UPSC Mains 2022 GS2 Q10 — International Groupings
Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation? (Answer in 150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Do you thinkWhat areHow are
- Scope keywords
- BIMSTECparallel organisationSAARCsimilarities and dissimilaritiesIndian foreign policy objectives
- Implicit sub-parts
- Critically evaluate if BIMSTEC is a 'replacement' or a 'complementary' body to SAARC.
- Explain the 'Bay of Bengal' vs 'South Asia' regional logic.
- Analyze India's shift from 'Neighborhood First' (SAARC) to 'Act East' (BIMSTEC) due to regional roadblocks.
- Identify specific strategic objectives like connectivity, counter-terrorism, and bypassing Pakistan's veto.
- Common pitfalls
- Spending too much time on the history of SAARC's failure instead of comparing current structures.
- Failing to mention the geographical bridge aspect (connecting South Asia to Southeast Asia).
- Treating the 'parallel' nature as purely negative rather than a strategic pivot.
- Ignoring the 'Look East' and 'Act East' policy linkage which is central to the third part of the question.
- Dimensions required
- GeopoliticalComparative-InstitutionalStrategic/SecurityEconomic-Regionalism
- Marks allocation hint
Spend 20 words on the introductory stance regarding the parallel nature. Dedicate 60 words to a crisp table or bulleted comparison of similarities and differences. Use the remaining 70 words to link BIMSTEC specifically to India's Act East policy, security in the Bay of Bengal, and regional leadership.
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