution.

    Information Sharing: Provided daily situation reports and facilitated exchange of data among countries.

    Support to Developing Nations through logistics, diagnostics, and training.

    Research and development about the virus – transmission, mutation, and vaccination.

    Criticisms and Limitations

    Delayed Declaration of Pandemic: Accused of underestimating the early outbreak in Wuhan and relying too heavily on China’s official data.

    Political Influence: inadequate scrutiny of China’s early containment measures.

    Weak Enforcement Powers: WHO lacks authority to compel nations to share data or enforce health regulations under the International Health Regulations (2005).

    Vaccine Inequity: Despite COVAX, vaccine access remained highly unequal.

    Funding Dependence: Over 80% of WHO’s budget comes from voluntary contributions.

    Confusion among public and healthcare professionals due to inconsistencies in communication

    Way Forward

    Strengthen the International Health Regulations (IHR) for faster response and accountability.

    Establish a Global Health Emergency Council for coordinated crisis action.

    Financial autonomy to reduce donor dependency.

    To ensure future global health security, WHO must evolve into a more independent, transparent, and empowered institution, capable of acting decisively in the face of global emergencies.

  • ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples.

    With over 32 million PIOs and NRIs spread across 200 countries, the Indian diaspora has become one of the most influential transnational communities in the world.

    Role of Indian Diaspora in Politics

    Political Representation: Growing Indian-origin leadership at top levels. Eg- Kamala Harris (US Vice President), Rishi Sunak (UK Prime Minister), Leo Varadkar (Irish PM)

    Legislative Influence: shape progressive policies on trade, technology, and social justice. Eg- Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna

    Policy Advocacy: Indian diaspora groups like USINPAC and Indiaspora influence US policy on immigration (H-1B visas), education, and bilateral cooperation.

    Community Mobilisation: Eg- Political events like ‘Howdy Modi’ and ‘Namaste Trump’

    Bridge for Strategic Partnerships by fostering dialogue and diplomacy. Eg- role in Indo-US civil nuclear deal

    Representation of Diversity: Their success promotes multiculturalism and inclusion in Western democracies

    Peacebuilding Role by facilitating intercultural dialogue and countering xenophobia. Eg- Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York City.

    Role of Indian Diaspora in Economy

    Corporate Leadership: Sundar Pichai (Google), Satya Nadella (Microsoft) etc drive innovation and digital transformation.

    Entrepreneurship and Start-ups: Eg- Rishi Khosla (OakNorth Bank, UK) and Kunal Nayyar (Series Investor)

    Over 3 lakh Indian IT professionals in the US and highest number of EU Blue Card holders among immigrants in Europe.

    Research and Innovation: Strong presence in STEM fields, academia, and medicine

    Philanthropy and Social Impact: contribute to educational endowments, healthcare funding, and start-up mentoring.

    Their high purchasing power and participation in services, finance, and technology contribute directly to GDP and employment growth in host countries.

    Challenges

    Security Threats – Eg- Khalistani groups in Canada

    Issues of discrimination and racism

    Brain Drain concerns

    As PM Narendra Modi noted, “The Indian diaspora is our global ambassador of talent, trust, and transformation.” Thus, sustained institutional dialogue is essential.

  • Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India?

    The SCO, evolved from the Shanghai Five (1996), was founded in 2001, as a Eurasian political, economic, and security organisation. In the recent summit, Laos joined as a partner, expanding SCO’s strength to 27 nations (10 members, 17 partners).

    Aims and Objectives of SCO

    Security Cooperation

    Combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism (the “Three Evils”).

    Enhance regional peace and border stability.

    Economic Cooperation

    Promote regional trade, connectivity, and energy integration.

    Facilitate economic development and mutual prosperity.

    Political and Strategic Cooperation

    Strengthen multipolarity and collective global governance.

    Counterbalance Western unilateralism.

    Support UN-based international order.

    Cultural and People-to-People Ties – Enhance educational, tourism, and youth exchanges through SCO University, Cultural Forums, and Youth Camps.

    Critical Examination of SCO

    China-Pakistan-Russia Axis creates a complex geopolitical matrix with conflicting interests, especially in Afghanistan.

    China-Pakistan all weather relationship – Eg- India’s Defence Minister refused to sign the joint statement for omission of mention of Pahalgam terror attack

    China’s Wolf warrior diplomacy, Chequebook diplomacy disrespect for international rules and sovereignty erodes SCO’s credibility.

    Expansionist Agenda via BRI- Eg- China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through Indian territory (PoK) – opposed by India.

    Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent fails to act decisively against cross-border terrorism, particularly state-sponsored terrorism.

    China’s use of veto in the UNSC to shield Pakistan-based global terrorists undermines anti-terror efforts.

    Limited trade integration -intra-SCO trade remains below 10%.

    Ideological mismatch -India’s democratic ethos vs authoritarian bloc politics.

    Expansion Dilemma- SCO’s enlargement, including Belarus, raises its global profile but dilutes regional focus.

    “identity crisis” – absence of enforcement mechanisms making it a mere talking shop. (Vivek Katju)

    SCO is increasingly seen as an “anti-West” forum and entry of Iran in SCO has made the situation difficult for India.

    Significance of SCO for India

    Strengthens India’s strategic outreach in Central Asia.

    India hosting the SCO Summit (2023) allowed it to promote democratic and rule-based values within a predominantly authoritarian grouping.

    Expand trade footprint in Eurasia- Provides access to large Central Asian markets for agriculture, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals.

    Technological Cooperation- Opens avenues for collaboration in AI, quantum computing, and critical technologies.

    Energy Diplomacy – Access to Central Asian uranium reserves and hydrocarbons strengthens India’s energy security.

    Security Cooperation through RATS (Tashkent), enables counter-terror dialogue with China, Pakistan, and Central Asian states.

    Connectivity Initiatives- Supports Chabahar Port and INSTC as key trade routes to Eurasia, reducing dependence on Pakistan-controlled routes.

    Diplomatic Importance

    Enhances India’s strategic autonomy in a multipolar world.

    Acts as a bridge between South Asia and Eurasia.

    Complements India’s “Connect Central Asia” and “Act East” policies.

    Public Diplomacy- Enhances Track 2 diplomacy and cultural exchanges. Promotes academic, tourism, and youth linkages.

    Cultural Cooperation- Deepens ties in cultural, linguistic, and energy sectors.

    Way Forward

    Use SCO for counter-terrorism diplomacy and regional stability.

    Deepen energy cooperation and promote green connectivity.

    Coordinate with Russia and Central Asia for balanced engagement vis-à-vis China.

    Leverage SCO to push for multipolarity and inclusive growth.

    SCO can help realise India’s ambitions on “multi-alignment”, “strategic autonomy” and becoming a “balancing power” in the world.

  • The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario.

    The AUKUS alliance, launched in 2021, is a security partnership between Australia, the UK, and the US aimed at countering China’s assertiveness. It reflects a new phase of minilateralism.

    Strength and Impact of AUKUS in countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region

    Nuclear Submarine Pact: Enables Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, enhancing undersea deterrence against China.

    Advanced Technology Sharing: Cooperation in AI, cyber warfare, quantum computing, and hypersonic weapons.

    Military Integration: Strengthens interoperability and intelligence sharing through Five Eyes alignment.

    Strategic Geography: Expands Western military reach across the South China Sea and Indian Ocean.

    Deterrence Architecture: Reinforces U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy and balances China’s maritime expansion.

    A stronger Australia aligns with India’s interest to counter China’s ‘String of Pearls’ strategy in the Indian Ocean.

    AUKUS Superseding Existing Partnerships

    May undermine the QUAD’s balanced agenda, tilting regional focus toward militarization.

    Weakens ASEAN centrality, creating apprehensions about regional autonomy.

    Creates trust deficit with France (after Australia canceled its French submarine deal).

    It may weaken the Five Eyes alliance – Eg- New Zealand has shown displeasure over AUKUS.

    Other Issues with AUKUS

    Risk of nuclear proliferation due to the transfer of nuclear submarine technology to a non-nuclear weapon state.

    Exclusionary alliance, leaving out India, Japan, and ASEAN nations.

    Potential arms race between US-led and China-Russia blocs.

    Perception of ‘Anglosphere dominance’, limiting inclusivity in regional security frameworks.

    China–Russia axis may strengthen – China called it as “wrong and dangerous path”

    Way Forward

    Align with Quad and ASEAN-led mechanisms to ensure synergy.

    Inclusive Security Architecture by incorporating voices from South and Southeast Asia.

    Confidence-Building Measures among China, ASEAN, and other regional actors to avoid escalation.

    AUKUS marks the reemergence of power geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific. It must evolve through consultation and cooperation to ensure that it complements rather than fragments the Indo-Pacific strategic order.

  • “If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years.

    Africa is emerging as the next frontier of global growth, driven by its demography, market, and natural resources.

    Asia’s Growth Story

    Asia’s share in global GDP rose from 25% (1990) to 45% (2024)

    Intra-Asian trade accounts for 60% of total exports (ADB, 2024).

