India and Its Neighbourhood — PYQ Trend Intelligence

What the data shows

In the mapped 2013–2026 GS 2 dataset, 10 questions connect to india and its neighbourhood across 8 exam years. The highest observed count is 2 in 2024, 2013. These counts describe historical coverage, not the probability of a future exam question.

Method: topic hierarchy adapted from the supplied GS1–GS4 topic-map PDFs (2013–2025); questions are linked using MainsBuddy metadata term matching, restricted to GS2. Overlapping themes may include the same question. 2026 questions are mapped as a separate extension beyond the PDFs. Cross-topic matches may occur; these are provisional classifications, not verified question-level PDF mappings.

Questions by year

Answer-writing intelligence

Directives recorded for mapped questions include Discuss, Explain, Discuss; Should they be a concern. Compare how the demand changes across years: identify the directive, split the question into its components, and practise within the stated mark allocation.

Mapped previous year questions

1. 2024 · GS2 · 10 marks“The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.” Explain this statement with examples.
2. 2024 · GS2 · 15 marksDiscuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India’s maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition.
3. 2022 · GS2 · 10 marks‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in light of the preceding statement.
4. 2021 · GS2 · 10 marks“The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain.
5. 2017 · GS2 · 10 marks“China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia.” In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour.
6. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksIncreasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of several member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC. Explain with suitable examples.
7. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksTerrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India-Pakistan relations. To what extent could soft power like sports and cultural exchanges help generate goodwill? Discuss with suitable examples.
8. 2014 · GS2 · 12.5 marksWith respect to the South China Sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affirm the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight throughout the region. In this context, discuss bilateral issues between India and China.
9. 2013 · GS2 · 10 marksDiscuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India?
10. 2013 · GS2 · 10 marksIn respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy.