GS2 2015 Q17 12 marks 200 words India-Africa Relations

UPSC Mains 2015 GS2 Q17 — India-Africa Relations

Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically examine. (Answer in 200 words)

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Question Decoded — examiner's intent

Directive verbs
Critically examine
Scope keywords
Increasing interest of India in Africaproscons
Implicit sub-parts
  • Drivers of India's heightened engagement in Africa (Why now?)
  • Positive outcomes/Pros for both India and African nations
  • Challenges, limitations, or risks (Cons) of this engagement
  • Assessment of the China factor and India's unique value proposition
Common pitfalls
  • Writing a generic essay on India-Africa history (Nehruvian era/NAM) instead of focusing on 'increasing interest' (current context)
  • Failing to mention the 'Cons' or challenges, making the answer one-sided and ignoring the 'critically' directive
  • Ignoring the African perspective by only focusing on what India gains, rather than the mutual benefits or local pushbacks
  • Omitting specific recent examples like the inclusion of African Union in G20 or ITEC initiatives
Dimensions required
Geopolitical/StrategicEconomic/TradeEnergy SecurityDevelopmental PartnershipDiaspora and Soft Power
Marks allocation hint

Devote 40 words to the rationale behind India's pivot. Spend 70 words on the 'pros' focusing on trade and global south leadership. Allocate 70 words to 'cons' including implementation delays and debt-trap competition. Use the final 20 words for a balanced forward-looking conclusion.

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