UPSC Q & A : Important Questions regarding Foreign Policy of Modi Government

In this blog you are going to get info on some of the important questions that can be asked in the UPSC exams regarding Foreign Policy of Modi Government.

So here are the model answers to the questions which you can read or have a glance of for better information.

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UPSC Questions & Answers :

1) PM Modi’s foreign policy has aimed to position India as a major global player.” Critically analyze the key elements of this policy and evaluate its effectiveness in achieving this objective. (250 words)

PM Modi’s Foreign Policy: Aiming for Global Player Status

PM Modi’s foreign policy has been a deliberate endeavor to elevate India’s global stature. To achieve this, several key policy elements have been implemented :

• “Neighborhood First” policy: This focuses on strengthening regional ties, aiming for stability and cooperation within South Asia.
• “Act East” policy: This initiative seeks to deepen engagement with Southeast Asian nations, fostering economic and strategic partnerships.
• Strategic partnerships: Notably, with the US, Japan, and Australia, through the Quad, these alliances aim to balance regional power dynamics and advance shared interests.
• Multilateral engagement: Active participation in forums like the G20, UN, and BRICS has allowed India to advocate for its positions on global issues.
• Economic diplomacy: Initiatives like “Make in India” and trade promotion aim to attract foreign investment and boost domestic growth.

The effectiveness of this policy is a mixed assessment. India’s global visibility has undeniably increased, and relations with major powers have strengthened, yielding benefits in defense and economics. The Quad, despite its early stage, signals India’s strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific. Engagement with Africa and the Middle East has diversified partnerships, enhancing energy security and trade.

However, challenges persist. Strained relations with Pakistan and border tensions with China remain significant concerns. Balancing multiple partnerships without alienating any power requires delicate navigation. While economic diplomacy shows promise, its impact on domestic growth is debated.

Ultimately, Modi’s policy has successfully projected India’s influence on the world stage. Sustained progress, however, requires addressing regional tensions and ensuring tangible economic benefits for India’s domestic population.

Important Note :

I think the very important thing here for PM Modi’s Foreign Policy is that the very biggest Political party based on Hindu agenda has never gotten good amount of vote until Modi Government came in in 2014-15 in India. So, for the world this is the Indian Government which is a very stable one and this Government could take their own decisions by their own way so Foreign Affairs became this much easier for Modi Government due to good amount of votes it grabbed.

2) Discuss the significance of India’s strategic partnerships with the United States, Japan, and Australia in the context of the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)

Why the Quad & Indo-Pacific Partnerships Matter for India

1. Countering China’s Dominance

• Balances power in the Indo-Pacific as China expands militarily/economically.
• Deters unilateral actions (e.g., South China Sea disputes) through collective strength.

2. Upholding Rules-Based Order

• Ensures freedom of navigation (critical for India’s trade routes).
• Promotes UNCLOS and peaceful dispute resolution.
• Joint military drills (e.g., Malabar exercises) boost interoperability.

3. Economic Resilience

• Diversifies supply chains away from China (e.g., Quad’s Critical Tech Partnership).
• Japan’s investments in Indian infrastructure (bullet trains, Andaman ports).
• US-India tech collaboration (semiconductors, space).

4. Boosting India’s Regional Role

• Leverages India’s geographic centrality in Indian Ocean.
• Maritime security upgrades (e.g., US COMCASA agreement for real-time intel sharing).
• ASEAN engagement aligns with Quad goals (Act East Policy).

5. Democratic Solidarity

• Shared values (democracy, rule of law) counter authoritarian influence.
• Cooperation beyond security: Climate action, vaccine diplomacy, cyber norms.

6. Strategic Autonomy

• No formal military alliance → India retains policy flexibility.
• Parallel partnerships (e.g., Russia for defense, ASEAN for trade).

Key Takeaways for UPSC

• Quad = Force multiplier for India’s influence, not a NATO-like bloc.
• Economics + Security intertwined (e.g., infrastructure as counter to China’s BRI).
• Ethical angle: Balancing national interest with global cooperation (GS IV).

The Quad’s Significance: India’s Strategic Partnerships in the Indo-Pacific

3) Evaluate the successes and challenges of India’s engagement with its South Asian neighbors under the “Neighborhood First” policy. (200 words)

India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy has achieved notable successes but faces persistent challenges in fostering regional stability and cooperation.

