UPSC Mains 2025 GS2 Q19 — Energy Security
"Energy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India's foreign policy, and is linked with India's overarching influence in Middle Eastern countries." How would you integrate energy security with India's foreign policy trajectories in the coming years? (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- integrate
- Scope keywords
- Energy securitydominant kingpinIndia's foreign policyMiddle Eastern countriesforeign policy trajectoriescoming years
- Implicit sub-parts
- How has energy security traditionally anchored India's relationship with the Middle East?
- How is India's 'Link West' policy evolving from a buyer-seller relationship to a strategic partnership?
- What role will emerging clean energy transitions (Green Hydrogen, ISA) play in future foreign policy trajectories?
- How does India leverage its energy diplomacy to counter regional geopolitical rivalries and maritime security threats?
- Common pitfalls
- Focusing too much on the domestic energy mix instead of the foreign policy/diplomatic dimension.
- Ignoring the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy cooperation in the 'coming years' context.
- Over-discussing the Middle East while failing to address broader global 'trajectories' mentioned in the prompt.
- Treating the Middle East as a monolith without distinguishing between key partners like UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.
- Dimensions required
- GeopoliticalEconomic/StrategicTechnologicalEnvironmental (Energy Transition)Maritime/Security
- Marks allocation hint
Spend approximately 50 words establishing the historical 'kingpin' status of Middle Eastern oil. Dedicate 100 words to current and future strategic integration like Strategic Petroleum Reserves and the IMEC corridor. Use the final 100 words to discuss future trajectories involving Green Hydrogen, the International Solar Alliance, and diversification beyond the Middle East to ensure 15-mark depth.
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