Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Q4. “In a multipolar world, alignment is increasingly situational rather than structural”. Discuss this shift. Examine its impact on India’s external engagements. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: IE
Why the question
The evolving multipolar world and recent geopolitical crises have highlighted shifts in alliance patterns, making India’s foreign policy approach.Key Demand of the question
The question requires explaining the transition from fixed alliances to flexible, issue-based alignments in global politics. It further demands analysing how this shift affects India’s external engagements and diplomatic strategy.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly highlight the transition from Cold War bloc politics to a flexible multipolar order and its relevance to India.Body
- Nature of the shift: Explain how alignments have become issue-based and interest-driven rather than permanent.
- Impact on India’s external engagements: Show how this affects India’s diplomacy, partnerships and strategic choices.
Conclusion
Provide a forward-looking line on India’s need to balance flexibility with strategic clarity in a complex global order.
