(Cohort 4) : Half Length Test # 6 - Solution

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MGP 2023 (Cohort 4)

Half length Test #6 - Solution
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Page 1 of 12
Q.1) India’s “balancing act” in the ongoing Ukraine crisis is borne out of mature strategic thinking
rather than mere necessities. Explain.
Approach: Introduce the answer with defining the Ukraine crisis. In the body of the answer discuss in
detail why India’s balanced response may be opined to be a result of necessities. In the second part of the
body, discuss in detail how India’s response reflects its mature strategic thinking. Conclude the answer by
emphasizing upon how India secured its national interest as well as showed commitment to rules based
global order.
Armed intervention of Russia in Ukraine has precipitated into a crisis. This has divided the world, with
some counties showing solidarity with Russian security concerns, while western countries have put
sanctions against Russia for its act of violence against a sovereign neighbor. India’s balanced response to
the complicated situation is borne not merely out of necessities but from its matured strategic thinking
developed over the years.
It may be opined that India’s response to the crisis is a result of necessities because:
1. India’s long-term dependence on Russia’s military hardware makes it necessary to maintain
friendly ties with the country. Eg: More than 55% of India’s defense import since 2014 has been
from Russia.
2. India’s border dispute with its immediate neighbor China makes it an imperative to have a
reliable partner in Russia in event of crisis.
3. India has gained diplomatic and armed support from Russia during critical times. Eg: Russia’s
support on several UNSC resolutions, 1971 Indo-soviet treaty of friendship etc.
4. India’s energy deficiency calls for cordial relations with Russia to bolster energy security for the
country.
However, it will be incorrect to say that India acted out of mere necessities as India’s matured strategic
thinking was articulated through:
1. India maintained autonomy in its response to the Ukraine crisis. Eg: India has abstained from
condemning Russia despite US calling Indian response as shaky.
2. India’s response was premised upon its national interest:
a. India secured cheap energy supplies from Russia. Eg: notwithstanding USA’s warning, India
has doubled its purchase of crude oil from Russia.
b. India was able to safely bring back Indian citizens. Eg: under operation Ganga more than
20000 Indians were brought back safely.
c. India secured its significant defense partnership with Russia by maintaining a balanced
stance. Eg: India imports strategic weaponry such as S-400 air defense system from Russia.
3. India voiced its concern regarding violence and breach of territorial integrity. Eg: India
supported the call for an independent investigation into the Bucha killings in Ukraine.
4. India displayed strategic maturity by maintaining neutrality in the UNSC resolutions on the
ongoing Ukraine crisis. Eg: India has abstained from voting on both Russia and US backed
resolutions.
5. India’s commitment towards dialogue, diplomacy and stability has enhanced India’s credibility.
Eg: Both Ukraine and Russia have welcomed Indian mediation in the ongoing Ukraine crisis.
6. India supports active humanitarian access into the conflict region. Eg: India has sent more than
90 tones of humanitarian supplies to Ukraine.
India’s response to the ongoing Ukraine crisis has displayed its diplomatic deftness. India not only
secured its national interest but at the same time reinforced its commitment for rules-based order.
(440 words)
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Page 2 of 12
Q.2) What do you understand by Non-Aligned-Movement (NAM)? Is India’s foreign policy still guided
by the principles of non-Alignment? Justify.
Approach: Introduce the answer with brief explanation about Non-Aligned-Movement (NAM). In the body,
mention ways in which India’s foreign policy shows non-alignment. Next, mention trends and features of
foreign policy which are in contrast with non-alignment. Conclude on need to pursue independent foreign
policy aligned with own interests.
The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was established during the cold war at the 1961 Belgrade Conference
as a group of states that did not want to formally align themselves with USA or USSR. The NAM
countries sought to remain independent in their national policies.
NAM’s main objectives were:
1. Decolonisation of colonised nations.
2. Preserve the independence of newly decolonised states from being subservient to geo-political
interests of cold war blocs.
3. Economic growth and development of newly independent nations.
With time, NAM has seen its role decline in international diplomacy due to failure to play constructive
role in contemporary challenges like Arab-Israel conflict, or issues like an inherent bias against the
west and rise of unipolar world after collapse of Soviet Union.
Principles of non-alignment continue to guide India’s foreign policy in following ways:
1. India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy reflects non-alignment as seen in the UN vote on the
recent Ukraine crisis. India refused to toe the American or Russian line.
2. India continues to coordinate with distinct and divergent set of countries. E.g., as part of BRICS
and SCO as well as Quad.
3. Formation of new financial institutions such as Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and
New Development Bank (NDB) can be seen as a pursuit to build non-western institutions.
4. India signed a civil nuclear agreement with US and built Kudankulam Nuclear power project
with Russia. India’s ties with Israel, UAE and Iran also reflect how non-alignment continues to
maximize strategic gains for India.
5. India’s leadership of the global south reflects the old vision of leading the newly independent
nations under NAM. E.g., India-South Africa joint proposal on TRIPS waiver.
India’s foreign policy has also developed traits that are in contrast with non-alignment principles such
as:
1. India’s foreign policy is motivated by realpolitik of advancing own interests than seeking non-
alignment. E.g., India’s membership of SCO is partly motivated to counter alignment of China
and Pakistan against India.
2. India’s strategic ties are growing stronger with the western bloc E.g., the increasing share of
arms imports from USA, agreements like LEMOA or increasing trend of Japanese investments in
India.
3. India is pursuing multi-alignment of interest-based partnerships such as Supply Chain
Resilience Initiative to seek realignment of global supply chains and Quadrilateral Security
Dialogue to counter Chinese influence in Indo-pacific region.
4. India is no longer tied to the dogmas of non-alignment. E.g., de-hyphenation of Israel-Palestine
relations.
India is following a flexible foreign policy in an increasingly multipolar world, but the goal of strategic
autonomy continues to take inspiration from the principles of non-alignment. India must manage the
pull-and-push factors of multi-alignment to pursue an independent foreign policy aligned to own
interests. (447 words)

