International Relations for UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam

International Relations (IR) plays a pivotal role in the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examination, specifically in the General Studies Paper II of the Mains exam and as part of “Current events of national and international importance” in the Prelims exam. A comprehensive understanding of global affairs is crucial for aspirants aiming to excel in the civil services examination. This article provides an overview of the International Relations segment of the UPSC exam, a strategic approach to tackle this section, and a list of recommended books along with comprehensive UPSC notes for International Relations.

International Relations

International Relations for UPSC

International Relations (IR) plays a crucial role in the UPSC Civil Service Mains exam, particularly in General Studies Paper-II. In the Prelims exam, IR is assessed under the “Current Events” category.

The IR topic encompasses various aspects such as:

Foreign policy of India
Bilateral relations
Regional cooperation

In the Preliminary round, IR typically consists of 2 to 3 questions. In the Mains stage, the IR section involves around 4 to 5 questions, totaling approximately 40-50 marks.

Effective preparation for IR involves studying:

The fundamental philosophy underlying international relations
The evolution of India’s foreign policy
Major global changes in recent decades and their impact on India

UPSC Syllabus for International Relations

India and its Neighborhood – Relations

Country	Relations
China	Border disputes, economic ties, BRI concerns, diplomatic dialogues
Pakistan	Border disputes, Kashmir issue, terrorism concerns, diplomatic relations
Myanmar	Economic ties, regional stability, Rohingya crisis
Bhutan	Bilateral ties, Friendship Treaty, border issues
Bangladesh	Water disputes, economic cooperation, regional stability
Sri Lanka	Fishermen issue, ethnic tensions, economic cooperation
Afghanistan	Regional stability, terrorism, strategic cooperation
Nepal	Fluctuating ties, economic cooperation, regional dynamics
Maldives	Geostrategic importance, recalibration of ties, FTA with China

Bilateral, Regional & Global Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India’s Interests

Grouping/Agreement	Description
SAARC	South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
BRICS	Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa
BBIN & BCIM	Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation & Bangladesh–China–India–Myanmar Forum for Regional Cooperation
BIMSTEC	Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
IBSA	India, Brazil, South Africa
ASEAN & RCEP	Association of Southeast Asian Nations & Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
SCO	Shanghai Cooperation Organization
Ashgabat Agreement	Multilateral transport agreement between Oman, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and India
FIPIC	Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation
IOR-ARC	Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation
Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC)	Initiative involving six Mekong region countries and six Indian Ocean littoral states
Raisina Dialogue	Multilateral conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics
Heart of Asia Conference	Regional security and economic cooperation initiative focusing on Afghanistan
East Asia Summit	Forum for strategic dialogue and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region
G-20	Group of Twenty major economies
Asian Development Bank	Regional development bank
National Security Summit	Forum for discussions on national security
Multilateral Nuclear Export Regulatory Regimes	Wassenaar Arrangement, MTCR, Australia Group
APEC	Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

Effect of Policies & Politics of Developed & Developing Countries on India’s Interests

Global Issues	Impact on India
One Belt One Road	Concerns about sovereignty, connectivity projects
Global Trade War	Trade implications, economic stability
Global Currency War	Exchange rate fluctuations, economic impact
Syrian Crisis	Diplomatic stance, refugee crisis
UN Reforms	Advocacy for India’s role in global governance
WTO Reforms	Trade negotiations, dispute resolutions
South China Sea Conflict	Regional stability, maritime concerns
Brexit	Economic relations with the UK, EU dynamics
Deglobalisation & Protectionism	Trade policies, sanctions, H-1B visa issues, climate agreements
OPEC Oil Prices Manipulation	Impact on India’s oil import bills

Indian Diaspora

Diaspora Aspect	Description
Spread of Indian Diaspora	Global presence of Indian communities
India’s Diaspora Policy & Initiatives	Government initiatives, OCI, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Know India Programme
Role played by Indian Diaspora	Cultural, economic, and diplomatic contributions
Issues Concerning the Diaspora	Dual nationality, remittances, and other challenges

Important International Institutions

Institution	Description
UN & its Agencies	United Nations and its specialized agencies and programs
WTO	World Trade Organization
World Bank	International financial institution for development
IMF	International Monetary Fund
World Economic Forum	Annual meeting of global political and business leaders
Commonwealth of Nations	Inter-governmental organization of countries with historical ties to the British Empire

International Relations UPSC Notes

India And Neighbourhood

Afghanistan

Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan: Delhi

Bangladesh

Ramna Kali Temple: Bangladesh
India-Bangladesh Commercial Railway Link Restored

China

China Builds Bridge across Pangong Lake
China’s New Border Law
Dalai Lama
India’s Trade with China
Developing Country Tag to China: WTO
China-Taiwan Issue
China’s New Sea-Road-Rail Link to Indian Ocean
China’s New Maritime Regulations for Foreign Ships

Nepal

New Bridge: India & Nepal

Pakistan

Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities: India-Pakistan
India-Pakistan Joint Protocol on Religious Pilgrimages 1974
Pakistan Violating Freedom of Air
Kulbhushan Jadhav Case
Provincial Status to Gilgit-Baltistan: Pakistan
Protests in Balochistan

Sri Lanka