UPSC Mains 2023 GS2 Q9 — SCO and India
‘Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO’ In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the problems. (Answer in 150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- point out
- Scope keywords
- Virus of Conflictfunctioning of the SCOrole of Indiamitigating the problems
- Implicit sub-parts
- What specific 'conflicts' (bilateral and ideological) currently paralyze the SCO's mandate?
- How do these conflicts undermine the 'Shanghai Spirit' of mutual trust and cooperation?
- What unique diplomatic tools and strategic autonomy does India possess to bridge the divide?
- What concrete policy initiatives (e.g., SECURE, counter-terrorism, connectivity) has India proposed to steer the SCO back to its original charter?
- Common pitfalls
- Spending 100+ words describing the SCO's history and members rather than focusing on the 'virus' of current conflicts.
- Ignoring the specific India-China and India-Pakistan bilateral frictions as the primary source of the 'virus'.
- Failing to link India's role to its 2023 Presidency themes like 'SECURE' or its focus on the Global South.
- Vague suggestions of 'better communication' instead of mentioning specific mechanisms like RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure).
- Dimensions required
- Geopolitical (Bilateral tensions)Institutional (Effectiveness of SCO organs)Security (Counter-terrorism and radicalization)Diplomatic (India's balancing act between the West and Eurasia)Economic (Connectivity vs. Sovereignty)
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate approximately 40-50 words to identifying the 'Virus of Conflict' (Russia-Ukraine impact, India-China border issues, and Pakistan-sponsored terror). Devote the remaining 100 words to India's specific role, emphasizing constructive engagement, the SECURE pillars, and India's position as a 'voice of moderation' that prevents the SCO from becoming a purely anti-Western bloc.
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