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MAINS 2015
GS2
12.5 marks

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.

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9 min
200 words
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What the examiner wants

Discuss whether Project Mausam, a cultural initiative, also has a strategic purpose.

DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1What it is: Ministry of Culture project (2014), IGNCA nodal; revives Indian Ocean maritime and cultural routes driven by monsoon winds; transnational World Heritage nomination≈35 words
  2. 2Cultural-diplomatic: shared heritage with East Africa, Gulf, South and Southeast Asia≈35 words
  3. 3Strategic: counter-narrative to China's Maritime Silk Road (2013), supports SAGAR, Act East, port and naval partnerships≈35 words
  4. 4Limits: low funding, slow progress≈35 words

Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.

Answer plan

Project explainedCultural aimsStrategic linkagesLimitsConclusion

Where marks usually go

  • Not explaining what Project Mausam is
  • Missing the China context

Draw this

  • Indian Ocean map showing monsoon trade routes and partner countries

Value addition

  • PolicySAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) was announced in Mauritius in March 2015.PM's speech, Mauritius, 2015
  • ContextChina announced the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road in 2013, part of the Belt and Road Initiative.Government of China, 2013