Theme T116 · International Relations

Indo-Pacific, Quad, AUKUS & sea lanes: straits, South China Sea, trade shift

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What UPSC asks

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.

Prepare these

• 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

Answer writing

• Join geography (GS1) and IR (GS2) — a map sketch helps
• End with India's strategic autonomy

Directive words in these PYQs: Discuss (3), Examine (1), Assess (1), Mention (1), Comment (1), Elucidate (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.

Comes back later in

Later themes that take this one further.

On the map

Syllabus lines covered

• GS1-L10 — Salient features of world's physical geography.
• GS1-L11 — Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India)
• GS2-L17 — India and its neighborhood- relations.
• GS2-L18 — Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests

All 8 PYQs, newest first

1. GS1202615 marks · 250 wordsGS1-GEO-06-M2026-S01

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

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2. GS2202610 marks · 150 wordsGS2-IR-04-M2026-S01

   “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

   Also needs: T170 Maritime & coastal security: piracy, IMOCopyReport a typo
3. GS1202215 marks · 250 wordsGS1-GEO-03-M2022-Q16

   Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade.

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4. GS22021GS2-IR-04-M2021-S02

   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.

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5. GS22020GS2-IR-04-M2020-S01

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

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6. GS12016GS1-GEO-03-M2016-S01

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

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7. GS22014GS2-IR-01-M2014-S01

   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.

   Also needs: T114 China: BRI, CPEC, String of Pearls & economic leverageCopyReport a typo
8. GS22013GS2-IR-03-M2013-S01

   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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