UPSC Mains 2020 GS2 Q20 — International Relations
What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals ? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- WhatDiscuss
- Scope keywords
- Indo-US defence dealsIndo-Russian defence dealsstabilityIndo-Pacific region
- Implicit sub-parts
- Comparison of the nature of technology transfer (GE engines vs S-400/Akash): qualitative vs quantitative edge.
- The strategic shift from buyer-seller (Russia) to co-production/co-development (US-iCET).
- How US deals specifically counter Chinese hegemony in the maritime domain compared to Russian deals.
- Limitations of Russia-centric defense in the context of the 'no-limits' Russia-China partnership.
- Risks of over-reliance on US deals, including CAATSA and policy flip-flops.
- Common pitfalls
- Listing all historical Indo-Russian deals like BrahMos without linking them to the 'stability' or 'Indo-Pacific' context.
- Ignoring the 'significance' aspect—focusing only on what the deals are rather than why the US deals are becoming more critical now.
- Failing to mention the 'China Factor' which is the primary driver for Indo-Pacific stability.
- Assuming US deals replace Russian ones entirely; failing to acknowledge India's strategic autonomy/diversification.
- Dimensions required
- Geopolitical (Power balance in South China Sea/IOR)Technological (Critical and Emerging Technology - iCET)Strategic (Countering the 'String of Pearls')Economic (Indigenization/Atmanirbhar Bharat via tech transfers)Diplomatic (Quad vs traditional non-alignment)
- Marks allocation hint
Dedicate 50 words to a comparative baseline of Russia vs US deals. Allocate 150 words to the core argument: how US tech and interoperability specifically enhance Indo-Pacific stability (e.g., maritime domain awareness). Use the final 50 words to address the necessity of balancing both partners to maintain strategic autonomy.
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