← All questionsGS2 · 2023 · International Relations ·NATO Expansion and India's Interests
QUESTION 19
GS2
15 marks

‘The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well for India’ What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.

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11 min
250 words
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What the examiner wants

Give a reasoned opinion on whether a bigger NATO and a closer US–Europe partnership serve India's interests, with examples.

Give your opinionAnswer exactly what the question asks.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1Where it helps India: Western attention to Indo-Pacific security and rules-based order, deeper defence and technology ties (iCET, India–EU TTC), shared concern over China≈65 words
  2. 2Where it hurts: Russia drawn closer to China, Western focus diverted to Europe, sanctions and price shocks (oil, fertiliser), pressure on India's neutrality over Ukraine≈65 words
  3. 3Opinion: mixed; India gains from Western partnership but needs strategic autonomy and multi-alignment≈65 words

Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.

Answer plan

Opinion upfrontBenefits with examplesCosts with examplesHow India manages (multi-alignment)Conclusion

Where marks usually go

  • Describing NATO's history instead of India's interests
  • Not giving an opinion, though the question asks for one

Draw this

  • Balance sheet: gains for India / risks for India

Value addition

  • FactFinland (2023) and Sweden (2024) joined NATO after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, taking membership to 32.NATO
  • ExampleIndia raised Russian crude imports sharply after 2022 sanctions, showing how it balances Western ties with energy security.Ministry of Commerce trade data / MEA statements

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