UPSC Mains 2018 GS2 Q9 — International Relations
“India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Discuss
- Scope keywords
- India’s relations with Israelof lateacquired a depth and diversitycannot be rolled back
- Implicit sub-parts
- What specific shifts characterize the 'of late' transition from hyphenated or closeted relations to a strategic partnership?
- In what diverse sectors (beyond just defense) has the relationship expanded?
- What structural, geopolitical, and economic factors make this relationship irreversible or 'cannot be rolled back'?
- Common pitfalls
- Spending too much time on historical background (1948-1992) rather than focusing on the 'of late' (post-2014) shift.
- Limiting the answer only to defense and security, ignoring cooperation in water technology, agriculture, and innovation.
- Failing to address the 'cannot be rolled back' phrase, which requires explaining the institutionalization and de-hyphenation from the Palestine cause.
- Neglecting the impact of the Abraham Accords and I2U2 which provide a multilateral framework to the bilateral tie.
- Dimensions required
- Strategic/DefenseTechnological/AgriculturalGeopolitical (De-hyphenation)Economic/TradeDiaspora and Soft Power
- Marks allocation hint
Spend 30 words defining the 'de-hyphenation' policy as the catalyst. Dedicate 70 words to the 'depth and diversity' using examples like 3-year agriculture work plans and defense co-production. Use the final 50 words to justify the 'cannot be rolled back' claim by citing institutionalized ties and shared interests in regional stability.
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