International Relations for UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam
International Relations (IR) plays a pivotal role in the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examination, specifically in the General Studies Paper II of the Mains exam and as part of “Current events of national and international importance” in the Prelims exam. A comprehensive understanding of global affairs is crucial for aspirants aiming to excel in the civil services examination. This article provides an overview of the International Relations segment of the UPSC exam, a strategic approach to tackle this section, and a list of recommended books along with comprehensive UPSC notes for International Relations.
International Relations
- India And G7, India has Received Invitation to Attend G7 Summit
- G7 Countries List, Names, Members, History and Significance
- US Japan Security Collaboration, Goal and Focus Areas
- China-US Trade Dispute, Reasons, Mutual Concerns
- NATO Countries List 2024, Full Form, Map, Functions, Members
- India-Ukraine Relations, Key Areas, 10-Point Peace Formula
- China-Taiwan Conflict, Background, India’s Stance
- India-China Line of Actual Control (LAC), History, Origin
- India Bhutan Relations and NFP, Recent Developments
- International Day For Disarmament And Non-Proliferation Awareness 2024
- Raisina Dialogue 2024 in New Delhi, Theme, Participants
- India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), Map, Countries
- United Nations Security Council, Functions, Members, India and UNSC
- India-Greece Relations, Historical Background, Future Prospects
- Russia-Ukraine War, Russia Claims Full Control of Avdiivka
- India-UAE Relations, Challenges and Opportunities
- Geneva Conventions, Protects Rights of Non-Combatants During Armed Conflicts
- India-China Trade Relations, Border Disputes, Related Concerns
- Indo-France Relations, Areas Of Cooperation, Significance, Challenges
- India-Bangladesh Relations, Areas of Cooperation, Challenges
International Relations for UPSC
International Relations (IR) plays a crucial role in the UPSC Civil Service Mains exam, particularly in General Studies Paper-II. In the Prelims exam, IR is assessed under the “Current Events” category.
The IR topic encompasses various aspects such as:
- Foreign policy of India
- Bilateral relations
- Regional cooperation
In the Preliminary round, IR typically consists of 2 to 3 questions. In the Mains stage, the IR section involves around 4 to 5 questions, totaling approximately 40-50 marks.
Effective preparation for IR involves studying:
- The fundamental philosophy underlying international relations
- The evolution of India’s foreign policy
- Major global changes in recent decades and their impact on India
UPSC Syllabus for International Relations
India and its Neighborhood – Relations
Country | Relations |
China | Border disputes, economic ties, BRI concerns, diplomatic dialogues |
Pakistan | Border disputes, Kashmir issue, terrorism concerns, diplomatic relations |
Myanmar | Economic ties, regional stability, Rohingya crisis |
Bhutan | Bilateral ties, Friendship Treaty, border issues |
Bangladesh | Water disputes, economic cooperation, regional stability |
Sri Lanka | Fishermen issue, ethnic tensions, economic cooperation |
Afghanistan | Regional stability, terrorism, strategic cooperation |
Nepal | Fluctuating ties, economic cooperation, regional dynamics |
Maldives | Geostrategic importance, recalibration of ties, FTA with China |
Bilateral, Regional & Global Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India’s Interests
Grouping/Agreement | Description |
SAARC | South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation |
BRICS | Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa |
BBIN & BCIM | Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation & Bangladesh–China–India–Myanmar Forum for Regional Cooperation |
BIMSTEC | Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation |
IBSA | India, Brazil, South Africa |
ASEAN & RCEP | Association of Southeast Asian Nations & Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership |
SCO | Shanghai Cooperation Organization |
Ashgabat Agreement | Multilateral transport agreement between Oman, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and India |
FIPIC | Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation |
IOR-ARC | Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation |
Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) | Initiative involving six Mekong region countries and six Indian Ocean littoral states |
Raisina Dialogue | Multilateral conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics |
Heart of Asia Conference | Regional security and economic cooperation initiative focusing on Afghanistan |
East Asia Summit | Forum for strategic dialogue and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region |
G-20 | Group of Twenty major economies |
Asian Development Bank | Regional development bank |
National Security Summit | Forum for discussions on national security |
Multilateral Nuclear Export Regulatory Regimes | Wassenaar Arrangement, MTCR, Australia Group |
