International Relations and Geopolitics

International Relations and Geopolitics

🟢 Lite — Quick Review (1h–1d)

High-yield facts on India’s foreign relations and global geopolitics for XAT GK.

India’s Key Neighbourhood Relationships:

• With Pakistan: Indus Waters Treaty (1960) — still active despite conflicts; Kartarpur Corridor (2019); LOC ceasefire (2021)
• With China: Pangong Lake disengagement (2021); 5 WS at Galwan; trade dependency; border management via WMCC
• With Bangladesh: Land boundary agreement (1974 protocol implemented 2015); Ganges water sharing; BBIN cooperation
• With Sri Lanka: Indian Ocean dynamics; FTA; Buddhist tourism link
• With Nepal/Myanmar: Open borders (India-Nepal); fence Myanmar (controversial)

Major Global Groupings India is Part Of:

• G20: 19 countries + EU; India held 2023 Presidency (theme: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam); G20 Summit in New Delhi
• BRICS: Original: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa; 2024 expansion: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia (dedollarisation discussions)
• SAARC: Suspended since 2014 (India-Pakistan tension); BIMSTEC as alternative
• QUAD: India, USA, Japan, Australia — Indo-Pacific cooperation; Maritime security focus
• IORA: Indian Ocean Rim Association — 23 member states
• SCO: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation — India joined 2017 (Pakistan/China rivalry)

UN and Multilateral Institutions:

• UN Security Council: 5 permanent members (Veto power); India is 2023–24 non-permanent member (elected for 2-year term)
• India in UN: Founding member; 1945; IPS → NAM → current multilateral engagement
• World Trade Organization: TRIPS waiver discussion (COVID vaccines); dispute with USA/EU on tariffs
• IMF/World Bank: India a major beneficiary; recent credit rating upgrades

⚡ Exam tip: G20 2023 outcomes, BRICS expansion, QUAD’s significance in Indo-Pacific, and India’s position on Ukraine-Russia conflict are hot XAT topics.

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🟡 Standard — Regular Study (2d–2mo)

Understanding of India’s diplomatic history, trade relationships, and strategic outlook.

India’s Strategic Partnerships:

• USA: Major Defense Partner (2016); COMCASA, LEMOA, BECA (basic exchange agreements); NSA-level talks; iCET for space and tech
• Russia: Time-tested partnership; defence deals (S-400, despite US CAATSA); nuclear energy; rupee-ruble trade
• France: Rafale jets; nuclear reactor (Jaitapur); €100M credit for infrastructure
• Israel: Historic 1992 normalisation; defence cooperation; agriculture (MAF); cybersecurity
• Japan: Bullet train (Mumbai-Ahmedabad); JICA projects; Act East Forum

India’s Trade and Economic Partnerships:

• RCEP: India withdrew in 2019 citing farmer/industry concerns
• FTA negotiations: UK-India FTA (ongoing), EU-India FTA (resumed 2022), Canada, Australia
• GSP (Generalised System of Preferences): USA withdrew India’s GSP in 2019 (retaliatory)
• Rupee-Rial swap: India-Iran trade in rupees to bypass USD sanctions (pre-JCPOA)

Border Disputes and Territorial Issues:

• LAC (Line of Actual Control): India-China border (3,488 km); ongoing tensions post-Galwan
• LOC (Line of Control): India-Pakistan divided Kashmir
• Sir Creek: Maritime boundary dispute Gujarat-Sindh (UN ongoing)
• China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): India protests as violation of sovereignty (Kashmir)

Key Summits and Diplomatic Initiatives:

• Shanghai Cooperation Organisation: India’s membership (2017) vs. Pakistan’s role
• G4 Nations: India, Japan, Germany, Brazil — joint bid for UNSC permanent seat
• Colombo Security Conclave: India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh — maritime security

⚡ Exam tip: XAT values conceptual clarity over memorisation. Understand WHY India takes specific positions — non-alignment history, strategic autonomy, “Act East” vs “Neighborhood First”, and the rationale behind multi-alignment.

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🔴 Extended — Deep Study (3mo+)

In-depth study of global governance, India’s geopolitical rise, and contemporary world affairs.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict and India:

• India abstained on UNGA resolutions against Russia; maintained strategic autonomy
• Import of discounted Russian crude (India became 2nd largest importer 2023); refiners resold as refined products
• S-400 air defence system delivery (ongoing despite US CAATSA threat)
• Humanitarian evacuation: Operation Ganga (Indian nationals from Ukraine, 2022)

Taiwan and South China Sea:

• India’s Taiwan policy: “One China” acknowledged in 1950s but diplomatic ties only with PRC; Taiwan has trade office in Chennai
• South China Sea: India opposes militarisation; ONGC Videsh explorations (Vietnam side); freedom of navigation
• QUAD’s role in Indo-Pacific: balancing China

Climate Change and India:

• Paris Agreement (2015): NDCs — 45% emission intensity reduction by 2030 (from 2005)
• International Solar Alliance (ISA): Launched 2015 with France; headquarters in Gurugram
• Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): India-led global initiative
• Net Zero by 2070: PM Modi announcement at COP26 (with 500GW renewable target)

India’s Development Partnerships:

• Lines of Credit (LOC): India provides $3B+ to Africa through EXIM Bank
• ITEC: Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation — 160+ countries
• SAGAR: Security and Growth for All in the Region (Indian Ocean strategy)

Contemporary Flashpoints for XAT:

1. Ukraine-Russia war: Humanitarian, food security, global south impact
2. Gaza conflict (2023–2024): India’s voting position, humanitarian aid
3. Taliban takeover of Afghanistan (2021): India’s interests, regional security
4. Red Sea crisis (2024): Impact on global trade, India’s naval role
5. Brexit aftereffects: UK-India FTA negotiations

⚡ Exam tip: For international relations, focus on India’s bilateral relationships and its stance on global issues. XAT often picks questions from: India’s UNSC memberships, G20 presidency, BRICS expansion, QUAD, Ukraine-Russia conflict impacts, and climate finance debates. Read The Hindu and Indian Express international pages daily.

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