Topic– India and its bilateral relations
3) The India-U.S. relationship shouldn’t be allowed to define India’s geopolitical character, strategic future or the limits of its other bilateral relationships. Discuss in light of the recent 2+2 meeting between India and USA?(250 words)
Why this question
India USA 2+2 dialogue has just concluded, and the outcome of the summit needs to be prepared alongwith the overall direction in which India USA relation is heading, and the cautions that India should take going ahead. The article discusses these issues and hence needs to be analyzed in depth.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to highlight the outcomes of 2+2 dialogue, keeping in light how the outcomes of the summit affect the issues being faced in this bilateral relationship. We need to bring out the pros and cons of India making compromises to further its relations with USA. Our discussion should also yield the course of action that India should take.
Directive word
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Bring out the overall purpose of the 2+2 dialogue, the background in which it was held, and why the dialogue holds such crucial importance.
Body
- Discuss in brief the outcomes of the dialogue – expand their bilateral trade and economic partnership with a view to promoting investment and job creation, committed to work together on regional and global issues, including in bilateral, trilateral, and quadrilateral formats. The two sides further decided to establish secure communication between the Minister of External Affairs of India and the U.S. Secretary of State, and between the Minister of Defence of India and the U.S. Secretary of Defense, to help maintain regular high-level communication on emerging developments with a view to strengthen the Defense and Security Partnership etc
- Discuss the pros and cons of the outcome of the summit in light of the concerns highlighted in the linked article. For instance, discuss why India should have full independence in pursuing foreign policy keeping domestic imperatives in mind, discuss the issues in deepening defence relationship and the impact of COMCASA etc
- Give your view on the relationship in light of the special nature of the relationship, coupled with the geopolitical challenges being faced etc
Conclusion – Being out the cautions that India should exercise going forward in its bilateral relationship with USA.