Overview
International Relations in GS2 covers India’s foreign policy, bilateral relationships, multilateral institutions, and India’s strategic role in the emerging world order. Over 2013–2025, UPSC has asked 57 questions across eight major themes. India’s Neighbourhood consistently dominates (14 questions), followed by International Organisations (12) and Act East (7). The 2025 paper introduced three high-quality IR questions touching India–Africa digital partnerships, UN reform, and energy security — continuing the trend of integrating IR with contemporary geopolitics.
Questions carry 10 marks (150 words, Q1–10) or 15 marks (250 words, Q11–20). Directive verbs vary: Discuss, Examine, Elucidate, Critically Analyse, Comment, Elaborate. About 40% of IR questions require contextual knowledge of current events alongside conceptual clarity, making newspaper reading non-negotiable for this subject.
| Theme | Questions | % Share |
|---|---|---|
| India’s Neighbourhood | 14 | 24.6% |
| International Organisations | 12 | 21.1% |
| Act East (Look East + QUAD + AUKUS) | 7 | 12.3% |
| Hard / Soft / Smart Power | 6 | 10.5% |
| Central Asia | 5 | 8.8% |
| India & the World (US, China) | 4 | 7.0% |
| India–Africa | 4 | 7.0% |
| Look West | 3 | 5.3% |
| Energy Security (2025 new) | 1 | 1.8% |
| UN Reform (2025 new) | 1 | 1.8% |
Syllabus Map
Click each theme to expand sub-topics and question counts.
Theme 1 — Hard, Soft & Smart Power 6
Diaspora (role in politics & economy of US/Europe)2
India’s role in the emerging / new world order2
International Forum — Climate & Geopolitics1
Sovereign nationalism & waning globalisation1
Theme 2 — International Organisations 12
WTO (Doha Round, Trade War, Food Security)3
UNESCO (McBride Commission, funding, anti-Israel)2
Bretton Woods Twins (WB & IMF)1
ECOSOC1
IMO & maritime safety1
ITA (Information Technology Agreements)1
NDB & AIIB1
WHO & global health security1
UNSC — Counter Terrorism Committee1
Theme 3 — Central Asia 5
SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation)3
Ashgabat Agreement1
India’s diplomatic & strategic ties with CARs1
Theme 4 — India’s Neighbourhood 14
China (String of Pearls, trade surplus, South China Sea)3
Sri Lanka (domestic factors, recent crisis)2
Maldives (geopolitical & geostrategic importance)2
Afghanistan (ISAF withdrawal, security implications)1
Bangladesh (Shahbag protests, India implications)1
BIMSTEC vs SAARC1
Gujral Doctrine1
Pakistan (terrorism, soft power)1
Project Mausam1
SAARC (cross-border terrorism, Pakistan interference)1
Theme 5 — India–Africa 4
India–Africa general (pros/cons, influence)2
Indian diaspora scaling heights in Africa’s future1
India–Africa digital partnership (2025)1
Theme 6 — India & the World 4
India–USA (friction, global strategy, defence deals)2
USA–China (existential threat paradigm)1
West fostering India as alternative to China (2024)1
Theme 7 — Act East 7
Look East Policy & QUAD2
India–Japan bilateral2
AUKUS1
Indian Diaspora in Southeast Asia1
South China Sea1
Theme 8 — Look West 3
India–West Asia (energy cooperation)1
India–Israel1
US–Iran–India (nuclear pact, national interest)1
Theme 9 — Energy Security & UN Reform (2025) 2
Energy security as dominant pillar of India’s foreign policy1
UN reform — East-West imbalance, US–Russia-China entanglement1
Heatmap — Theme × Year
Darker = more questions that year. Covers 2013–2025.
| Theme | ’13 | ’14 | ’15 | ’16 | ’17 | ’18 | ’19 | ’20 | ’21 | ’22 | ’23 | ’24 | ’25 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard/Soft Power | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
| Intl Organisations | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 12 |
| Central Asia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| Neighbourhood | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 14 |
| India–Africa | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| India & World | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Act East | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Look West | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Energy / UN Reform | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| TOTAL | 6 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 57 |
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Trends
Total IR Questions per Year (2013–2025)
| Year | ’13 | ’14 | ’15 | ’16 | ’17 | ’18 | ’19 | ’20 | ’21 | ’22 | ’23 | ’24 | ’25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Questions | 6 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
Top 3 Themes — Question Count by Year
| Theme | ’13 | ’14 | ’15 | ’16 | ’17 | ’18 | ’19 | ’20 | ’21 | ’22 | ’23 | ’24 | ’25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neighbourhood | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Intl Orgs | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Act East | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Theme Share — Total Questions 2013–2025
Questions by Theme
Theme 1 — Hard, Soft & Smart Power
6 questions
GS2 → International Relations → Hard/Soft/Smart Power, Diaspora, India in World Order
“The long sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order.” Elaborate.