    Demographic Dividend- Asia houses 60% of global population; India’s median age – 28 years

    Technological Hubs- India’s IT sector, China’s manufacturing, and ASEAN’s digital economies.

    Regional Platforms- Success of ASEAN, RCEP, and ADB

    Why the Next Few Decades Could Belong to Africa

    Demographic Potential- Africa to host 25% of global population by 2050, with the youngest median age (19 years).

    Resource Abundance- Rich reserves of critical minerals (lithium, cobalt, platinum) vital for energy transition.

    Economic Growth- Sub-Saharan Africa projected to grow at 4.0% annually (IMF, 2024-2030) – led by Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia.

    Regional Integration- African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) connects 1.3 billion people across 54 nations.

    Digital Leapfrogging- Africa’s fintech sector expanding by 30% CAGR, supported by Indian investments in Airtel Africa and UPI collaborations.

    India’s Influence in Africa- Examination

    Way Forward

    Develop an integrated “India-Africa Strategy 2030”

    Expand Diplomatic Footprint – increase frequency of high-level summits and ministerial dialogues

    Capacity Building 2.0- Expand ITEC 2.0 for emerging fields like AI, climate tech, and fintech.

    As PM Modi said at IAFS 2015, “Our partnership is beyond strategic – it is human-centric, empowering, and future-facing.”

  • “The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain.

    In the words of Henry Kissinger, “The Soviet Union was a military threat, China is a civilizational challenge.”

    Limitations of Challenges from erstwhile Soviet Union

    Primarily Military and Ideological – Eg- communism and Cuban Missile Crisis

    Limited economic challenges – contributing less than 10% to global GDP.

    The USSR lagged behind in high-tech industries, focusing mainly on defense and space.

    Limited soft power compared to the USA. Eg- Hollywood

    The Soviet threat was largely European and nuclear, with limited maritime reach in Indo-Pacific

    However, Chinese threat is Existential as

    Geopolitical Dimension

    China projects an alternative governance and development model of authoritarian capitalism

    Indo-Pacific expansion- Strategic assertion in South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and Indian Ocean directly contests US-led regional order. Eg- boiling frog strategy

    Geo-Economic Dimension

    Parallel institutional ecosystem- Creation of AIIB, NDB, and BRI undermines US-dominated Bretton Woods institutions.

    Integrated global economy leading to complex interdependence- 18% of world GDP, major supplier in 70% of global supply chains.

    Debt Trap diplomacy through BRI loans and surplus-deficit strategies. Eg- Sri Lanka

    Technological rivalry- Leads in AI, 5G, EVs, and green manufacturing, challenging US corporate and innovation supremacy.

    Trade imbalance- Persistent US trade deficit with China (~$350 billion).

    China’s yuan internationalisation and digital currency pilot aim to reduce dollar dominance.

    Defence and Security Dimension

    PLA modernisation (Blue Water Navy) – A2/AD (Anti-Access/Area Denial) and hypersonic capabilities, threaten US naval superiority.

    China’s growing nuclear triad and cyber warfare capacity. Eg- Huawei ban in USA

    Dual-use infrastructure- Eg- BRI ports and bases (Djibouti, Gwadar).

    Multilateralism and Institutional Order

    Global South outreach through BRICS, SCO, and G77, eroding US soft power among developing nations.

    Issue-based coalitions- Unlike USSR’s bloc politics, China uses flexible, interest-based partnerships (e.g., with EU on climate, with Russia on energy).

    Connectivity and Global Influence

    Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)- Encompasses 150+ countries, linking Asia, Africa, and Europe

    Digital Silk Road- Expands China’s control over global telecom, satellite, and internet infrastructure

    Steps Taken by USA to Counter China

    Indo-Pacific Pivot Strategy for Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)

    QUAD Revitalisation for strategic balancing

    AUKUS Pact (2021) with Australia and the UK– sharing of nuclear submarine technology.

    Trade Restrictions and Tariffs

    Friendshoring with countries like India, Vietnam for supply chain diversification

    Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF, 2022)

    Blue Dot Network (with Japan and Australia) for transparency in global infrastructure projects.

    Increasing freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) in South China Sea

    As held by Alexander, “China will astonish the world when it rises out of slumber.” Sustained strategic competition without conflict is essential to avoid future global instability and ensure peace.

  • 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.

    Climate change has emerged as a global security and geopolitical concern. India, 3rd-largest energy consumer, has transitioned from a “climate obstructionist” to a “climate leader and solution provider”

    Clean Energy is the Order of the Day

    Combating Climate Change – Transition to renewables

    Social Benefits – women’s health. (Ujjwala Scheme)

    Economic Benefits – lowering Current Account Deficit (CAD).