Page 3 of 12
Q.3) For a developing and energy deficient country, energy security essentially becomes a centre point
of diplomacy. Discuss in the Indian perspective.
Approach: Introduce the answer with defining energy security. In the body of the answer, explain in detail
why energy security is important to upkeep the national interest. In next part of the body, discuss in detail
how energy security becomes the centre point of diplomacy. Conclude the answer by emphasizing upon the
importance of energy security and suggesting a shift towards green fuels for catering to our energy needs.
According to International Energy Agency (IEA), energy security entails uninterrupted availability of
energy sources at an affordable price. A consistent supply of energy is inadvertently linked with security
and growth of the nation. For a growing and energy deficient country like India, energy security
becomes important especially with regards to national interest as-
1. India is dependent on imports for more than 80 % of its energy requirements, hence
fluctuations in cost of fuels affect the country’s economy. Eg: according to RBI, a $10 per barrel
rise will increase inflation by roughly 49 basis points.
2. Energy security remains vital to maintain strategic autonomy. Eg: A moratorium on supply of
energy may restrict India’s strategic choices, making it a bargaining point for the supplier
country.
3. Welfare credentials of India makes energy security an imperative to cater the developmental
needs of the country. Eg: India is committed to provide subsidized energy access to millions of its
citizens.
4. Energy security is a sine-qua-non for broader economic prosperity and political stability.
As a result of the above-mentioned factors, energy security becomes the center point of diplomacy as
seen with:
1. Energy security plays a pivotal role in India’s engagement with the middle eastern countries. Eg:
India’s look west policy is aimed to strengthen ties with the Persian Gulf countries.
2. Energy security is a predominant element of foreign policy to protect national interest. Eg:
India increased its oil purchase from Russia during the ongoing Ukraine crisis despite the
warning of US sanctions.
3. Energy security remains one of the important determinants of India’s engagement in global and
regional groupings. Eg: India’s membership of SCO has an objective of deepening energy ties
with central Asian countries.
4. Energy security looms large over India’s commitment in global talks for climate change. Eg: at
COP-26 India stressed its dependence on coal and agreed to phase it down without phasing it
out.
5. India continuously strives to diversify its energy basket both in terms of location and carbon
content. Eg: Civil nuclear deal with USA, OSOWOG, increasing oil purchase from Africa etc.
6. India sees energy security as an enabling factor for enhancing not only national but also
regional prosperity and stability. Eg: India actively engages in energy trade with its neighbors
viz. Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal etc.
Energy security will remain at the heart of foreign policy as India is projected to grow rapidly in the
coming years. It is an imperative for India to find alternate means to meet its strategic requirements than
solely relying upon fossil fuels. To this end reliance should be given upon cleaner energy fuels like hydro,
solar, nuclear etc. (440 words)