Successes:

1. Economic Integration:
   • Bangladesh: Resolved maritime boundary disputes, boosted trade ($16B+ in 2023), and inaugurated cross-border rail/energy projects.
   • Nepal: Expanded infrastructure (e.g., Motihari-Amlekhgunj oil pipeline) and hydropower cooperation.
2. Diplomatic Gains:
   • Maldives: Despite recent tensions, India’s infrastructure aid (Greater Male Connectivity Project) and disaster relief strengthened ties.
   • Sri Lanka: $4B financial assistance during its 2022 economic crisis underscored India’s role as a reliable partner.
3. Security Collaboration:
   • Counterterrorism intelligence-sharing with Bangladesh and Bhutan.

Challenges:

1. China’s Influence:
   • Debt-trap diplomacy in Sri Lanka (Hambantota Port) and Nepal’s BRI projects undermine India’s outreach.
2. Political Volatility:
   • Anti-India sentiments in Maldives and Nepal, fueled by domestic politics.
3. Trade Barriers:
   • Non-tariff barriers with Bangladesh and Pakistan’s refusal to grant MFN status limit SAARC’s potential.

Way Forward:

India must adopt flexible diplomacy, accelerate connectivity projects (e.g., BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement), and leverage soft power (e.g., vaccine diplomacy) to counterbalance China. A “Neighbourhood First Plus” approach, integrating Southeast Asia, could enhance regional leverage.

Keywords: SAARC, BBIN, BRI, MFN, Vaccine Maitri.

Analysis Tips for UPSC:

• Data Point: Cite India’s $14B+ aid to neighbors since 2014 (MEA reports).
• Ethics Angle: Discuss non-reciprocity vs. humanitarian responsibility (GS IV).

4) “India’s growing engagement with the Middle East reflects a significant shift in its foreign policy priorities.” Discuss the factors driving this shift and its implications for India’s strategic interests. (250 words)

India’s deepening engagement with the Middle East marks a strategic recalibration, driven by energy security, economic diversification, and geopolitical balancing. This shift reflects a pragmatic departure from traditional non-alignment toward multi-vector diplomacy.

Drivers of the Shift:

1. Energy Security:
   • The Gulf meets 60% of India’s oil needs (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq). Long-term contracts (e.g., UAE’s 2023 strategic oil reserve deal) ensure stable supplies.
2. Economic Opportunities:
   • Trade surge: UAE is India’s 3rd-largest trade partner ($85 bn in 2023). The India-UAE CEPA (2022) aims to boost non-oil trade.
   • Diaspora dividends: 9 million Indians in the Gulf remit $50 bn annually (35% of total remittances).
3. Countering China & Pakistan:
   • Strategic partnerships with Israel (defense tech), UAE (FTA), and Saudi Arabia (infrastructure investments) reduce regional reliance on traditional adversaries.
4. Regional Stability:
   • Mediation roles (e.g., India’s balancing act in Iran-Saudi tensions) enhance its role as a credible stakeholder.

Strategic Implications:

1. Geopolitical Leverage:
   • I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-US) and India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)position India as a bridge between East and West.
2. Defense Modernization:
   • Israel’s arms exports ($2.5 bn since 2017, including Barak missiles) bolster India’s military edge.
3. Balancing Act:
   • Maintaining ties with Iran (Chabahar Port) while partnering with Arab states tests diplomatic agility.

Challenges:

• OPEC+ pricing volatility impacts energy bills.
• US sanctions on Iran complicate Chabahar’s development.

Conclusion:

The Middle East is now pivotal to India’s great power aspirations, blending energy, economics, and security. Success hinges on sustaining transactional flexibility while navigating rivalries (e.g., Iran-Gulf tensions).

5) Describe the role of multilateral forums in the Modi government’s foreign policy. How has India’s engagement in these forums impacted its global standing? (200 words)

Role of Multilateral Forums in Modi Government’s Foreign Policy (200 words)

Under Prime Minister Modi, India has leveraged multilateral forums to amplify its global influence, driven by the mantra of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (World as One Family).

Strategic Roles:

1. Voice of the Global South:
   • Championed developmental priorities at G20 (2023 presidency) through the inclusion of the African Union and initiatives like the Global Biofuels Alliance.
2. Balancing Power Dynamics:
   • In BRICS, India advocated for inclusive expansion (new members like UAE, Egypt) while resisting China’s dominance.
3. Climate Leadership:
   • Pushed for climate justice at COP26, launching the International Solar Alliance (ISA) with France.
4. Counterterrorism & Security:
   • At the UNSC (2021-22), India exposed Pakistan’s cross-border terrorism while proposing the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).

