UPSC Mains 2023 GS2 Q19 — NATO and India
‘The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well for India.’ What is your opinion about this statement ? Give reasons and examples to support your answer. (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- What is your opinionGive reasonsexamples to support
- Scope keywords
- expansion and strengthening of NATOstronger US-Europe strategic partnershipworks well for India
- Implicit sub-parts
- The geopolitical advantages for India in a cohesive Western security architecture.
- The potential friction points or 'collateral damage' to India-Russia and India-China dynamics.
- Critical evaluation of whether this strengthens India's 'Strategic Autonomy' or forces a choice.
- Specific sectors of benefit: Defense technology, counter-terrorism, and Indo-Pacific stability.
- Common pitfalls
- Spending too much time on the history of the Russia-Ukraine war instead of focusing on India's interests.
- Adopting a one-sided 'pro-West' stance without acknowledging the risks to India's energy security and S-400 type defense dependencies.
- Failing to distinguish between NATO as a formal military alliance and the broader US-Europe 'strategic partnership'.
- Neglecting the impact of a strengthened NATO on the 'Eurasian' balance of power and India's 'Look North' or INSTC interests.
- Dimensions required
- Strategic/GeopoliticalSecurity & Counter-terrorismEconomic & TechnologicalDiplomatic (Strategic Autonomy)Regional (Indo-Pacific vs. Eurasia)
- Marks allocation hint
Dedicate 50 words to defining the shift in the US-Europe-NATO nexus. Use 100 words to argue the 'Pro' side (technology, balancing China). Use 75 words for the 'Con' or 'Nuance' side (Russia rift, focus diversion from Indo-Pacific). Conclude with 25 words on India's 'Multi-aligned' approach.
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