UPSC Mains 2019 GS2 Q9 — International Relations
‘The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.’ Comment.
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Comment
- Scope keywords
- India and Japanstrong contemporary relationshipglobal and strategic partnershipsignificance for Asiaworld as a whole
- Implicit sub-parts
- What specific 'contemporary' shifts (geopolitical and economic) have necessitated this upgrade in ties?
- How does the Indo-Japan partnership act as a stabilizer for the Asian security architecture (e.g., FOIP, South China Sea)?
- In what ways does this bilateral relationship influence global governance and multilateral forums (e.g., G4, G20, Supply Chain Resilience Initiative)?
- Common pitfalls
- Focusing too much on historical/cultural ties like Buddhism instead of 'contemporary' strategic imperatives.
- Ignoring the specific 'Global' aspect by only discussing bilateral trade or local investments.
- Failing to mention the China factor as the unspoken catalyst for this strategic alignment.
- Overlooking the 'Supply Chain' and 'Technological' dimensions which are central to the modern partnership.
- Dimensions required
- Geopolitical (Indo-Pacific focus)Economic (Investment and Supply Chain)Security (Defense technology and naval cooperation)Multilateral (Global governance reform)Technological (Digital Partnership and 5G)
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 30 words to the current strategic context and rationale for the partnership. Devote 50 words to the Asian dimension, specifically maritime security and connectivity. Use 50 words to address the global significance, including economic resilience and international reforms, leaving 20 words for a forward-looking conclusion.
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