Impact on Global Standing:

• Soft Power: Vaccine Maitri (supplied 290M COVID doses) bolstered India’s image as a first responder.
• Economic Heft: G20 outcomes highlighted India’s ability to bridge North-South divides, attracting investments.
• Strategic Autonomy: Multi-alignment (e.g., engaging both QUAD and SCO) showcased diplomatic dexterity.

Challenges: Limited success in UNSC permanent membership bids and WTO deadlocks persist.

Conclusion: India’s proactive multilateralism has repositioned it as an indispensable global bridge-builder, though institutional reforms remain unfinished.

Keywords: G20, BRICS+, ISA, CCIT, Vaccine Diplomacy.
Mains Link: GS II (IR) – “India in multilateral institutions”; GS III – “Global groupings & India’s interests”.

6) “India’s engagement with Africa under Modi’s leadership has shifted from symbolism to substance.” Critically analyze this statement with examples. (15 marks) (Hint: Focus on lines of credit, Pan-African e-Network, COVID vaccine diplomacy, and infrastructure projects.)

Critical Analysis of India’s Africa Policy Under Modi (15 Marks)

Introduction

India’s engagement with Africa has evolved from rhetorical solidarity (post-colonial era) to pragmatic partnerships under Modi, emphasizing economic, strategic, and developmental cooperation. While tangible outcomes are visible, challenges like implementation delays and Chinese competition persist.

Shift from Symbolism to Substance

1. Economic & Developmental Partnerships

• Lines of Credit (LoCs):
  • India extended $12.26 billion (2015-2023) for infrastructure, agriculture, and renewable energy (e.g., solar projects in Niger, sugarcane farms in Ethiopia).
  • Impact: Enabled 197 projects across 40 African nations, but slow disbursement (only 65% utilized by 2023) raises efficiency concerns.
• Pan-African e-Network:
  • Expanded to provide telemedicine and education to 48 countries, benefiting 50,000+ students (2014-2024).
  • Limitation: Dependence on African partners’ digital infrastructure slowed scalability.

2. Health Diplomacy

• Vaccine Maitri: Supplied 25 million COVID vaccines to 42 African nations (2020-22), positioning India as a reliable partner.
• Africa-India Health Fund: Launched in 2023 ($10 million) for vaccine R&D and pharma collaborations.

3. Strategic & Security Ties

• Defense Cooperation:
  • Military training (e.g., India-Africa Defence Dialogue, 2022) and maritime security partnerships (e.g., anti-piracy ops with Mozambique).
• UNSC Outreach: Advocated for African priorities (e.g., Ethiopia’s debt relief, 2021).

4. Countering China’s Influence

• Project-First Approach: Focus on capacity-building (e.g., ITEC training for 40,000 Africans annually) vs. China’s debt-trap model.
• INSTC Integration: Linking Africa to India via Chabahar Port to bypass China’s BRI chokeholds.

Persistent Challenges

1. Implementation Gaps: Delays in LoC-funded projects (e.g., Kenya’s Jal Jeevan Mission faced bureaucratic hurdles).
2. China’s Dominance: Africa’s trade with China (254billionin2023)dwarfsIndia’s(254billionin2023)dwarfsIndia’s(98 billion).
3. Resource Constraints: Limited capacity to match China’s infrastructure investments.

Conclusion

Modi’s Africa policy has indeed moved beyond symbolism, with targeted investments, health diplomacy, and security collaboration. However, to counter China and sustain influence, India must expedite project execution, leverage diaspora networks, and integrate Africa into its Indo-Pacific strategy.

Keywords: LoCs, Vaccine Maitri, ITEC, INSTC, BRI.
Mains Link: GS II (India-Africa Relations), GS III (Economic Diplomacy).

Answer Structure Tip:

• For 15 marks: Dedicate 3-4 lines each to economic, health, strategic aspects + 2-3 lines on challenges.
• Data Points: Use figures (e.g., $12.26B LoCs) for higher marks.

I hope you get something out of this UPSC related Questions & Answers, it is anyways good for GK also.

Best of Luck