100 International Relations Questions for UPSC Mains

International Relations (IR) is one of the most dynamic and high-scoring sections of UPSC Mains GS Paper II. The syllabus increasingly overlaps with current affairs, security, economy, climate diplomacy, ethics, and global governance. UPSC questions today demand analytical depth, multidimensional thinking, and India-centric perspectives rather than mere factual knowledge.

To help aspirants prepare effectively, this blog presents a carefully curated list of 100 International Relations questions, framed strictly in UPSC Mains answer-writing orientation. These questions are ideal for daily answer writing practice, sectional tests, and final revision.

A. India and Its Neighbourhood

1. India’s neighbourhood policy is crucial for regional stability. Examine.
2. Analyse the challenges and opportunities in India–Pakistan relations.
3. How has India–China border tension reshaped India’s foreign policy priorities?
4. Discuss the strategic importance of Nepal for India’s security interests.
5. Examine India–Bangladesh relations in the context of connectivity and trade.
6. Sri Lanka remains central to India’s Indian Ocean strategy. Discuss.
7. Evaluate India’s policy towards Myanmar amid political instability.
8. How does Bhutan remain a cornerstone of India’s neighbourhood diplomacy?
9. Discuss India–Afghanistan relations in the post-Taliban scenario.
10. Examine the role of SAARC in regional cooperation.
11. How has BIMSTEC emerged as an alternative regional platform for India?
12. Analyse the impact of China’s influence in South Asia on India’s diplomacy.
13. Discuss the significance of people-to-people ties in neighbourhood relations.
14. Examine border management challenges along India’s neighbourhood frontiers.
15. How does water diplomacy shape India’s relations with neighbours?
16. Analyse India–Maldives relations in the context of maritime security.
17. Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine today.
18. Evaluate India’s Act East Policy through its neighbourhood lens.
19. How has economic diplomacy strengthened India’s neighbourhood outreach?
20. Examine the role of cultural diplomacy in India’s regional engagement.
21. Discuss India’s response to political crises in neighbouring countries.
22. Analyse the strategic importance of the Siliguri Corridor.
23. How does neighbourhood instability affect India’s internal security?
24. Evaluate India’s neighbourhood first policy outcomes.
25. Discuss the future of regional integration in South Asia.

B. India and Major Powers

26. India–US relations have evolved into a comprehensive global partnership. Discuss.
27. Analyse India–Russia relations in a changing global order.
28. How does India balance relations with the US and Russia?
29. Examine the strategic dimensions of India–China relations.
30. Discuss the importance of India–EU relations in the 21st century.
31. Evaluate India–Japan relations as a pillar of Indo-Pacific stability.
32. How has defence cooperation strengthened India–France relations?
33. Examine India–UK relations in the post-Brexit era.
34. Discuss India’s engagement with Central Asian republics.
35. Analyse India–Africa relations as a development partnership.
36. How does West Asia remain vital for India’s energy security?
37. Examine India–Israel relations beyond defence cooperation.
38. Discuss India’s strategic partnership with Australia.
39. How does India manage relations with competing global powers?
40. Analyse India’s diplomatic outreach to Latin America.
41. Discuss the role of diaspora in India’s relations with major powers.
42. Examine India’s defence diplomacy with global partners.
43. How does technology cooperation shape India’s major power relations?
44. Evaluate India’s role in shaping multipolar world order.
45. Discuss India’s approach towards emerging middle powers.

C. International Organisations & Groupings

46. Examine India’s role in the United Nations system.
47. Discuss the need for reforms in the UN Security Council.
48. Evaluate India’s participation in G20 as a global agenda-setter.
49. How has BRICS evolved in a changing geopolitical landscape?
50. Examine the relevance of QUAD in Indo-Pacific security.
51. Discuss India’s role in Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
52. Analyse the effectiveness of WTO in global trade governance.
53. How does IMF and World Bank influence developing economies?
54. Examine India’s engagement with ASEAN.
55. Discuss the strategic relevance of IORA for India.
56. Evaluate India’s leadership role in Global South.
57. How does India use multilateral forums for national interest?
58. Examine the significance of plurilateral groupings in diplomacy.
59. Discuss India’s approach towards climate diplomacy at global forums.
60. Analyse India’s role in international peacekeeping operations.
61. How do regional trade blocs affect India’s economic diplomacy?
62. Examine India’s engagement with African Union.
63. Discuss the future of multilateralism in global governance.
64. Evaluate India’s role in international health diplomacy.
65. How does India leverage soft power in multilateral platforms?

D. Global Issues & Foreign Policy Challenges

66. Multipolarity is reshaping global power structures. Discuss.
67. Analyse the impact of Russia–Ukraine conflict on global politics.
68. How has Indo-Pacific emerged as the new strategic theatre?
69. Discuss the implications of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
70. Examine the role of economic sanctions in international relations.
71. How does energy geopolitics affect India’s foreign policy?
72. Analyse the impact of global supply chain disruptions.
73. Discuss cybersecurity as an emerging foreign policy challenge.
74. How does space diplomacy shape future international relations?
75. Examine the role of climate change in global geopolitics.
76. Discuss maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region.
77. How does terrorism influence international cooperation?
78. Analyse nuclear diplomacy in the contemporary world.
79. Discuss the relevance of non-alignment in present times.
80. How does trade protectionism affect global cooperation?
81. Examine migration as a global diplomatic issue.
82. Discuss the geopolitical implications of emerging technologies.
83. How does India address humanitarian crises abroad?
84. Analyse the role of international law in conflict resolution.
85. Discuss global governance challenges in the digital age.

E. Ethics, Soft Power & Future Outlook

86. Soft power is a critical component of India’s foreign policy. Examine.
87. Discuss the role of culture and heritage in diplomacy.
88. How does India use yoga and Ayurveda as diplomatic tools?
89. Examine ethical dimensions of foreign policy decision-making.
90. Discuss India’s vaccine diplomacy and its global impact.
91. How does public diplomacy influence foreign relations?
92. Analyse India’s approach to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
93. Discuss the role of media in shaping international perceptions.
94. How does leadership diplomacy affect bilateral relations?
95. Examine India’s moral leadership in global affairs.
96. Discuss the future of India’s foreign policy priorities.
97. How does strategic autonomy guide India’s diplomacy?
98. Examine the role of women in diplomacy and peace-building.
99. Discuss youth and education exchanges as diplomatic tools.
100. India’s foreign policy reflects continuity and change. Substantiate.