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Q.4) Analyse, with illustrations, the significance of Indian diaspora in extending the soft power of the
country.
Approach: Introduce by defining soft power. Give a brief description of India’s diaspora. In the body, write
points on diaspora’s role in extending India’s soft power. Use examples to illustrate each point. Next,
mention limitations of using diaspora as source of soft-power. Conclude by acknowledging diaspora’s role
in giving strength to international relations and need for India to protect their interests.
The soft power is the ability to influence other countries through such real but intangible elements as
culture, ideas, policies etc. Indian diaspora – the biggest in the world at 18 million - is an important part
of the societies in host countries around the world from UK to Mauritius and USA to Japan. The Indian
diaspora’s significance in extending the soft power of the country is as follows:
1. Diaspora has helped in the export of India’s cultural products like Indian cuisines, Indian movies,
Yoga etc. For example, Popularity of chicken tikka masala in UK, Bollywood in USA and Tamil
movies in Malaysia.
2. Indian diaspora helps to influence host countries’ foreign policy vis-a-vis India. E.g.- Indian
diaspora successfully lobbied for the India-USA Civil Nuclear Agreement in USA.
3. Indian diaspora has deepened the connection between host countries and India through creation
of economic interdependencies. For example, the migration of less-skilled labour to West Asia
has helped build infrastructure in host countries while bringing down disguised
unemployment in India.
4. The old Indian diaspora is a source of cultural connections between India and small island
countries across the Indo-Pacific and beyond. E.g., in countries like Fiji, Mauritius, Seychelles,
Guyana etc.
5. The diversity of Indian diaspora reflects the plurality at home, projecting India as a peaceful and
plural society. E.g., Indian-origin Sikh, Hindu and Christian as defence minister in Canada
(Harjit Sajjan), Finance minister in UK (Rishi Sunak) and Prime minster in Ireland (Leo Varadkar),
respectively.
6. Indians as CEOs, doctors, law-abiding citizens in other countries promote positive stereotype
about Indians as they act as India’s cultural ambassadors.
However, there are certain limitations of diaspora as source of soft power such as:
1. The vulnerability of diaspora in Gulf countries due to poor and unregulated service conditions
and lack of citizenship requires protective role from the Indian state.
2. The internal politics of the host-countries can undermine the potential of Indian diaspora as
source of soft power. E.g., reversal of globalisation and rise of anti-migrant politics in the
Western countries such as issue of H1-B visas in USA.
3. Indian diaspora has been used as instrument to undercut India’s soft power as well. For
example, the politics in Canada around farmers’ protests in India or Punjab Referendum 2020
in UK.
Diaspora’s contributions to India’s soft power can help the country build robust international relations
and project its influence worldwide. India’s soft power can also help the diaspora as seen in the rescue of
Indian students during Ukraine crisis. Given their prominent role, interests and wellbeing of diaspora
should be of special concern to India. (434 words)