Mapping rationale: India’s role in the new world order — soft power, South-South cooperation, and shifting foreign policy priorities.
“Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries.” Comment with examples.
Mapping rationale: Diaspora as an instrument of soft power and India’s economic linkages with Western nations.
‘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.
Mapping rationale: India’s smart power — climate diplomacy in COP fora as a geopolitical lever and development narrative tool.
Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India.
Mapping rationale: Diaspora as soft power asset — remittances, lobbying, tech transfer, and cultural diplomacy.
‘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.
Mapping rationale: India’s emerging role in the new world order — geo-economic positioning as alternative to China in Western strategy.
“With the waning of globalization, post-Cold War world is becoming a site of sovereign nationalism.” Elucidate.
Mapping rationale: Hard power resurgence and retreat of liberal internationalism — challenges to India’s multilateral foreign policy in a de-globalising world.
Theme 2 — International Organisations
12 questions
GS2 → International Relations → Bilateral/Multilateral Groupings & International Institutions
The World Bank and the IMF are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order. Superficially, they exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions, and mandate are distinctly different. Elucidate.
Mapping rationale: Structure and mandate of Bretton Woods institutions — IMF focuses on monetary stability while World Bank targets development financing.
The aim of Information Technology Agreements (ITAs) is to lower all taxes and tariffs on IT products by signatories to zero. What impact should such agreements have on India’s interests?
Mapping rationale: WTO-related ITA agreements — implications for India’s IT sector competitiveness and trade policy.
India has recently signed on to become a founding member of the New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). How will the roles of the two Banks differ? Discuss the strategic significance of these two Banks for India.
Mapping rationale: Multilateral development finance institutions — BRICS-led NDB vs China-led AIIB as alternatives to Bretton Woods architecture.
WTO is an important international institution. What is its mandate, and how binding are its decisions? Critically analyze India’s stand on the latest round of talks on food security.
Mapping rationale: WTO dispute resolution and India’s food security waiver position in Doha negotiations.
What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of UNESCO? What is India’s position on these?
Mapping rationale: UNESCO’s New World Information and Communication Order — India’s position in multilateral communication governance.
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 seems doomed due to differences between developed and developing countries. Discuss from India’s perspective.
Mapping rationale: WTO Doha Round impasse — developed vs developing country divide and India’s developmental trade priorities.
What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain the different functional commissions attached to it.
Mapping rationale: UN institutional architecture — ECOSOC’s role in coordinating global economic and social development policy.
What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of ‘Trade War,’ especially keeping in mind India’s interest?
Mapping rationale: WTO institutional reform under US-China trade war — India’s interest in preserving multilateral trade governance.
‘Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of the US’s withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body of being ‘anti-Israel bias’.
Mapping rationale: UNESCO funding crisis and politicisation of multilateral cultural institutions — implications for India’s multilateral diplomacy.
Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Mapping rationale: WHO’s mandate and limitations in global health governance — Pandemic response and calls for multilateral reform.
“Sea is an important component of the cosmos.” Discuss in light of the above statement the role of the IMO in protecting the environment and enhancing maritime safety and security.
Mapping rationale: International Maritime Organisation — multilateral environmental governance and India’s growing maritime interests.
‘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.
Mapping rationale: UNSC counter-terrorism architecture — effectiveness of CTC, 1267 Committee, and their relevance for India’s security diplomacy.
Theme 3 — Central Asia
5 questions
GS2 → International Relations → India’s Neighbourhood (Extended) → Central Asia
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.
Mapping rationale: Ashgabat Agreement as India’s connectivity initiative to Central Asia — countering China and Pakistan’s influence in the region.
Critically examine the aims and objectives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). What importance does it hold for India?
Mapping rationale: SCO as a Eurasian security and economic grouping — India’s membership and balancing act between SCO’s Russia-China axis and its Western partnerships.
“Virus of conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO.” In light of the above statement, point out the role of India in mitigating the problems.
Mapping rationale: SCO’s internal tensions (India-Pakistan, Russia-Ukraine fallout) — India’s role as mediator and proponent of sovereign equality norms.
Critically analyse India’s evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics.
Mapping rationale: India’s Connect Central Asia policy — energy, trade corridors (INSTC), and strategic depth vis-à-vis China and Pakistan.
