{"id":26682,"date":"2026-07-02T11:15:35","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T05:45:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=26682"},"modified":"2026-07-02T11:15:35","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T05:45:35","slug":"upsc-mains-international-relations-pyqs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/upsc-mains-international-relations-pyqs\/","title":{"rendered":"UPSC Mains International Relations PYQs (2025-2013), Year-wise"},"content":{"rendered":"

UPSC Mains International Relations PYQs (2025-2013)<\/b> help candidates understand the pattern and trend of questions asked in the International Relations section of GS Paper II. Practising these year-wise questions improves conceptual understanding, analytical thinking, and answer-writing skills. They also highlight important topics such as India's foreign policy, bilateral relations, international organisations, and global developments. Regular practice of PYQs helps candidates prepare more effectively for the UPSC Mains examination.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

UPSC Mains International Relations PYQs (2025-2013)<\/b><\/h2>\r\n
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  1. \u201cThe reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved, because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs. Russo-Chinese alliance.\u201d Examine and critically evaluate the East-West policy confrontations in this regard. (Answer in 250 words) 2025<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  2. \u201cEnergy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India\u2019s foreign policy, and is linked with India\u2019s overarching influence in Middle Eastern countries.\u201d How would you integrate energy security with India\u2019s foreign policy trajectories in the coming years? (Answer in 250 words) 2025<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  3. India-Africa digital partnership is achieving mutual respect, co-development and long-term institutional partnerships. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words) 2025<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  4. \u201cWith the waning of globalization, post-Cold War world is becoming a site of sovereign nationalism.\u201d Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words) 2025<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  5. The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China's supply chain and as a strategically to counter China's political and econimic dominance.\u2019 Explain this statement with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 2024<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  6. Critically analyse India's evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics. (Answer in 150 words) 2024<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  7. \u2018Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security.\u2019 Evaluate the effectivencess of the United Nations Security Council's Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its associated bodies in addressing and mitigating this threat at the international level. (Answer in 250 words) 2024<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  8. Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India's maritime security and regional stabiltiy amidst international competition? (Answer in 250 words) 2024<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  9. \u2018Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO\u2019. In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating problems. 2023 (10 M)<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  10. Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India. 2023 (10 M)<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  11. \u2018The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well in India.\u2019 What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer. 2023 (15 M)<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  12. \u2018Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos\u2019. Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organization) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security. 2023 (15 M)<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  13. India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.\u2019 Discuss India\u2019s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. 2022 (10 M) 2022<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  14. Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organization like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organization? 2022 (10 M)<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  15. How will 12U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India\u2019s position in global politics? 2022 (15 M)<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  16. Clean energy is the order of the day. Describe briefly India\u2019s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. 2022 (15 M) 2021<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  17. \u201cIf the last few decades were of Asia\u2019s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa\u2019s.\u201d In the light of this statement, examine India\u2019s influence in Africa in recent years. 2021 (10M)<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  18. \u201cThe USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.\u201d Explain. 2021\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  19. Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India? 2021<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  20. The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China\u2019s ambitions in the IndoPacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario. 2021<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  21. What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. 2020<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  22. \u2018Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)\u2019 is the transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times \u2013 Discuss. 2020<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  23. \u201cThe incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone\u201d. In this context analyze the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. 2020<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  24. \u2018Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries\u2019. Comment with examples. 2020<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  25. Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the COVID- 19 pandemic. 2020<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  26. \u2018The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnerships that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.\u2019 Comment. 2019<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  27. \u2018Too little cash, too much politics, leave UNESCO fighting for life.\u2019 Discuss the statement in the light of the US\u2019 withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being \u2018anti-Israel bias\u2019. 2019<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  28. \u201cThe long sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its newfound role in the emerging global order.\u2019 Elaborate 2019<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  29. What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India\u2019s national self-esteem and ambitions\u2019. Explain with suitable examples. 2019<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  30. \u201cIndia\u2019s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.\u201d Discuss. 2018<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  31. A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India\u2019s joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018. 2018<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  32. Indian and the USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based. 2018<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  33. What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of \u2018Trade War\u2019, especially keeping in mind the interest of India? 2018<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  34. In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to its situation? 2018<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  35. \u2018China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia\u2019, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor. 2017<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  36. What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it. 2017<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  37. The question of India\u2019s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India\u2019s economic progress. Analyze India\u2019s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries. (250 words) 2017<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  38. Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries\u2019 economy and society. Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in South- East Asia in this context (250 words) 2017<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  39. \u201cThe broader aims and objectives of WTO are to manage and promote international trade in the era of globalization. But the Doha round of negotiations seems doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries.\u201d Discuss in the Indian perspective. 2016<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  40. Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India\u2019s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. 2016<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  41. \u201cIncreasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).\u201d Explain with suitable examples. 2016<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  42. What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of UNESCO? What is India\u2019s position on these? 2016<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  43. Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically examine. 2015<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  44. Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. 2015<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  45. Project `Mausam\u2019 is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian Government to improve relationships with its neighbors. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss. 2015<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  46. Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India-Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchanges could help generate goodwill between the two countries? Discuss with suitable examples. 2015<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  47. 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 ever flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China. 2014<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  48. The aim of Information Technology Agreements (ITAs) is to lower all taxes and tariffs on Information technology products by signatories to zero. What impact would such agreements have on India\u2019s interests? 2014<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  49. Some of the International funding agencies have special terms for economic participation stipulating a substantial component of the aid used for sourcing equipment from the leading countries. Discuss the merits of such terms and it, there exists a strong case not to accept such conditions in the Indian context. 2014<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  50. India has recently signed to become a founding member of the 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. 2014<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  51. WTO is an important international institution where decisions are taken to affect countries in a profound manner. What is the mandate of WTO and how binding are their decisions? Critically analyse India\u2019s stand on the latest round of talks on Food security. 2014<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  52. The proposed withdrawal of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 is fraught with major security implications for the countries of the region. Examine in light of the fact that India is faced with a plethora of challenges and needs to safeguard its own strategic interests. 2013<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  53. What do you understand by \u2018The String of Pearls\u2019? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this. 2013<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  54. Economic ties between India and Japan while growing in recent years are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints which are inhibiting this growth.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  55. The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split in society between the nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India? 2013<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  56. Discuss the political developments in the Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India? 2013<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  57. In respect of India \u2014 Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy. 2013<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  58. The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world\u2019s economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions and mandate are distinctly different. Elucidate. 2013<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