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Q.5) The global response to Covid19 pandemic showed a compartmentalised approach rather than a
coherent strategy. Do you agree?
Approach: Introduce the answer by highlighting the unprecedented nature of pandemic and mentioning
lack of coordination. In the body, discuss various issues that showed lack of coordination. Next mention
examples of coordinated global response to pandemic. Conclude by mentioning need for integrating
recovery from pandemic with SDGs.
COVID-19 is a once-in-a-century crisis, which has exposed global lack of coordination and cooperation
among countries in handling of the pandemic. The compartmentalized approach towards the pandemic
can be seen in following points:
1. Vaccine nationalism resulted in hoarding of vaccines by developed countries in multiples of
their population-based needs. At the same time, several parts of the world faced shortages in
vaccines and critical raw materials.
2. The mechanisms like compulsory licensing and voluntary licensing proved ineffective. Neglect
of India-South Africa’s joint proposal on TRIPS waiver for vaccines, drugs, therapeutics etc. has
sustained vaccine inequity for regions like Africa.
3. Travel between countries faced hurdles due to non-recognition of vaccine certificates from
certain countries. E.g., in UK for Indians.
4. WHO’s role in early detection, forewarning and reliable scenario projections was questionable.
E.g., human-to-human transmission in the early phase of pandemic was denied despite evidence
to the contrary.
5. There were delays in WHO approval for vaccines like Covaxin, which created doubts about
safety and effectiveness. E.g., Brazil’s decision to suspend import of 4 million doses of Covaxin.
6. There is lack of global coordination in economic response to pandemic. Enhanced fiscal
stimulus around the world has created issues of debt sustainability, while post-Covid economic
recovery remains slow.
Despite the evident compartmentalisation in approach, there were also signs of an evolving coherence
and coordination in the global strategy against pandemic as discussed below:
1. Sharing of genome data among researchers across the world helped in early development of
vaccine, which has proved crucial in controlling the pandemic and monitoring the emergence
of new variants of SARS-CoV-2.
2. The guidelines issued by WHO such as treatment protocols guided public health authorities,
doctors and voluntary agencies around the world.
3. Covishield vaccine is a prime example of global coordination in vaccine manufacturing through
use of British IP (intellectual property) to manufacture vaccines in India for global supplies.
4. COVAX facility has been created through coordination among GAVI, WHO and governments to
supply vaccines to underserved areas through pooled procurement and equitable distribution.
5. In absence of universal vaccine passport, countries devised methods like mutual recognition of
vaccine certificates. India’s Vaccine Maitri balanced own interest with global needs for medical
supplies.
6. Coherent economic strategy was visible in measures like Supply Chain Resilience Initiative
(SCRI) between India, Australia, Japan. SCRI is aimed at diversifying supply chains away from
dependence on single-source region in post-pandemic economy.
Covid-19 provided a reality check of national interest over prescriptions of cosmopolitanism in usual
times. Going forward, there is need for global coordination and policy integration through alignment of
sustainable recovery with the SDGs for managing a post-Covid world. (442 words)

Page 6 of 12
Q.6) Instability in its neighbourhood combined with displacement and humanitarian crisis don’t augur
well for India’s interest in the region. Elucidate.
Approach: Introduce the answer with brief overview of issues creating instability in India’s neighbourhood.
Mention the linkage between instabilities and humanitarian crisis and role for India as source of stability.
In the body, discuss the various interests of India that are negatively affected by instability in
neighbourhood. Next, give a way forward for providing regional stability. Conclude with emphasis on
India’s role as source of regional stability and prosperity.
India is situated in a difficult neighborhood. Issues like terrorism, civil war, organized crime, drug
trafficking etc. have kept the region divided. Instability in India’s neighborhood gives rise to issues of
displacement and humanitarian crisis which require India to provide stability and alleviate sufferings.
Instability in India’s neighborhood harms India’s interests in the region in following ways:
1. Security Interests:
a. Safe-havens for terrorists and support for their ideologies creates direct threats against
India. E.g., in rise of terrorism in Kashmir during activities of Mujahedeen in
Afghanistan.
b. Drug trafficking through golden triangle and golden crescent has implications for
India’s internal security through interlinkages with organized crime and terror.
c. Maritime piracy issues allow extra-regional powers to militarize the Indian ocean. E.g.,
China’s overseas military base in Djibouti.
2. Strategic interests:
a. Political instabilities in neighborhood have direct implication on India’s strategic affairs.
E.g., China’s intervention in Nepal's domestic political instability is based on its five-
finger strategy to breach the traditional Himalayan frontier between India and China.
b. Humanitarian crisis due to authoritarian actions in India’s neighborhood can lead to
war such as Tibetan refugees in 1950s (India-China War 1962), genocide of Bengalis in
East Pakistan (Bangladesh Liberation War 1971).
3. Economic interests: Interests of Indian companies and investments in infrastructure are
threatened. E.g., due to economic crisis in Sri Lanka.
4. Neighborhood relations: Political instability in neighboring countries can foster hostility
towards India. E.g., due to rise of LTTE in Sri Lanka, or anti-India protests in Maldives.
5. Displacement of minorities from India’s neighboring countries has direct implications for
India’s domestic politics such as CAA-NRC issue, resettlement issues in Arunachal Pradesh
(Chakma).
6. Regional Cooperation: Initiatives for regional integration and cooperation such as BIMSTEC, Act
East policy, India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway are threatened by internally-divided
Myanmar. Similarly, the viability of the International North-south Corridor is threatened by rise
of Taliban.
Given the dire consequences for India’s core interests due to instability in neighborhood, India needs to
provide stability in neighborhood in following ways:
1. India’s neighborhood first foreign policy needs to be matched by neighbor’s India first policy
for mutual gains. Initiatives like Colombo Security Conclave for regional cooperation and
intelligence sharing are steps in the right direction.
2. Initiatives like SAGAR (Security and growth for All in the region) and Project Mausam for
rebuilding maritime cultural connections need to be backed by institution-building effort for
substantive gains.
3. In India’s role as net security provider, and first responder during disasters, economic and
security role of Andaman & Nicobar Islands needs to be enhanced through infrastructure
buildup.

