Theme T121 · International Relations

Regional & multilateral groupings: SCO, BRICS, NDB/AIIB, BIMSTEC, SAARC

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What UPSC asks

UPSC asks SCO's aims and conflicts, BRICS as voice of the Global South, NDB vs AIIB, BIMSTEC vs SAARC, and SAARC's future given terror.

Prepare these

• SCO: RATS, India's interests, China–Pakistan factor
• BRICS: expansion, NDB, de-dollarisation debate
• AIIB vs NDB: membership, purpose
• BIMSTEC vs SAARC: similarities, differences, India's objectives
• SAARC paralysis

Answer writing

• Mandate → India's interest → challenges → way forward

Directive words in these PYQs: Explain (2), Do you think (1), Examine (1), Critically (1), Discuss (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.

Syllabus lines covered

• GS2-L18 — Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests

All 6 PYQs, newest first

1. GS2202610 marks · 150 wordsGS2-IR-04-M2026-S02

   “BRICS acts as a powerful counterweight in global governance, actively amplifying the voice and influence of the Global South.” Explain the role of BRICS in projecting itself as an alternative to other groupings

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2. GS2202310 marks · 150 wordsGS2-IR-04-M2023-Q09

   ‘Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO’ In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the the problems.

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3. GS2202210 marks · 150 wordsGS2-IR-04-M2022-Q10

   Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian Foreign Policy objectives realised by forming this new organisation?

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4. GS22021GS2-IR-04-M2021-S01

   Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India?

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5. GS22016GS2-IR-04-M2016-S01

   "Increasing crossborder terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of several memberstates by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation)." Explain with suitable examples.

   Also needs: T113 Pakistan & Afghanistan: terror, distrust, soft power, surgical strikes, ISAF withdrawalAlso needs: T163 Terrorism & external state/non-state actorsCopyReport a typo
6. GS22014GS2-IR-04-M2014-S01

   India has recently signed to become founding member of New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). How will the role of the two Banks be different? Discuss the strategic significance of these two Banks for India.

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