“The reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved, because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs. Russo-Chinese alliance.” Examine and critically evaluate the East-West policy confrontations in this regard.
Mapping rationale: UN reform deadlock — UNSC expansion, veto power, and India’s bid for permanent membership in the context of multipolar rivalry.
Theme 4 — India’s Neighbourhood
14 questions
GS2 → International Relations → India and its Neighbourhood → South Asia & Extended Neighbourhood
The proposed withdrawal of ISAF from Afghanistan in 2014 is fraught with major security implications for the region. Examine in light of the challenges for India.
Mapping rationale: India’s Afghan policy — security vacuum, Taliban resurgence risk, and India’s strategic and economic interests in Afghanistan.
The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka reveal a fundamental split in society between nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India?
Mapping rationale: India-Bangladesh relations — domestic political polarisation in Bangladesh and its implications for India’s security and connectivity interests.
What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline steps taken by India to counter this.
Mapping rationale: China’s strategic encirclement of India through Indian Ocean port infrastructure — India’s counter via Project Mausam, SAGAR doctrine and island diplomacy.
What is meant by the Gujral Doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss.
Mapping rationale: India’s non-reciprocal neighbourhood policy — contemporary relevance in the context of neighbourhood-first policy and connectivity initiatives.
Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of concern to India?
Mapping rationale: India-Maldives relations — democratic backsliding, China’s growing footprint, and India’s maritime security interests in the Indian Ocean.
In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy.
Mapping rationale: Domestic Tamil constituency pressures on India’s Sri Lanka policy — nexus between domestic politics and foreign policy formulation.
Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India-Pakistan relations. To what extent could the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchange help generate goodwill?
Mapping rationale: India-Pakistan bilateral — soft power as a confidence-building measure amidst the security overhang of cross-border terrorism.
Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian government to improve relationships with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss.
Mapping rationale: India’s cultural and maritime diplomacy — reviving Indian Ocean cultural linkages as soft power counter to China’s Maritime Silk Road.
“Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of several member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC.” Explain with suitable examples.
Mapping rationale: SAARC’s structural limitations — Pakistan’s state-sponsored terrorism as the central obstacle to regional integration in South Asia.
“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.
Mapping rationale: China’s economic statecraft and its strategic implications — trade deficit asymmetry, Debt Trap diplomacy and implications for India’s neighbourhood.
Do you think BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realised by forming this new organisation?
Mapping rationale: BIMSTEC as India’s alternative multilateral framework to bypass Pakistan-stalled SAARC and bridge South and Southeast Asia.
“India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.” Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in light of this statement.
Mapping rationale: India-Sri Lanka economic and strategic partnership — India’s assistance during the 2022 economic crisis and its neighbourhood-first doctrine in practice.
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?
Mapping rationale: India-Maldives strategic partnership — Exclusive Economic Zone, sea lane protection, India-China competition in the Indian Ocean Region.
“Energy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India’s foreign policy, and is linked with India’s overarching influence in Middle Eastern countries.” How would you integrate energy security with India’s foreign policy trajectories in the coming years?
Mapping rationale: India’s energy security diplomacy — Gulf relations, diversification of energy suppliers and the strategic use of diaspora in West Asia.
Theme 5 — India–Africa
4 questions
GS2 → International Relations → India & Africa → Bilateral, Development Partnership, Digital
Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically examine.
Mapping rationale: India-Africa relations — resource diplomacy, developmental partnerships and contrasts with China’s African engagement model.
“If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s.” In this context, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years.
Mapping rationale: India’s Africa outreach — India-Africa Forum Summits, Lines of Credit, South-South cooperation and the demographic dividend equation.
Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India.
Mapping rationale: Diaspora diplomacy — economic remittances and political capital generated by Indian communities in Africa and the broader Global South.
India-Africa digital partnership is achieving mutual respect, co-development and long-term institutional partnerships. Elaborate.
Mapping rationale: India-Africa digital diplomacy — tech transfer, UPI/digital public infrastructure exports, and co-development as pillars of South-South partnership.
Theme 6 — India & the World (USA, China)
4 questions
GS2 → International Relations → India and the World → Bilateral: USA, China; Geopolitical Rivalries
“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 examples.
Mapping rationale: India-USA strategic partnership — frictions over trade deficits, CAATSA, nuclear deal legacy, and India’s strategic autonomy demands.
What is the significance of Indo-US deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Mapping rationale: India’s defence procurement pivot from Russia to USA — S-400 CAATSA issue, COMCASA/BECA frameworks and Indo-Pacific stability calculus.
“The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of China that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain.
