GS2 2022 Q9 10 marks 150 words International Relations

UPSC Mains 2022 GS2 Q9 — International Relations

‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India's role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. (Answer in 150 words)

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Question Decoded — examiner's intent

Directive verbs
Discuss
Scope keywords
India is an age-old friend of Sri LankaIndia's rolerecent crisis in Sri Lanka
Implicit sub-parts
  • Historical and cultural bedrock of the 'age-old' bilateral relationship.
  • Categorization of India's multi-pronged assistance (financial, humanitarian, energy) during the 2022 economic collapse.
  • Comparison of India's 'First Responder' approach versus other creditors like China.
  • Significance of India’s support for Sri Lanka's debt restructuring at the IMF.
Common pitfalls
  • Spending too many words on the history of Buddhism/Ashoka instead of the modern economic crisis.
  • Failing to mention specific mechanisms like the 'Neighborhood First' policy or Currency Swap agreements.
  • Neglecting the strategic 'Security and Growth for All in the Region' (SAGAR) dimension.
  • Writing a generic essay on Sri Lanka's internal politics without linking it back to India's specific interventions.
Dimensions required
Historical-CulturalEconomic-FinancialGeopolitical/StrategicHumanitarianDiplomatic
Marks allocation hint

Spend 30 words briefly validating the 'age-old friend' claim via civilizational links. Devote 90 words to the core of the answer: the specific $4 billion aid package, fuel/medicine supplies, and IMF debt mediation. Use the final 30 words to conclude on how this reinforces India's role as a reliable regional leader compared to 'debt-trap' alternatives.

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