    India’s role as a “Vishwaguru of sustainability”

    Geopolitics of Climate Change

    Oil geopolitics (Middle East)

    China’s monopoly in critical minerals (over 90%)

    Green tariffs and carbon taxes. Eg- EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

    North-South Divide and Climate Justice Diplomacy

    Climate-linked Geoeconomics – Eg- G20 Green Development Pact (2023)

    Climate and Security Interlinkages – Climate-induced disasters

    Emerging ‘Energy Identity Politics’

    EU as a “Green Regulatory Power.”

    China as “Green Manufacturing Hub.”

    India as a “Responsible Global South Leader.”

    India’s Changing Policy Towards Climate Change in Various International Fora

    Early Phase -Defensive Stance (Pre-2010)

    Advocated equity and right to development under Kyoto Protocol (1997).

    Opposed binding emission targets for developing countries.

    Supported the principle of CBDR and respective capabilities.

    Shift from defensive to constructive negotiation (2010-2015)

    Copenhagen (2009) & Cancún (2010): Voluntary emission intensity reduction (20-25% by 2020).

    Formation of BASIC bloc (Brazil, South Africa, India, China) to represent emerging economies.

    Leadership Phase (Post-2015 -Present)

    Paris Agreement (2015): India’s NDCs –

    Reduce emission intensity by 33-35% by 2030.

    Achieve 40% non-fossil fuel-based power capacity.

    Create carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes CO₂ through afforestation.

    COP-26 (Glasgow, 2021): Announced “Panchamrit” commitments -including Net Zero by 2070 and 50% energy capacity from renewables.

    UNFCCC (COP28): Leading Global South demand for loss and damage fund and fair carbon markets.

    Global South Leadership – Eg- FIPIC (Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation)

    International Solar Alliance (ISA, 2015): Jointly launched with France to mobilize solar adoption across 100+ countries.

    Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI, 2019): Focus on climate-resilient infrastructure in developing nations.

    G20 Presidency (2023): Advocated Green Development Pact and Just Energy Transition for Global South.

    Quad Climate Group: Promoting clean hydrogen, green shipping, and resilient supply chains.

    BRICS & SCO: Advocates equitable climate finance, green technology transfer, and multipolar environmental governance.

    India’s other efforts towards climate change and Clean energy

    National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

    National Solar Mission (280 GW solar capacity by 2030)

    National Green Hydrogen Mission (5 MMT by 2030)

    One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG)

    IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework): Includes clean energy, decarbonisation.

    As per Dhanasree Jayaram (Climate Diplomacy and Emerging Economies) India has evolved from a ‘naysayer’ to a ‘responsible’ player in Climate Diplomacy.

  • How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics ?

    The I2U2 grouping was formalized in 2022 as a minilateral platform to promote cooperation in food security, energy, technology, and infrastructure. It is termed as the West Asian Quad.

    Six Key Areas of Cooperation

    Health

    Water

    Energy

    Transportation

    Food Security

    Space

    I2U2 Transforming India’s Position in Global Politics

    Geopolitical Transformation

    Positions India as a bridge between the Indo-Pacific and West Asia, linking Act East and Link West policies.

    Strategic autonomy – cooperation with the US and Israel while maintaining relations with Iran and the Arab world.

    Elevates India as a regional stabilizer in a volatile West Asian geopolitical landscape.

    Countering China’s influence in West Asia

    Geoeconomic Dimension

    Joint investments in infrastructure, energy, and food security. Eg- UAE funding a $2 billion food corridor in Gujarat.

    Integrates India into emerging West Asia–Indo-Pacific supply chains.

    Defence and Security Cooperation

    Strengthens intelligence sharing and counterterrorism collaboration.

    Supports maritime security and enhances India’s strategic depth in the Western Indian Ocean region.

    Connectivity and Infrastructure

    Aligns with India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

    Enhances security in chokepoints like the Suez Canal.

    Enhances India’s credibility as a reliable partner in minilateral frameworks (Quad, BRICS, SCO, G20).

    Challenges Associated with I2U2

    Complex strategic balancing: Balancing ties with Iran while deepening cooperation with US–Israel–UAE bloc.

    Regional Instability: Ongoing Israel–Palestine conflict and tensions in Iran–US relations.

    Limited Institutional Framework: Absence of a formal secretariat or enforcement mechanism.

