PSIR Optional · Paper II · Section B: India and the World
India and the Nuclear Question Notes · PYQs · Solved Answers
Free notes, every previous year question and the solved answers for India and the Nuclear Question (Paper II, Section B: India and the World), arranged so you can read a topic and immediately see how UPSC has asked it. Syllabus: Changing perceptions and policy.
29
Solved answers
1991–2025
Years covered
31
Questions listed
3
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Paper II · Unit 07
India and the Nuclear Question notes
Topic-wise notes for this unit in syllabus order. Read a topic, then open its previous year questions below.
Free notes
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Previous year questions: India and the Nuclear Question
Every question UPSC has asked from this unit, year-wise, with a link to its solved answer.
Topic-wise question list
Year-wise question papers
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UPSC PSIR Optional Question Paper 2026
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2025
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2024
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2023
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2022
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2021
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2020
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2019
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2018
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2017
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2016
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2015
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2014
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2013
Solved answers
Solved PYQ answers: India and the Nuclear Question
Model answers to the previous year questions of this unit, newest exam year first.
PYQ Solutions
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India’s reluctance to perceive any ‘existential threat’ inevitably made the multilateral path to nuclear security a ‘default option’ until it decided to cross the nuclear Rubicon in 1998. Identify and analyse some of the major reasons behind this shift in India’s position on the nuclear question.
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Critically examine India’s persistent refusal to sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) despite being recognized as a de-facto nuclear power.
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“India’s Nuclear policy is deeply influenced by its cultural beliefs and the pragmatic approach of its foreign policy.” Discuss.
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Discuss the reasons behind India’s refusal to sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT).
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Examine the evolution of India’s role in the global nuclear order.
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Discuss the efficacy of India’s ‘no first use’ policy (nuclear weapons) in the context of the evolving strategic challenges from its neighbours.
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Given the recent developments in the region, do you think that there is a need to change India’s ‘No First Use (NFU)’ nuclear policy?
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The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has failed to achieve the ultimate objective of Global Nuclear Disarmament. Discuss the deficiency in the provision of NPT.
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Critically analyze India’s nuclear policy.
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Explain the socio-economic impacts of arms race and identify the obstacles In the way of disarmament.
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In 1998, India declared itself as a nuclear weapon state. India refuses to sign NPT and CTBT. What would be the implications for India’s nuclear policy in case it signs both the treaties?
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Is India’s nuclear doctrine a viable one? (150 words)
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“While India opposes NPT as discriminatory, it opposes CTBT on the ground of ineffectiveness.” Comment.
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In the context of developments on the nuclear weapons front in the neighbourhood, do you think that any change in India’s defence strategy is indicated?
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Give arguments in defence of India’s approach to Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
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Comment: India’s claim for acceptance as a nuclear power.
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Critically examine India’s objections to CTBT and NPT.
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Comment: India’s opposition to the Non-Proliferation Treaty: A realist paradigm.
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Explain India’s role in global disarmament.
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Comment: Peaceful Nuclear Explosions (PNE)
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Comment: Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
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Comment: Uses of nuclear energy.
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Analyse the barriers to arms control.
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Comment: China and Nuclear Weapons.
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Explain the differences between India and USA on the question of CTBT. Why has India decided to link CTBT with the elimination of nuclear weapon?
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Examine the issues raised in the context of renewal of NPT both by its advocates and its critics.
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Non-proliferation has now acquired the status of a vested interest with the nuclear weapon states which, in the name of political stability, are trying to perpetuate a global order which will preserve their hegemonic position. Discuss.
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Comment: NPT safeguards and Non-Nuclear Weapon States.
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Comment: Impact on nuclear weapons on international relations.
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