Recent developments in Indian Foreign policy: India’s position on the recent crisis in Afghanistan, Iraq and West Asia, growing relations with US and Israel; the vision of new world order.
- To what extent is India’s policy in regard to Afghanistan dictated by a vision of ‘Global South’, rather than compulsion? (2009)
- Can Israel be termed a ‘natural ally’ of India? (2010)
- To what extent is multi-lateralism a reality with regard to India’s ‘constructive strategic partnership’ with Central Asian states? (2011)
- Is it correct to conclude that the ‘Arab Street revolutions have radically altered the political power scenario of the West Asian countries? (2012)
- Examine the implications of turmoil in Iraq and West Asia for India’s security and foreign policy concerns. (2014)
- “Afghanistan is a litmus test for India’s ascendance as a regional and global power.” Discuss. (2014)
- 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. (2014)
- 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. (2015)
- Discuss the realistic foreign policy initiatives taken by India to balance its relations between Israel & the Arab world. (2015)
- Discuss the humanitarian role played by India in the crisis – stricken Gulf countries like Yemen and Iraq. (2015)
- Has the recent Indo-Israeli relationships given a new dynamics to India’s stand on Palestinian statehood? (2017)
- Do you think that India’s capacity building role in Afghanistan has shrunk the strategic space for Pakistan there? Discuss. (2018)
- The growing closeness between India and Israel will strengthen the cause of Palestine. Comment. (2019)
- Write a brief note on India’s interests in West Asia. (2019)
- How is the current standoff between the USA and Iran affecting India’s energy security? (2019)
- Evaluate India’s vision of a new world order. (2019)
- “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. (2020)
- Identify the key sectors of cooperation between India and Israel since 2014. Examine their significance in strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries. (2020)
- Critically examine the role of India in shaping the emerging world order. (2020)
- Discuss the five proposals made by India in the recent COP-26 conference held in Glasgow. (150 words) (2021)
- Write about the growing significance of QUAD. (150 words) (2021)
- How does the recent takeover of Afghanistan by Taliban impact India’s strategic interests? (150 words) (2021)
- How does India-Israel bilateral ties reflect the autonomy of India’s foreign policy choices? (2022)
- Discuss India’s vision of a New World order in the 21st century. (2022)
- Discuss the significance of “West Asia Quad” in the light of India’s ‘Look West’ policy. (2023)
- What are the challenges and limitations in India-Iran relations? (2023)
- What steps has India taken to regain its foothold in Afghanistan since the Taliban has taken over the country in August 2021? (2023)
- Discuss the rationale behind replacing the “Asia-Pacific” strategy with the new term “Indo-Pacific” strategy. (2024)
- Critically examine the continuity and change in India’s Palestine policy in the wake of the ongoing Israel-Hamas War. (2024)
- 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. (2025)
- For India, a multipolar world order would also mean a multipolar Asia. Comment. (2025)
- Answer in about 150 words: Discuss the three areas of security co-operation between India and Israel. (2026)[10 marks]
- India has recognised that West Asia is not a single contest, but a tangle of rivalries, bargains and anxieties. Comment. (2026)[15 marks]
Miscellaneous
- Comment: Russia’s policy towards Japan (1993)
- Comment: An oligopolistic global system (1994)
- Comment: US trade relations with Japan (1994)
- Comment: China’s “one China” policy. (1994)
- “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. (1997)
- Comment: Conventional arms Trade. (1998)
- Comment: China’s foreign policy towards Pakistan in the present context. (1999)
- Comment: Pan-Americanism. (2000)
- Comment: Potentials of Non-conventional energy sources. (2000)
Syllabus unit: Recent Developments in Indian Foreign Policy
PSIR Optional study material from LotusArise IAS
Two ways to prepare with us — the full self-study system, or just the notes you need right now.
| What you get | PSIR Mains Master Kit 2027 | PSIR Complete Notes (Store) |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 notes — Political Theory + Indian Government and Politics | Included | Included — Section A and Section B |
| Paper 2 notes — Comparative Politics and India and the World | Included | Included — Section A and Section B |
| Topic-wise PYQ bank | 1986–2026, with trend analysis and probables by Dec 2026 | 1991–2025 question papers, free with every notes pack |
| Practice question set for timed answer writing | ✅ Available now | ❌ |
| Answer toolkit — intros, conclusions, frameworks, thinker and example banks | By Dec 2026 | ❌ |
| Revision booklets for the last 60 days | ✅ Available now | ❌ |
| Format | Online articles + PDF | PDF download |
| Access | Valid until UPSC CSE Mains 2027 | Instant download after payment |
| Price | ₹1,770 (regular ₹5,000) | ₹1,180 for all four sections · ₹599 a paper · ₹354 a section |
| Best for | Aspirants who want the whole system in one place | Aspirants who want the notes now, in the parts they need |