    Uncertainty of US Leadership under Trump

    China may view I2U2 as a containment alliance, increasing competition in West Asia.

    Way Forward

    Institutionalize I2U2 with clear mechanisms for project implementation and funding.

    Leverage the platform to promote peace and stability in the region.

    Expand the agenda to include climate resilience, humanitarian aid, and disaster response.

    Strengthen linkages with Quad, IMEC, and G20 initiatives.

    The I2U2 marks a paradigm shift in India’s diplomacy and emergence as a bridge nation between East and West, consolidating its role as a key pillar in 21st-century multipolar global politics.

  • India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka the light of the preceding statement.

    India and Sri Lanka share civilizational, cultural, and economic linkages dating back over 2,500 years, rooted in Buddhist ties, maritime trade, and shared colonial history.

    Financial Assistance

    India extended over USD 4 billion in assistance through credit lines, currency swaps, and grants

    Provided a USD 1 billion credit line for essentials such as food, medicines, and fuel.

    Supplied over 400,000 MT of fuel, life-saving drugs, and rice consignments

    USD 400 million currency swap under the SAARC framework and deferred USD 515 million in ACU payments, easing liquidity pressure.

    Support for Debt Restructuring and IMF Assistance

    India became the first country to provide written assurance to the IMF supporting Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring plan, crucial for securing the USD 2.9 billion IMF bailout.

    Advocated for equitable debt treatment among all creditors.

    Trade, Connectivity, and Energy Cooperation

    Advanced the India-Sri Lanka Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) and Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) for economic revival.

    Revived strategic projects such as the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm modernization and proposed India-Sri Lanka power grid interconnection.

    Symbol of Age-Old Friendship

    Non Reciprocity (Neighbourhood First Policy) – India’s assistance came without strategic strings.

    Embodied the ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, upholding regional solidarity and stability.

    Reaffirmed India’s role as a trustworthy regional leader and first responder in crises.

    India’s response reflected its “humanitarian diplomacy”-guided by empathy, not conditionality.

  • 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?

    According to S. Jaishankar, SAARC has become a dead horse. In this context, BIMSTEC, established in 1997, to promote regional cooperation among South and Southeast Asian countries has emerged as a pragmatic alternative to SAARC.

    BIMSTEC as a Parallel Organisation like the SAARC – Similarities

    Regional Cooperation Objective to promote economic, technical, and social cooperation. Eg- SAFTA and BIMSTEC FTA negotiations

    Developmental Focus: Emphasis on poverty reduction, trade, connectivity, and sustainable growth. Eg- BIMSTEC Transport Connectivity Master Plan

    Consensus-Based Decision-Making: Eg- BIMSTEC Charter, 2022 was adopted only after all members’ approval

    Institutional Mechanisms: Function through summits, ministerial meetings, and working groups. Eg- BIMSTEC Leaders’ Summit

    Multi-sectoral Agenda: Cooperation in transport, energy, agriculture, health, environment, and security. Eg- SAARC 11 priority sectors and BIMSTEC 14 priority areas

    Differences

    BIMSTEC connects South and Southeast Asia, while SAARC is confined to South Asia.

    SAARC includes Pakistan, leading to frequent political blockages. BIMSTEC is ‘SAARC-Pakistan’

    SAARC is primarily a political and developmental forum, whereas BIMSTEC focuses on sectoral partnerships in economy, connectivity, and technology.

    SAARC functioning is largely stalled, whereas BIMSTEC is expanding sectoral cooperation, adopted its Charter in 2022 and established a permanent Secretariat in Dhaka

    SAARC has limited security cooperation, whereas BIMSTEC actively engages in counter-terrorism, cyber security, maritime security, and disaster management. Eg- BIMSTEC National Security Advisers’ Meetings

    SAARC maintains Permanent Observer Status at the UN whereas BIMSTEC does not.

    BIMSTEC Fulfilling India’s Foreign Policy Objectives

    Regional Integration – Provides a Pakistan-free alternative to pursue regional cooperation and development.

    Bridge to Southeast Asia: advances India’s Act East Policy. Eg- IMT Trilateral Highway.

    Neighbourhood First and Indo-Pacific strategies – Increased connectivity, humanitarian cooperation, and development projects project India as a responsible power.

    SAGAR Vision: Reinforces India’s role as a “Net Security Provider” in the Indian Ocean through cooperation in maritime security, disaster management, and coastal resilience.

    Tapping Trade Potential in the Bay of Bengal through blue economy initiatives and port-led development.

    Group’s cohesion and sustainability is key to realise ‘Vision 2030’ adopted in the recent 6th BIMSTEC summit.