UPSC 2026: Get Complete UPSC GS & Optional Notes

Browse My Notes

Get Complete UPSC Notes PDF

Indian Foreign Policy

Indian Foreign Policy

Critically analyze the different phases of India’s foreign policy since independence. How justified, do you think, is S. Jaishankar’s classification of the current phase as the phase of ‘energetic diplomacy’?
Indian Foreign Policy Recent Developments in Indian Foreign Policy

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.
Indian Foreign Policy

India maintains strong ties with countries that will assure a free and open Indo-Pacific and guarantee greater connectivity with rest of the world. Analyze.
India and the Global Centres of Power Indian Foreign Policy

India continues to invoke its time-tested policy of strategic autonomy vis-à-vis both the United States of America and Russia by rejecting US’ offer of mediation on Kashmir issue and by refusing to criticize Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. Comment.
Indian Foreign Policy Recent Developments in Indian Foreign Policy

For India, a multipolar world order would also mean a multipolar Asia. Comment.
Indian Foreign Policy

Would you concur with the view that of late, India’s foreign policy has been in a transition mode from Nehruvianism to Neoliberalism? Support your answer with the help of suitable examples.
Indian Foreign Policy

What are the external determinants of the Foreign Policy of a State?
Indian Foreign Policy

Explain the major features of India’s foreign policy in the 21st century.
Indian Foreign Policy

Critically examine the major factors responsible for a turnaround in the trajectory of India’s foreign policy in the post-cold war period.
Indian Foreign Policy

Discuss the role of public diplomacy in the enhancement of India’s global standing.
Indian Foreign Policy

Peaceful co-existence remains the cornerstone of India’s foreign policy. Comment.
Indian Foreign Policy

Explain the philosophical foundations of India’s foreign policy. (150 words)
Indian Foreign Policy

How do the constituent states influence the foreign policy making process in India?
Indian Foreign Policy

Describe the structure and function of the National Security Council of India. What role does it play in the formulation of Indian foreign policy.
Indian Foreign Policy

Examine the role of ‘parliamentary diplomacy’ in India’s foreign policy.
Indian Foreign Policy

How is India responding to the idea of Indo-Pacific?
Indian Foreign Policy

Examine the increasing significance of maritime security in India’s foreign policy.
Indian Foreign Policy

Do you agree with the view that the Indian Foreign Policy is increasingly being shaped by the Neoliberal outlook? Elaborate.
Indian Foreign Policy

“India is often said to have a rich strategic culture.” Discuss.
Indian Foreign Policy

“India’s current foreign policy marks significant qualitative shifts from that of the previous regimes.” Discuss.
Indian Foreign Policy

Discuss the role of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in promoting India’s soft power abroad.
Indian Foreign Policy

Examine the Indian National Movement and geographical location of India as determinants of India’s foreign policy.
Indian Foreign Policy

Which determinant factors play an important role in making India’s foreign policy? Illustrate with examples.
Indian Foreign Policy

The social structure of a country influences its foreign policy-making. How does the social structure of India impact the course and direction of its foreign policy?
Indian Foreign Policy

How does the Parliament determine and influence the making of India’s foreign policy?
Indian Foreign Policy

Economic interest has emerged as the main component of India’s foreign policy.’ Discuss the statement in the light of India’s initiatives to improve relations with China, Japan and the Central Asian republics.
Indian Foreign Policy

“Federal units are critical in the making of India’s foreign policy.” Examine this statement with reference to the role of West Bengal vis-a-vis Bangladesh.
Indian Foreign Policy

The Ministry of External Affairs is losing its importance in the making of India’s foreign policy with the parallel rise of the P.M.O. Explain.
Indian Foreign Policy

Identify the elements of change in India’s Foreign Policy. (150 words)
Indian Foreign Policy

The economic content of India’s Foreign trade is increasingly growing.’ Substantiate the statement with economic diplomatic engagements of India in the last decade. (200 words)
Indian Foreign Policy

What have been the main challenges to India’s foreign policy in the last two decades? Are these essentially ‘concerns’ with domestic politics or ‘strategic’ issues? (200 words)
Indian Foreign Policy

Comment on the essential elements of India’s foreign policy that are required to secure energy and security in the Indian Ocean region. (150 words)
Indian Foreign Policy

Assess the scope and importance of setting up the Public Diplomacy Division in the Ministry of External Affairs in strengthening India’s Foreign Policy.
Indian Foreign Policy

Explain the following statement and elucidate its implications: “India’s policy in post-Cold War era is tilted towards pragmatism and wisdom.”
Indian Foreign Policy

Explain the impact of coalition politics on India’s Foreign Policy since late 1990s.
Indian Foreign Policy

“Domestic problems and historic legacies, apart from other factors, constitute major strains on Indian foreign policy.” Discuss this statement with suitable examples.
Indian Foreign Policy

“India’s Foreign Policy could have matched with the fast-changing international system.” Discuss it.
Indian Foreign Policy

Comment: Pre-independence origins of India’s foreign policy.
Indian Foreign Policy

Evaluate the foreign policy of India with special reference to Pakistan and China in the present context.
Indian Foreign Policy

Present a critique of India’s foreign policy.
India and the World PSIR Optional

Strategic Autonomy, Multi-Alignment and India’s Contemporary Foreign Policy
ByLotusArise September 3, 2026October 1, 2026
India and the World PSIR Optional

Continuity and Change in Indian Foreign Policy
ByLotusArise September 3, 2026October 1, 2026
India and the World PSIR Optional

Informal Actors, Public Diplomacy and Soft Power in Indian Foreign Policy
ByLotusArise September 3, 2026October 1, 2026
PSIR Optional India and the World

Parliament, States and Democratic Accountability in Indian Foreign Policy
ByLotusArise September 3, 2026October 1, 2026
PSIR Optional India and the World

Institutions of Indian Foreign Policy Making: The Executive Core
ByLotusArise September 3, 2026September 3, 2026
PSIR Optional India and the World

Determinants of Indian Foreign Policy
ByLotusArise September 3, 2026October 1, 2026
India and the World PSIR Optional

Determinants of Foreign Policy: Concept and Framework
ByLotusArise September 3, 2026September 3, 2026
PSIR Optional PYQPs PSIR Optional

Indian Foreign Policy: PSIR Optional PYQs (Topic-wise)
ByLotusArise September 1, 2026October 1, 2026

End of Content

End of Content

Mains Master Kits & PYQ Master Packs

Two ways to score more in your Optional.

A Mains Master Kit gives you the complete notes, premium articles and PDFs for the whole syllabus. A PYQ Master Pack gives you model answers to every previous year question, topic by topic.

Mains Master Kit: syllabus-mapped notes, updated through the year
PYQ Master Pack: every question since 2013, solved the way toppers write
One-time payment · instant access · no subscription

Explore all kits & packs

PDF notes store

Trusted by 3,00,000+ aspirants every month · Secure checkout · UPI, cards, RuPay

Most enrolled this season

Geography Optional · PYQ solutions

Geography Optional 300+ Score Pack

₹1,770 ~~₹2,500~~ 29% off

Geography Optional · Self-study

Geography Optional Mains Master Kit 2027

₹1,770 ~~₹5,000~~ 65% off

History Optional · Self-study

History Optional Mains Master Kit 2027

₹1,770 ~~₹5,000~~ 65% off

Prefer PDFs? Browse notes on the store →