Q.The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order.’ Elaborate.
How to approach: Identify every sub-question in the prompt, allocate dedicated sub-headings to each part, substantiate points with examples/data, and conclude with a forward-looking Way Forward.
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As a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), India historically championed the cause of newly independent, decolonized, and marginalized nations. It advocated for peaceful coexistence, anti-colonialism, and strategic autonomy to avoid alignment with either of the Cold War power blocs. These principles established India as a natural leader of the Global South.
Body
Historical Role as a Leader of Oppressed Nations
- Narrative Control: For the first four decades post-independence, India led the narratives of developing nations through platforms like NAM and the G-77.
- Voice for the Unheard: India was at the forefront of creating global spaces for developing regions whose voices went unheard in international forums.
- Strategic Autonomy: During the Cold War, India maintained its strategic autonomy and charted its own course in a bipolar world, even while leaning toward the Soviet Union for security and developmental needs.
Shift in India's Approach in the Emerging Global Order
- Focus on Economic Development: Economic growth has become the primary driver of India's foreign policy as it transitions toward becoming a leading global power.
- Pragmatic Summitry: This shift was evident as early as the 2006 NAM Summit in Havana, where India focused on anti-terrorism, nuclear disarmament, and energy security—issues vital to its own growth rather than traditional marginalized-nation priorities.
- Dilution of Climate Stance: While India historically supported the Global South in climate negotiations by insisting on "common but differentiated responsibilities" (CBDR), it adopted a more flexible, compromise-oriented stance during the Paris Agreement negotiations.
- Regional Friction: India's neighborhood policy has occasionally caused friction. For instance, its perceived interference in Nepal's internal affairs and its policy of boycotting Pakistan within SAARC have impacted regional integration and delayed developmental projects in smaller neighboring states.
- Alignment with Major Powers: India's active involvement in the QUAD and its focus on Indo-Pacific security demonstrate a shift toward aligning with major democratic powers to counter China, prioritizing regional security over traditional NAM solidarity.
Conclusion
These developments indicate a transition in India's foreign policy from Idealism to Realism. India is increasingly prioritizing its national interests and its aspirations as an emerging global power, moving away from its historical role as the exclusive spokesperson for the oppressed and marginalized nations.
Question Specifications, Marking Rubric & Syllabus Mapping
| Examination & Year | UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination 2019 (Question 3) |
|---|---|
| Paper & Syllabus Topic | General Studies Paper II — Polity, Governance, Social Justice & IR → International Relations & Bilateral Groupings |
| Marks, Word Limit & Ideal Time | 10 Marks • 150 Words • Ideal Writing Time: 7–8 Minutes |
| Directive Word & Core Demand | Analytical / Multi-Dimensional: Address all explicit sub-parts of the question with balanced arguments, factual illustrations, and a solution-oriented conclusion. |
| Recommended Structure Split | Intro: ~20–25 Words • Body: ~100 Words (3–4 dimensions) • Conclusion: ~20–25 Words |
| AI Practice & Evaluation Tools | Upload Handwritten Answer for 3-Min Vision AI Evaluation | Generate Custom Answer & Mind Map |
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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Mains 2019 GS2 (International Relations)
How should I structure the answer for this UPSC Mains 2019 GS Paper II question on International Relations?
This 2019 GS Paper II question carries 10 marks with a 150-word limit and uses the "Analytical / Multi-Dimensional" directive. Identify every sub-question in the prompt, allocate dedicated sub-headings to each part, substantiate points with examples/data, and conclude with a forward-looking Way Forward. Follow the ideal word split (Intro: ~20–25 Words • Body: ~100 Words (3–4 dimensions) • Conclusion: ~20–25 Words) and aim to finish within 7–8 Minutes.
Which UPSC Mains syllabus topic does this 2019 question belong to?
This question is part of General Studies Paper II — Polity, Governance, Social Justice & IR under the syllabus module "International Relations & Bilateral Groupings". You can explore all repeated questions from International Relations in Acme AI's 3D PYQ Realm or filter all International Relations PYQs on the Mains PYQ Directory.
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