PSIR Optional · Paper II · Section B: India and the World
Recent Developments in Indian Foreign Policy Notes · PYQs · Solved Answers
Free notes, every previous year question and the solved answers for Recent Developments in Indian Foreign Policy (Paper II, Section B: India and the World), arranged so you can read a topic and immediately see how UPSC has asked it. Syllabus: India's position on the crises in Afghanistan, Iraq and West Asia; relations with the US and Israel; vision of a new world order.
41
Solved answers
1993–2026
Years covered
42
Questions listed
7
Free notes
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Free notes Previous year questions Solved answers All PSIR Optional units
Paper II · Unit 08
Recent Developments in Indian Foreign Policy 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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India and Central Asia
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India and West Asia: The Gulf, Look West and the Regional Tangle
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India in the Quad and the Indo-Pacific (PSIR Optional)
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India-Iran Relations and the Crises in Iraq and Yemen
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India-Israel Relations and the Palestine Question
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India’s Position on the Crisis in Afghanistan
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India’s Vision of a New World Order
Free practice
Previous year questions: Recent Developments in Indian Foreign Policy
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: Recent Developments in Indian Foreign Policy
Model answers to the previous year questions of this unit, newest exam year first.
PYQ Solutions
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Answer in about 150 words: Discuss the three areas of security co-operation between India and Israel.
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India has recognised that West Asia is not a single contest, but a tangle of rivalries, bargains and anxieties. Comment.
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Would you agree with the contention that India’s inclination to lean on a ‘more aggressive hyper-realist posture’ has gained a new momentum in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist strike? Comment.
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For India, a multipolar world order would also mean a multipolar Asia. Comment.
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Discuss the rationale behind replacing the “Asia-Pacific” strategy with the new term “Indo-Pacific” strategy.
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Critically examine the continuity and change in India’s Palestine policy in the wake of the ongoing Israel-Hamas War.
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Discuss the significance of “West Asia Quad” in the light of India’s ‘Look West’ policy.
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What are the challenges and limitations in India-Iran relations?
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What steps has India taken to regain its foothold in Afghanistan since the Taliban has taken over the country in August 2021?
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How does India-Israel bilateral ties reflect the autonomy of India’s foreign policy choices?
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Discuss India’s vision of a New World order in the 21st century.
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Discuss the five proposals made by India in the recent COP-26 conference held in Glasgow. (150 words)
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Write about the growing significance of QUAD. (150 words)
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How does the recent takeover of Afghanistan by Taliban impact India’s strategic interests? (150 words)
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“The war in Afghanistan is crucial from the point of view of India’s national security. If the Americans withdraw and Jihadis emerge with a sense of triumphalism, India will face increasing onslaught of terrorism.” Comment.
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Identify the key sectors of cooperation between India and Israel since 2014. Examine their significance in strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries.
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Critically examine the role of India in shaping the emerging world order.
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The growing closeness between India and Israel will strengthen the cause of Palestine. Comment.
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Write a brief note on India’s interests in West Asia.
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How is the current standoff between the USA and Iran affecting India’s energy security?
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Do you think that India’s capacity building role in Afghanistan has shrunk the strategic space for Pakistan there? Discuss.
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Has the recent Indo-Israeli relationships given a new dynamics to India’s stand on Palestinian statehood?
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Vision of a new world order has emerged as the major objective of India’s foreign policy. Discuss the policy initiative taken by India in this regard and the challenges faced by it.
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Discuss the realistic foreign policy initiatives taken by India to balance its relations between Israel & the Arab world.
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Discuss the humanitarian role played by India in the crisis – stricken Gulf countries like Yemen and Iraq.
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Examine the implications of turmoil in Iraq and West Asia for India’s security and foreign policy concerns.
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“Afghanistan is a litmus test for India’s ascendance as a regional and global power.” Discuss.
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In the history of foreign policy, seldom have relations between any two nations blossomed as fast as they have in the case of India and Israel. Discuss.
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Is it correct to conclude that the ‘Arab Street revolutions have radically altered the political power scenario of the West Asian countries?
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To what extent is multi-lateralism a reality with regard to India’s ‘constructive strategic partnership’ with Central Asian states?
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Can Israel be termed a ‘natural ally’ of India?
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To what extent is India’s policy in regard to Afghanistan dictated by a vision of ‘Global South’, rather than compulsion?
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Comment: Pan-Americanism.
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Comment: Potentials of Non-conventional energy sources.
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Comment: China’s foreign policy towards Pakistan in the present context.
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Comment: Conventional arms Trade.
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“It is not ideological differences but national interests and considerations of leadership in world affairs that are responsible for Sino-Russian schism.” Discuss this statement and show its impact on India.
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Comment: An oligopolistic global system
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Comment: US trade relations with Japan
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Comment: China’s “one China” policy.
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Comment: Russia’s policy towards Japan
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