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4. For greater economic resilience, long-term regional integration measures such as a Custom or
Monetary Union along the lines of European Union should be pursued. Initiatives like BIMSTEC
can act as building blocks.
5. Policies for repatriation, resettlement and rehabilitation of refugees and illegal immigrants
should involve coordination with neighboring countries.
India’s neighborhood has historically been crucial for India’s prosperity (silk route) and security
(invasions). India’s interests continue to be tied closely with the stability in its neighborhood. For India to
emerge as credible global power, it needs to prove its credentials by being the source of regional
stability and prosperity. (528 words)
Q.7) For creation of a stable, peaceful and prosperous multipolar order, UN Security Council (UNSC)
reforms are an urgent imperative. Examine the statement and present a case for India’s permanent
membership in UNSC.
Approach: Introduce the answer with description of UNSC, its role and structure. Mention the increasing
irrelevance of UNSC in an emerging multi-polar world. In the body, discuss the need for UNSC reforms in
five or six points. Next mention the opposition to reforms in one or two lines. Lastly, give arguments for
India’s permanent membership in UNSC. Conclude with need for inclusive global governance and India’s
strong credentials for permanent membership in an expanded UNSC.
UNSC is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations. It is charged with responsibility of
ensuring international peace and security, through powers to authorize peacekeeping missions,
international military interventions and sanctions.
UNSC consists of 5 permanent members of UNSC, each vested with power to veto UNSC’s decisions.
There are 10 non-permanent members without veto powers as well. With an emerging multipolar world,
where power is distributed among various countries instead of one (unipolar) or two (bipolar) power
centres, UNSC is said to be getting more and more irrelevant in its present form.
UNSC reforms are an urgent imperative for a stable, peaceful and prosperous multipolar order, due to
following reasons:
1. For a stable multipolar order, relevant issues of our times such as climate change, globalisation,
technology etc. need to be addressed through global cooperation. On the other hand, the
structure of UNSC represents a post WW-II world with the five victorious countries continuing
as the 5 permanent members.
2. UNSC - in its current form - has failed in major international crisis such as failure to intervene
in the ethnic genocide in Rwanda or against USA’s invasion of Iraq in violation of UN Charter.
For a peaceful multipolar order, principled handling of international issues is important.
3. Groupism in exercise of veto between Russia-China, US-UK etc. has reduced the effectiveness
of UNSC. E.g., the recent Ukraine crisis.
4. For a prosperous multipolar order, new economic power centres like India, Germany, Japan also
need to partake in provisioning of global commons on which their rise depends such as freedom
of navigation in international waters. Greater responsibility needs to be backed by power at
UNSC.
5. Expansion of permanent membership will give greater control to developing countries such as
India, Brazil, Indonesia on issues like covid-like pandemic, terrorism, climate change etc. on
which UNSC has been ineffective.
However, certain reforms at UNSC like expansion of permanent membership are opposed on grounds of
inducing indecisiveness. There are also conflicting models for reforms like comprehensive or
incremental reforms, permanent membership without veto and dissenting group of countries like the
Coffee club etc.

