Here are some of the International Relations questions from the UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam for the last 10 years:

2023

1. What are the key features of the United States' Indo-Pacific strategy, and how does it impact India’s national security?


2. How has India’s role in the United Nations Security Council evolved since it became a non-permanent member?



2022

1. What is the significance of the ‘Indo-Pacific’ in India’s foreign policy? Discuss India’s engagement with key stakeholders in the region.


2. Critically examine the changing role of the United Nations in maintaining global peace and security in the 21st century.



2021

1. India’s foreign policy has focused on ‘Neighbourhood First’. How has this approach impacted India’s relations with its neighbors in South Asia?


2. Examine the role of BRICS in the global governance system.



2020

1. India's foreign policy has to balance between global concerns and national interests. Discuss the challenges and opportunities it faces in achieving this balance.


2. Critically examine the role of the United Nations in global peacekeeping and the reform agenda.



2019

1. Examine India’s relations with its neighboring countries in the South Asian region, and discuss the challenges in regional cooperation.


2. The concept of ‘Human Security’ is becoming more prominent in global governance. Discuss its implications in the context of India’s foreign policy.



2018

1. With reference to India’s foreign policy, analyze the importance of the Act East policy in the context of regional geopolitics.


2. Discuss the impact of the recent trends of populism and nationalism on international cooperation and global governance.



2017

1. In the context of the global order, examine India’s role in the United Nations.


2. What are the main factors influencing India’s relations with the United States in the current context?



2016

1. Critically analyze India’s ‘Look East’ policy and its transformation into the ‘Act East’ policy.


2. Discuss the significance of BRICS in the evolving international political and economic order.



2015

1. India’s role in international organizations is crucial for its global influence. Discuss India’s contributions to the United Nations.


2. Evaluate India’s foreign policy towards its neighboring countries, especially in the context of Pakistan and China.



2014

1. Discuss the importance of the ASEAN region in India’s foreign policy and its strategic relevance.


2. India’s engagement with Africa is vital for its foreign policy. Discuss India-Africa relations, highlighting key areas of cooperation.