International Relations for UPSC: Indian

Perspective

A Comprehensive Guide for Civil Services Examination

Prepared for UPSC Aspirants

May 2025
Contents

1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2 India’s Foreign Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.1 Core Principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.2 Evolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.3 Strategic Autonomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3 Key Bilateral Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3.1 India-China . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.2 India-USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.3 India-Russia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.4 India-Pakistan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.5 Neighbouring Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

4 Multilateral Engagements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.1 Regional Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.2 Global Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

5 Global Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5.1 Climate Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5.2 Terrorism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5.3 UN Reforms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5.4 Global Trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

6 Role of Indian Diaspora . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

7 Preparation Strategy for UPSC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

8 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

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1 Introduction

International Relations (IR) is a pivotal subject for the UPSC Civil Services Examination,
forming a significant portion of General Studies Paper II (Mains) and current affairs in
Prelims. This book provides a detailed exploration of IR from an Indian perspective,
covering India’s foreign policy, bilateral and multilateral engagements, global issues, and
the role of the Indian diaspora. It is designed to equip UPSC aspirants with the knowledge
and analytical skills needed to excel in the exam, incorporating recent developments and
exam-oriented strategies.

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4 CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION
2 India’s Foreign Policy

2.1 Core Principles

India’s foreign policy is guided by principles established post-independence:
• Mutual Respect for Sovereignty: Upholding the autonomy of nations.
• Non-Aggression: Avoiding conflict with other countries.
• Non-Interference: Respecting internal affairs of other nations.
• Equality and Mutual Benefit: Promoting fair partnerships.
• Peaceful Co-Existence: Advocating global harmony.

2.2 Evolution
India’s foreign policy has undergone significant transformations:
• 1947–1991: Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to navigate Cold War dynamics, anti-
colonial stance, and leadership in the Global South.
• 1991–2014: Post-liberalization focus on economic diplomacy, Gujral Doctrine for
neighborly relations.
• 2014–Present: Proactive policies like Neighbourhood First, Act East, and SAGAR
(Security and Growth for All in the Region).

2.3 Strategic Autonomy

India maintains strategic autonomy by balancing relations with major powers (e.g., USA,
Russia, China) and avoiding entanglement in global conflicts, a key focus for UPSC
answers.

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6 CHAPTER 2. INDIA’S FOREIGN POLICY
3 Key Bilateral Relations

3.1 India-China
• Key Issues: Line of Actual Control (LAC) disputes (e.g., Galwan 2020), trade deficits,
and China’s regional influence via BRI.
• Cooperation: BRICS, SCO, and climate negotiations.
• UPSC Focus: India’s strategy to counter China’s assertiveness.

3.2 India-USA
• Strategic Ties: Quad, defense agreements (e.g., LEMOA, BECA), and 2+2 Dialogue.
• Economic Ties: Trade worth over $150 billion annually.
• UPSC Focus: Balancing Indo-U.S. ties with historical Indo-Russian relations.

3.3 India-Russia
• Defense Cooperation: S-400 missile system, joint military exercises.
• Challenges: Navigating U.S. sanctions (CAATSA) and Russia’s alignment with China.
• UPSC Focus: India’s multipolar foreign policy.

3.4 India-Pakistan
• Challenges: Cross-border terrorism, Kashmir issue, and stalled SAARC.
• Engagements: Limited dialogue through backchannels.
• UPSC Focus: Impact of terrorism on regional stability.

3.5 Neighbouring Countries

• Policies: Neighbourhood First and Act East for ties with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka,
Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Myanmar.
• Initiatives: BBIN connectivity, Kaladan Multi-Modal Project.
• UPSC Focus: India’s role in South Asian geopolitics.

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8 CHAPTER 3. KEY BILATERAL RELATIONS
4 Multilateral Engagements

4.1 Regional Organizations

• SAARC: Limited by India-Pakistan tensions; focus on cultural and economic ties.
• BIMSTEC: Bridges South and Southeast Asia, emphasizing trade and connectivity.
• ASEAN: Strengthened via Act East Policy, with $80 billion trade.

4.2 Global Organizations

• BRICS: Platform for economic and geopolitical cooperation.
• Quad: Strategic dialogue for Indo-Pacific security.
• SCO: Balancing India-China dynamics for regional stability.
• G20: India’s 2023 presidency highlighted Global South priorities.
• I2U2: Economic and technological cooperation with Israel, UAE, USA.

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10 CHAPTER 4. MULTILATERAL ENGAGEMENTS
5 Global Issues

5.1 Climate Change

India emphasizes Common but Differentiated Responsibilities:
• Commitments: 500 GW renewable energy by 2030, net-zero by 2070.
• UPSC Focus: India’s role in COP summits.

5.2 Terrorism
India advocates for a global counter-terrorism framework:
• Initiatives: Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
• UPSC Focus: Challenges from state-sponsored terrorism.

5.3 UN Reforms
India seeks a permanent UNSC seat:
• Support: G4 nations (India, Japan, Germany, Brazil).
• UPSC Focus: Obstacles from P5 and regional rivals.

5.4 Global Trade

India protects developing nations’ interests at WTO:
• Stance: Opposes inclusion of non-trade issues (e.g., labor standards).
• UPSC Focus: India’s role in stalled Doha Round.

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12 CHAPTER 5. GLOBAL ISSUES
6 Role of Indian Diaspora

The 32-million-strong Indian diaspora enhances India’s global influence:

• Political Impact: Indian-Americans in U.S. politics; leaders like Rishi Sunak.
• Economic Impact: $100 billion in remittances annually.
• UPSC Focus: Diaspora’s role in soft power projection.

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14 CHAPTER 6. ROLE OF INDIAN DIASPORA
7 Preparation Strategy for UPSC

• Sources:
– Newspapers: The Hindu, The Indian Express.
– Websites: Ministry of External Affairs, IDSA, ORF.
– Books: India’s Foreign Policy by Rajiv Sikri, Pax Indica by Shashi Tharoor.
• Answer Writing: Practice structuring answers with introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Current Affairs: Track summits (e.g., G20, Quad) and India’s bilateral visits.
• Revision: Use diagrams and flowcharts for quick recall of bilateral ties.

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16 CHAPTER 7. PREPARATION STRATEGY FOR UPSC
8 Conclusion

Mastering International Relations for UPSC requires a deep understanding of India’s

foreign policy, strategic engagements, and global challenges. By combining static knowl-
edge with dynamic updates from current affairs, aspirants can craft well-rounded answers.
This book aims to serve as a one-stop resource for UPSC preparation, guiding candidates
toward success.

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