APEC | Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation |
Effect of Policies & Politics of Developed & Developing Countries on India’s Interests
Global Issues | Impact on India |
One Belt One Road | Concerns about sovereignty, connectivity projects |
Global Trade War | Trade implications, economic stability |
Global Currency War | Exchange rate fluctuations, economic impact |
Syrian Crisis | Diplomatic stance, refugee crisis |
UN Reforms | Advocacy for India’s role in global governance |
WTO Reforms | Trade negotiations, dispute resolutions |
South China Sea Conflict | Regional stability, maritime concerns |
Brexit | Economic relations with the UK, EU dynamics |
Deglobalisation & Protectionism | Trade policies, sanctions, H-1B visa issues, climate agreements |
OPEC Oil Prices Manipulation | Impact on India’s oil import bills |
Indian Diaspora
Diaspora Aspect | Description |
Spread of Indian Diaspora | Global presence of Indian communities |
India’s Diaspora Policy & Initiatives | Government initiatives, OCI, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Know India Programme |
Role played by Indian Diaspora | Cultural, economic, and diplomatic contributions |
Issues Concerning the Diaspora | Dual nationality, remittances, and other challenges |
Important International Institutions
Institution | Description |
UN & its Agencies | United Nations and its specialized agencies and programs |
WTO | World Trade Organization |
World Bank | International financial institution for development |
IMF | International Monetary Fund |
World Economic Forum | Annual meeting of global political and business leaders |
Commonwealth of Nations | Inter-governmental organization of countries with historical ties to the British Empire |
International Relations UPSC Notes
India And Neighbourhood
Afghanistan
- Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan: Delhi
Bangladesh
- Ramna Kali Temple: Bangladesh
- India-Bangladesh Commercial Railway Link Restored
China
- China Builds Bridge across Pangong Lake
- China’s New Border Law
- Dalai Lama
- India’s Trade with China
- Developing Country Tag to China: WTO
- China-Taiwan Issue
- China’s New Sea-Road-Rail Link to Indian Ocean
- China’s New Maritime Regulations for Foreign Ships
Nepal
- New Bridge: India & Nepal
Pakistan
- Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities: India-Pakistan
- India-Pakistan Joint Protocol on Religious Pilgrimages 1974
- Pakistan Violating Freedom of Air
- Kulbhushan Jadhav Case
- Provincial Status to Gilgit-Baltistan: Pakistan
- Protests in Balochistan
Sri Lanka
- Four Pronged Strategy on Sri Lanka Crisis
International Relations
US
- US Imposes New Sanctions on China
- East Asia
- American Sanctions Over North Korea
- Zen Garden – Kaizen Academy
South Asia
- Forum of the Election Management Bodies of South Asia (FEMBoSA)
- BHIM – UPI Launched in Bhutan
Important International Institutions
- Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
- United Nations Security Council
- Antonio Guterres: 2nd Term UN Secretary General
- Pledge to Stop Nuclear Proliferation: Permanent Five of UNSC
- Resolution 2593 on Taliban: UNSC
- UNITE Aware Platform
- Davos Summit: World Economic Forum
- RATS-SCO
- UNCLOS
- Humanitarian Trust Fund for Afghanistan: OIC
- IEA Invites India to be a Full-Time Member
- 13th BRICS Summit
- 6th Eastern Economic Forum
- FATF Retains Pakistan on Grey List
- G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting
- Build Back Better World (B3W) Initiative
Africa
- Mission Sagar
- Stand-Off on GERD
- Violence in South Africa
India-Central Asia
- India-Central Asia Summit
- 3rd India-Central Asia Dialogue
- CICA 6th Foreign Ministers Meeting
India-USA
- Homeland Security Dialogue between India and US
- Climate Action and Finance Mobilization Dialogue: India-US
- US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP)
- The America COMPETES Act
- Nuclear Submarine Alliance: AUKUS
Europe
- Russia-Ukraine Conflict
- Nord Stream Pipeline
- Global Gateway Plan: EU
- Renegotiation of BTIA: India-EU
- 4th India-Swiss Financial Dialogue
- One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG)
Multilateral Engagements
- Second ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting
- Connectivity Projects: India and Southeast Asia
- India Joins OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework Tax Deal
- Atlantic Charter
- Antarctic Treaty
Gulf Region
- Houthis Attack UAE
- India and Oman
- Enriched Uranium Stockpile by Iran
- CEPA: India-UAE
- India and Israel Relations
- Al-Aqsa Mosque & Sheikh Jarrah: Israel-Palestine
Indian Ocean Region
- Indian Ocean Naval Symposium
- India First Responder In Indian Ocean Region
- Indian Base in Mauritius’ Agalega Islands
Central America
- Chile Rewrites Its Constitution
- Protests in Cuba
Miscellaneous
- Indian Military Dependence on Russian Equipments
- Barbados: World’s Newest Republic
- Tax Inspectors Without Borders Programme
- New Quad
- India-Australia First 2+2 Dialogue
- Congressional Gold Medal
- Queen Ketevan’s Relics: Georgia
- Global Expansion of Nuclear Arsenal: SIPRI Report