Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests..
4. In the ongoing Sino-U.S feud, Australia and India need to convert their intent into action and capitalise on the innumerable opportunities available in different sectors. Examine. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will begin a six-day visit to Australia and the Philippines Thursday. His visit to the two countries till February 15 will be his first as the External Affairs Minister.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the potential opportunities for India and Australia to cooperate on and benefit from.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context about ongoing friction between U.S and China and its impact on global geopolitics especially India and Australia.
Body:
First, mention the key opportunities for India and Australia – India is currently Australia’s fifth largest export partner and presents a lucrative option for Australian exporters to diversify, strategic political benefits, both countries are federal democracies, former British colonies, India’s and Australia strong relationship with the US and new economic policies under taken by India etc.
Next, mention the limitations of the above – lack of significant action on the above, India’s withdrawal from RCEP, formation of AUKUS etc.
Next, mention ways in which the countries can realise the potential in bilateral relations.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
