QUESTION 2
GS3
10 marks
What are the challenges before the Indian economy when the world is moving away from free trade and multilateralism to protectionism and bilateralism? How can these challenges be met?
WRITE IN
7 min
150 words
What the examiner wants
Discuss the challenges for India as the world shifts from free trade and multilateralism to protectionism and bilateral deals, and how to meet them.
DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.
Demand-wise check
- 1Challenges: higher tariffs (US 2025), export slowdown, supply chain disruptions, WTO paralysis, carbon border taxes (EU CBAM), pressure in FTAs on agriculture and IP≈35 words
- 2Opportunities: China+1, bilateral FTAs (UAE, Australia, EFTA, UK)≈35 words
- 3Responses: export diversification, competitiveness (logistics, PLI), FTAs, rupee trade, domestic demand, WTO reform≈35 words
Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.
Answer plan
Shift in global tradeChallengesOpportunitiesStrategyConclusion
Where marks usually go
- No recent examples (CBAM, US tariffs)
- Only challenges, no way forward
Draw this
- Table: challenge → response
Value addition
- AgreementIndia–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement was signed in July 2025.Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- AgreementIndia–EFTA TEPA (2024) includes a commitment of USD 100 billion investment over 15 years.Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Shakti Dubey · AIR 1 · Page 23 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Mayank Purohit · AIR 33 · Page 3 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Aniket Ranjan · AIR 48 · Page 26 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Mayank Purohit · AIR 33 · Page 13 ↗Same syllabus reference
Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 7 minutes, then get it checked.