UPSC Themes

UPSC CSE Mains 2026 · GS1 · 15 marks · 250 words

The centre of global trade is gradually shifting from the Atlantic region to the Indo-Pacific region. Examine this statement

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

Writing the answer

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

  1. GS2202610 marks

    “IPMDA (Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness) bridges the gap between India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and the Quad’s collective Indo-Pacific strategy.” Make a critical assessment of the statement focusing on IPMDA

  2. GS1202215 marks

    Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade.

  3. GS22021

    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.

  4. GS22020

    Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times Discuss.

  5. GS12016

    South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment.

  6. GS22014

    With respect to the South China sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affirm the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and over flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China.

  7. GS22013

    Economic ties between India and Japan while growing in the recent years are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints which are inhibiting this growth.

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