US Geopolitical Turmoil and India’s Policy

QUESTION 01

In the contemporary global order, the India-US relationship is characterized by a 'strategic paradox' deepening defence integration coupled with intensifying economic and geopolitical friction. Examine how the geopolitical turmoil in the United States and its shift toward transactional diplomacy are testing India’s doctrine of Strategic Autonomy. Suggest a recalibrated approach for Indian foreign policy in 2026.

Question Understanding – Finding Information

Precise Syllabus Mapping: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. (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” → Analyse causes, nature, and implications with balanced judgement.
  • “Suggest” → Forward-looking, practical policy recommendations.

 

Focal points of the questions:

  • Explain the “strategic paradox” in India-US relations.
  • Analyse how US internal turmoil + transactional diplomacy test India’s Strategic Autonomy.
  • Suggest a recalibrated Indian foreign policy approach for 2026.

 

Dos & Don’ts

Do for Maximum Marks

  • Use terms like “multi-alignment”, “minilateralism”, “strategic hedging”
  • Write answer in the context of MEA doctrine: “India’s choices will be based on its national interest”
  • Maintain analytical neutrality
  • Balance cooperation and friction
  • Use current geopolitical vocabulary
  • Offer realistic policy suggestions

 

Don’t do these Common Mistakes

  • Don’t glorify or demonize the US
  • Don’t write Cold War–era Non-Alignment clichés
  • Don’t list agreements without analysis
  • Don’t suggest alliance-style commitments

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  • ✔ Question Understanding: Finding Information
  • ✔ Answer Writing Structure
  • ✔ Dos & Don’ts
  • ✔ Notes-Oriented Content for Writing Answers
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QUESTION 02

In the face of intensifying U.S. protectionism and its shifting geopolitical priorities in 2026, India's pursuit of 'strategic autonomy' faces a delicate balancing act. Critically analyse the challenges and opportunities for India’s foreign policy in this context.

Question Understanding – Finding Information

Precise Syllabus Mapping: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. (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:

  • Critically analyse → examine both challenges and opportunities, assess trade-offs, and present a balanced judgement (not a one-sided narrative).

 

Focal points of the questions:

  • S. protectionism (trade, technology, supply chains)
  • Shifting geopolitical priorities of the U.S. (China focus, transactional alliances)
  • India’s doctrine of Strategic Autonomy
  • Implications for India’s foreign policy choices

 

 

Dos & Don’ts

 Do for Maximum Marks

  • Use recent trends, not Cold War-era Non-Alignment alone.
  • Use contemporary relevance (2026)
  • Maintain balanced tone (neither pro-U.S. nor anti-U.S.)
  • Link foreign policy choices with domestic capacity
  • Use strategic vocabulary: leverage, autonomy, convergence, constraints
  • Write in structured paragraphs with headings

 

Don’t do these Common Mistakes

  • Don’t equate strategic autonomy with non-alignment mechanically
  • Don’t give only descriptive U.S.–India relations history
  • Don’t ignore economic & technological dimensions
  • Don’t use emotionally charged or ideological language
  • Don’t end without a way forward or judgement

Download Complete Answer Blueprint

  • ✔ Question Understanding: Finding Information
  • ✔ Answer Writing Structure
  • ✔ Dos & Don’ts
  • ✔ Notes-Oriented Content for Writing Answers
📄 Click Here to Download Complete Answer Blueprint

Need Personal Guidance?

Struggling to write high-scoring UPSC Mains answers for 10-mark (150 words) or 15-mark (250 words) questions?

🎯 Click Here to Book a Mentoring Session
Mains Practice
Author: Mains Practice