Mapping rationale: USA-China strategic competition — technology dominance, economic interdependence paradox, and implications for India’s strategic positioning.
‘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.
Mapping rationale: India’s geoeconomic positioning — China+1 strategy, semiconductor supply chains, and India’s role in Western industrial policy realignment.
Theme 7 — Act East (Look East, QUAD, AUKUS, Japan, ASEAN)
7 questions
GS2 → International Relations → Act East Policy → ASEAN, Japan, Quad, Indo-Pacific
Economic ties between India and Japan, while growing in recent years, are still far below their potential. Elucidate policy constraints inhibiting this growth.
Mapping rationale: India-Japan bilateral — regulatory barriers, low FDI, slow project execution and the untapped potential of the special strategic and global partnership.
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 commerce. Discuss the bilateral issues between India and China in this regard.
Mapping rationale: India’s UNCLOS-based position on South China Sea freedom of navigation — implications for India-China bilateral and India’s Act East maritime interests.
Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario.
Mapping rationale: India’s Look East / Act East Policy — ASEAN connectivity, trade diversification and countering China’s influence in Southeast Asia.
Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in Southeast Asian countries’ economy and society. Appraise the role of the Indian Diaspora in Southeast Asia in this context.
Mapping rationale: Diaspora as a bridge in India’s Act East Policy — economic linkages and cultural soft power in ASEAN nations.
“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.” Comment.
Mapping rationale: India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership — defence cooperation, infrastructure financing (AAGC), and strategic convergence in the Indo-Pacific.
Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times. Discuss.
Mapping rationale: QUAD’s evolution from security dialogue to comprehensive partnership — vaccine diplomacy, critical supply chains, and Indo-Pacific economic framework.
The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario.
Mapping rationale: AUKUS — nuclear submarine technology transfer, its implications for QUAD, India’s strategic autonomy and the Indo-Pacific security architecture.
Theme 8 — Look West (West Asia, Israel, Iran)
3 questions
GS2 → International Relations → Look West → India-Gulf, India-Israel, US-Iran-India
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.
Mapping rationale: India-West Asia energy diplomacy — oil import diversification, diaspora remittances from Gulf, and strategic interests in the Persian Gulf region.
“India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss.
Mapping rationale: India-Israel bilateral — defence technology, agricultural cooperation, cyber security and the de-hyphenation from the Palestine issue.
In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to this situation?
Mapping rationale: US-Iran nuclear deal — India’s oil imports from Iran, Chabahar port connectivity and navigating CAATSA sanctions in India’s strategic interest.
Insights
How to use: Prioritise Neighbourhood + Multilateral Orgs as they together cover ~46% of all IR questions. Build a 2-page framework per bilateral relationship covering: historical context, current status, areas of cooperation, contentious issues, and India’s strategic interest.
High Yield Topics
India’s Neighbourhood (24.6%) and International Organisations (21.1%) together account for nearly half of all IR questions. Within Neighbourhood, China (3), Sri Lanka (2), and Maldives (2) recur most often. Within Orgs, WTO dominates with 3 questions. Act East / Indo-Pacific has seen consistent annual coverage since 2016 and is now a fixture of the paper. India-Africa and Diaspora are low-frequency but rising — 2025 asked one question on each.
Trend Shifts (2013–2025)
Early years (2013–2015) were dominated by Neighbourhood questions (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, China String of Pearls). From 2016 onwards, the paper shifted to strategic themes — Act East, QUAD, AUKUS, SCO and India’s geoeconomic positioning. Post-2020 questions increasingly require integrating economics with geopolitics: energy security, digital partnerships, supply chain diplomacy and climate geopolitics. The 2025 paper is notable for introducing standalone questions on UN reform and energy-foreign policy integration — two themes not asked before in this standalone form.
Recurring Question Frames
Discuss / Elucidate dominate (about 40%). Critically Examine / Analyse appear in ~25% of questions — these require you to present multiple perspectives and arrive at a balanced conclusion. Comment questions (~15%) are shorter and need crisp, opinion-backed responses. Elaborate / Explain are straightforward exposition questions. About 30% of IR questions quote a statement and ask you to evaluate it — practice this format specifically.
Coverage Gaps (Low or Zero PYQs)
Several UPSC syllabus areas have received minimal attention: India-Europe bilateral relations (rarely asked), India-Latin America (never directly asked), Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and India’s nuclear doctrine, India’s Space diplomacy, and the evolving Arctic geopolitics. These are potential areas for future papers, especially as India’s global footprint expands. The 2025 UN reform question also suggests UPSC is moving beyond bilateral questions to systemic/institutional critiques of global governance.
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