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There is a strong case for India’s permanent membership at UNSC on following grounds:
1. India’s inclusion - as the largest democracy and a major developing economy - will make UNSC
more representative and more relevant.
2. India is a responsible nuclear power, with an unblemished non-proliferation record and ‘no-
first-use policy’ on nuclear weapons. India has not showed unilateral aggression against any
country.
3. India has contributed extensively to the UN, through UN peacekeeping forces, doctors, health
workers and humanitarian aid for UN’s missions in conflict zones.
4. India has showed leadership of the global south such as in Doha Development Agenda or
vaccine diplomacy during covid-19 pandemic. India’s wide support among developing countries
was visible in 184 countries voting for it as non-permanent member in 2020.
5. India has shown capacity to shoulder responsibility for provision of global commons such as
through its institution building efforts for climate action (International Solar Alliance, Coalition
for Disaster Resilience Initiative etc.)
The rise of multipolar order requires more inclusive global governance, for which UNSC reforms are
imperative. But a stable, peaceful and prosperous world order will also depend on the character and track
record of the member nations in working for global peace and prosperity. In this light, India’s case is the
strongest for representation in an expanded UNSC. (569 words)
Q.8) What are the reasons for the ongoing economic crisis in Sri-Lanka? Analyse its impact upon India.
Also, suggest suitable steps that India can take to ameliorate the crisis?
Approach: Introduce with brief description about India-Sri Lanka relationship. Describe the economic
crisis in Sri Lanka. In the body, list the reasons for the economic crisis. Next, describe the impact of the
present economic crisis upon India in distinct points. Briefly mention steps taken by India to ameliorate
the crisis and list measures to help Sri Lanka come out of the crisis. Conclude by mentioning implications
of instability in neighbourhood for India and need for countries to be mindful of debt-sustainability.
India-Sri Lanka relations have deep ethnic and cultural links besides being based in shared maritime
border. Sri Lanka is passing through an acute economic crisis due to depletion in foreign reserves
which in-turn has resulted in default on debt-servicing payments and shortages of fuel, food, medicines,
cement and other essential items in the country.
The reasons behind ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka:
1. Sri Lanka’s access to aid and investments reduced due to factors like censure by USA and EU on
human rights violations in civil war, weak economic fundamentals and graduation of Sri Lanka
to middle-income status by IMF. High-interest commercial loans for infrastructure projects as
seen in the Chinese debt-trap diplomacy, gradually built-up indebtedness.
2. Covid-Impact: Tourist arrivals declined due to the 2019 Easter bomb blasts and reduced further
during covid-pandemic. Exports of tea, rubber, spices and garments suffered. Investments dried
up, leading to a decline in foreign exchange reserves.
3. Regressive control-based economic measures such as use of forex reserves for currency
appreciation aggravated the crisis. Ban on fertilizer imports and overnight shift to organic
farming led to fall in agricultural production and food shortages. Political corruption contributed
to bad policy-making.
4. Simhala nationalism played role in riskier infrastructure investments amidst geo-economic
optimism and delayed seeking of IMF-aid bringing the economy to crisis point. Expenditure-
heavy populist policies and subsidies were prioritized over market reforms.
5. The Ukraine crisis aggravated the food and fuel shortages, intensifying the economic crisis. A
worsening Covid-outbreak in China has meant that that the Chinese government was relatively
disinterested about the Sri Lankan crisis.

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Impact of Sri Lankan economic crisis on India:

