UPSC CSE Mains 2021 · GS2
The new tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario.
Theme
T116 Indo-Pacific, Quad, AUKUS & sea lanes: straits, South China Sea, trade shift
What UPSC asks in this theme
A cross-paper GS1–GS2 theme: global trade shifting to the Indo-Pacific, importance of straits and isthmuses, South China Sea geopolitics, India–China maritime issues, IPMDA bridging SAGAR and Quad, AUKUS, Quad's shift to trade, India–Japan ties, and Look/Act East.
What to cover
- Indo-Pacific concept and India's vision (SAGAR, IPOI)
- Chokepoints: Malacca, Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb; isthmuses and canals
- South China Sea disputes and UNCLOS
- Quad, IPMDA, AUKUS: purposes and overlaps
- Look East to Act East; ASEAN centrality
- India–Japan: investment, infrastructure, constraints
Writing the answer
- Join geography (GS1) and IR (GS2) — a map sketch helps
- End with India's strategic autonomy
These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 8 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.
On the map
Map module 1: Physical IndiaMap module 4: World physical frameworkMap module 10: Neighbourhood & sea routes
More PYQs from this theme
- GS1202615 marks
- GS2202610 marks
- GS1202215 marks
Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade.
- GS22020
- GS12016
South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment.
- GS22014
- GS22013
All 20 GS2 2021 questions · Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations · Report a typo