UPSC Mains 2015 GS2 Q19 — Project Mausam
Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian Government to improve relationship with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss. (Answer in 200 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Discuss
- Scope keywords
- Project ‘Mausam’unique foreign policy initiativeIndian Governmentimprove relationship with its neighboursstrategic dimension
- Implicit sub-parts
- What are the core cultural and historical objectives of Project Mausam?
- How does the project serve as a soft-power tool to counter extra-regional influences in the IOR?
- What are the specific strategic implications regarding maritime security and trade route dominance?
- In what ways does this initiative integrate with other policies like SAGAR and Act East?
- Common pitfalls
- Treating it purely as a cultural or archaeological project without addressing the 'Strategic' requirement of the prompt.
- Failing to mention the geographical extent beyond immediate neighbors (e.g., ignoring East Africa or Southeast Asia).
- Confusing Project Mausam with the Monsoon Mission (meteorology) instead of the trans-national maritime cultural project.
- Neglecting to mention the 'China factor' or the 'Maritime Silk Road' as the competitive context.
- Dimensions required
- GeopoliticalCultural Diplomacy (Soft Power)Maritime SecurityHistorical/Trans-nationalEconomic/Trade Connectivity
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 40-50 words to defining the project's cultural essence and connectivity goals. Devote the bulk (110-120 words) to the strategic dimension, specifically focusing on IOR security, countering the String of Pearls, and blue economy cooperation. Use the final 30-40 words for a forward-looking conclusion on its role in India's net security provider status.
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