1. Security and Strategic interests: Countries hostile to India can exploit economic vulnerability to
acquire dual-use assets as previously seen in Chinese acquisition of Hambantota port (2017) or
USA’s involvement with Trincomalee Oil farms (1980s).
2. Economic Aspects: There is a threat of disruption for India’s exports as 48% of India’s
international cargo uses Sri Lanka as trans-shipment hub. Bilateral trade, interests of Indian
companies and their investments in Sri Lanka will also be harmed.
3. Refugee Crisis: Ethnic, cultural and geographical proximity can result in huge refugee inflow,
escaping socio-economic upheavals in Sri Lanka. Economic crisis can refuel unrest and ethnic
tensions in an internally-divided country.
India has taken various steps to help Sri Lanka such as through currency swap agreement, line-of-credit
and emergency supplies of food and fuel. But a lot more can be done to ameliorate the crisis such as:
1. Lines-of-credit should be expanded to cover more categories of bilateral trade as per needs in
Sri Lanka.
2. India’s past experience in handling balance-of-payment crisis and greater capacities in
economic policy-making should guide Sri Lanka in market reforms for achieving balance
between economic growth and debt sustainability.
3. Policies for greater economic orientation towards India can help Sri Lanka achieve economic
stability.
4. India should crowd in investments along with partner countries based on conditions of
reforms, financial viabilities and need-based projects.
The past experience of India with political instability in Sri Lanka has been bitter (LTTE/ Rajiv Gandhi
Assassination). India needs stability in Sri Lanka for its own good. Accordingly, Government of India
must step-up to the occasion and help Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka and similarly situated countries must also
heed to the repercussions for ignoring debt sustainability. (553 words)
Q.9) As a sub-regional grouping, BIMSTEC provides a confluence of Act East and neighbourhood first
policy. Analyse the importance of BIMSTEC and evaluate its position vis-à-vis SAARC.
Approach: Introduce the answer with explaining about BIMSTEC. In the body of the answer, discuss how
BIMSTEC acts as a confluence between the Neighbourhood first policy and the Act East policy. In the next
part of the body, discuss in detail the importance of BIMSTEC. In the last part of the body, make a
comparative evaluation between BIMSTEC and SAARC. Conclude the answer by stressing the importance
of BIMSTEC and suggesting a way to make it more effective and relevant.
BIMSTEC is a multilateral regional organization established to accelerate shared growth and cooperation
between littoral and adjacent countries in the Bay of Bengal region. Acting as a link between South and
South-East Asia, it provides a confluence of Act East and neighborhood first and act east policy.
1. Neighbourhood first-
a. In line with Neighborhood first policy, BIMSTEC calls for deepening mutual cooperation
across various fields in the region. Eg: In the 5th BIMSTEC summit Mutual Legal
Assistance in criminal matters, diplomatic training etc.
b. BIMSTEC promotes neighborhood integration by fostering better connectivity. Eg:
recently BIMSTEC has adopted “Master Plan for Transport Connectivity”.
c. BIMSTEC aims for strengthening the infrastructure for disaster management. Eg: In the
Colombo summit, disaster management has been identified as part of the core seven
pillars of BIMSTEC.

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2. Act East-
a. BIMSTEC compliments India’s act East policy by creating a bridge between South Asia
and South East Asia. Eg: Thailand and Myanmar are members of ASEAN which is central
to India’s Act East policy.
b. BIMSTEC is instrumental in the development of the North East region of India. A better
developed, integrated and prosperous North East is at heart of India’s Act East policy.
c. BIMSTEC provides for a well-formed security architecture in the region with counter-
terrorism and energy security at its core. Eg: in the Colombo summit India has been
made responsible as the security pillar of the region.
d. BIMSTEC gives India an opportunity to become a developmental partner of the
countries in South and South East Asia, thus limiting the presence and hegemony of
China in the region.
The importance of BIMSTEC can be seen as:

1. BIMSTEC is home to 23% of the world population, with a collective economy of USD 3 trillion.
2. It links three important sub-regions and bring India’s strategic peripheries under a single
grouping viz. Himalayan, Bay of Bengal and Mekong sub region.
3. With the absence of Pakistan, BIMSTEC provides opportunity for India to fasten the regional
development and integration.
4. BIMSTEC can address India’s growing energy requirements. Eg: India is exploring energy
opportunities at Rakhine coast of Myanmar.
The position of BIMSTEC vis-a-vis SAARC can be evaluated as:

SAARC BIMSTEC
1. Intergovernmental organization of 1. Regional multilateral organization of littoral states of
8 countries in South Asia. Bay of Bengal for Technical and Economic
2. The progress of SAARC has been Cooperation.
stalled due to obstructionist 2. BIMSTEC has been relatively successful in carrying
approach of Pakistan. Eg: After the out developmental functions. Eg: BIMSTEC business
2016 Uri attack, SAARC’s progress council and BIMSTEC energy sector have been
has been limited. established in India.
3. Lacks a coherent strategy to give 3. Prioritized seven pillars to ensure a focused approach.
expression to its stated objectives. 4. Proactive role towards countering transnational
4. Limited success in countering the
crimes. Eg: BIMSTEC Joint Working Group on
menace of terrorism.
Terrorism and Transnational Crime.
5. Formed as a group to limit the
5. Formed with the positive notion of cooperation
influence of India in the region.
between countries.
BIMSTEC aims to integrate South Asia and South East Asia in a prosperous and developmental
partnership. However, there is a need for enhancing people to people ties through tourism, education
and cultural linkages in order to make BIMSTEC successful in attaining its objectives. (550 words)
Q.10) India-US relationship is a strategic partnership based on convergence of interests and shared
value; a partnership, mature enough to accommodate divergence in worldview of both the countries.
Discuss.
Approach: Introduce the answer by defining the India-US relationship. In the first part of the body, discuss
in detail the areas of convergence in the Indo-US relationship. Back your answer with examples. In the next
part of the body, discuss in detail the areas of divergence in the relationship, with the help of examples. In
the last part of the body, discuss how despite differences India and US continue to engage in a robust

