Examine the rationale behind India’s participation in bilateral and multilateral groupings. Analyse how contemporary geopolitical realignments have shaped India’s engagement with these forums.

Question Understanding – Finding Information

Precise Syllabus Mapping: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting. (GS Paper – II)

Marks and words limit:

• The marks-oriented approach to answering (10-mark, 150-word) questions in the question is to use Bullet Points (one idea per bullet point), Brainstorming, or a combination of both.
• The way to score good marks in questions worth (15 marks. 250 words) is to use the Heading and Subheading method while writing your answers.

Directive words:

• Examine → Probe the reasons and underlying logic
• Analyse → Critically assess influence of current geopolitical changes

Focal points of the questions:

• Rationale for India’s participation in bilateral and multilateral groupings
• Impact of contemporary geopolitical realignments on India’s engagement

Dos & Don’ts

Do for Maximum Marks

• Use Key terms: Strategic autonomy, Multi-alignment, Issue-based coalitions, Rules-based international order         
• Focus on rationale and strategy, not enumeration
• Link engagement to national interest & strategic autonomy
• Analyse impact of current geopolitical shifts
• Use neutral, diplomatic language
• Balance bilateral and multilateral dimensions
• Use examples only illustratively

Don’t do these Common Mistakes

• Do not list forums without explanation
• Avoid political or ideological bias
• Don’t write like GS-III trade answer
• Avoid excessive current affairs jargon
• Do not ignore geopolitical realignments part