    How to Prepare Using UPSC Mains International Relations PYQs?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

    Practising <\/span>UPSC Mains International Relations PYQs <\/b>helps you identify important themes, strengthen concepts, and develop an effective answer-writing approach for GS Paper II.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

      \r\n\t
    • Solve Year-wise PYQs<\/b> to understand the changing pattern of UPSC questions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
    • Identify Frequently Asked Topics<\/b> such as <\/span>India's foreign policy, neighbourhood relations, global groupings, and international organisations<\/b>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
    • Link Current Affairs<\/b> with static International Relations concepts and recent global developments.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
    • Write Timed Answers<\/b> to improve speed, structure, and presentation.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
    • Analyse Model Answers<\/b> to learn how to frame balanced and analytical responses.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
    • Revise Important Themes<\/b> that appear repeatedly in previous years.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
    • Use Relevant Examples<\/b> from recent diplomatic initiatives, treaties, and international events.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
    • Focus on Keywords<\/b> mentioned in the questions to address the demand accurately.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
    • Evaluate Your Performance<\/b> regularly and work on improving weak areas.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
    • Practice Consistently<\/b> to build confidence and enhance answer-writing skills for UPSC Mains.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Practice UPSC Mains International Relations PYQs (2025-2013) with year-wise GS Paper II questions. Master IR trends, India’s foreign policy, global issues and improve answer writing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":26548,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[1632,1794],"class_list":{"0":"post-26682","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-upsc-cse-exam","8":"tag-upsc-mains","9":"tag-upsc-mains-international-relations-pyqs"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26682","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26682"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26682\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26688,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26682\/revisions\/26688"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26548"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26682"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26682"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26682"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}