Page 11 of 12
partnership. Conclude the answer by stressing the importance of a strong people to people ties in addition
to cooperation on economic and strategic matters.
India and the US as the world’s largest and oldest democracies share a “global strategic partnership”
based on shared values and increasing convergence of interests on bilateral, regional and global issues.
The deep mutual cooperation and trust has made the relationship mature enough to accommodate
divergences of the two countries in their world view.
The US-India partnership is based on convergence of interests and shared values that can be seen
through following points:
1. Defence cooperation such as DTTI, LEMOA (Logistics exchange memorandum of agreement),
COMCASA (communications, compatibility and security agreement), etc., to promote peace
and stability in Indo-Pacific.
2. Clean energy- both countries have established a Joint Clean Energy Research and Development
Center (JCERDC) designed to promote clean energy innovations.
3. India and US have mutual interest in preserving a rules-based order, especially in Indo-Pacific
and checking the rise of a unilateral China. Eg: Both are members of Quadrilateral dialogue.
4. High technology and space-A India-US have shown rising convergence in the matters of high
technology. Eg: bilateral Joint Working Group on Civil Space Cooperation, civil nuclear deal etc.
5. India-US show convergence in shared values such as democracy, freedom, liberty, human-
rights etc. Also, the two countries bolster a strong people to people ties.
6. Counter terrorism- both countries are committed to extend cooperation on law enforcement,
information sharing, and increasing strategic convergence on counter terrorism. Eg: US-India
Counter Terrorism Joint Working Group.
However, divergences in India-US relations can be seen as:

1. Unilateral sanctions by the USA stands in dichotomy with India’s stated stance of strategic
autonomy. Eg: the threat of CAATSA by USA for buying Iranian oil or for purchasing S-400 air
defense system.
2. The two countries have divergences
in their response to the ongoing
Ukraine crisis. Eg: US President Joe
Biden termed India’s response as
shaky. Also, the formation of AUKUS
(example of Anglo-Saxon unity) may
have the effect of diminishing the
relevance quadrilateral dialogue.
3. The unilateral withdrawal of US
Figure 1: "+" stands for cordial relations; "-" reflects tense relations
from Afghanistan will have affect
India’s security in the region. Also, the policy of USA of differentiating between good Taliban and
bad Taliban goes against India’s interest.
4. Challenges to free movement of human resources are a cause for concern. Eg: Issue of H1-B
Visa by USA to Indian IT professionals.
5. Divergences over trade and commerce continue to exist. Eg: US terminating India’s benefit
under GSP, dispute in WTO over various subsidies etc.
6. India highlights poor transfer of technology and funds from western countries including USA to
mitigate the effects of Climate Change.
Despite some divergence, the common interests have kept the partnership strong:
1. Regular high-level engagement such as 2+2 dialogues have bolstered dialogue and mutual
cooperation.

Page 12 of 12
2. India-US cooperation during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis helped in containing the effects of the
pandemic.
3. India-US continue to exhibit strong global partnership through various groups. Eg:
Quadrilateral dialogue.
4. Strong cooperation between the two countries continue to exist in matters of climate and
environment. Eg: Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue (CAFMD)
The two countries are the world’s largest democracies, and both are committed to political freedom
protected by representative government. As India and the U.S. partnership grow closer, engaging in
economic and strategic parameters, it calls for a deeper engagement that goes beyond government and
entails strong people to people ties. (549 words)

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Impact of Sri Lankan economic crisis on India:

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