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General Studies 2021 GS Paper II 15 marks 250 words Compulsory Critically examine

GS Paper II — Q19

Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India? (Answer in 250 words) 15

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

एस० सी० ओ० के लक्ष्यों और उद्देश्यों का विश्लेषणात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए। भारत के लिए इसका क्या महत्व है? (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)

Q19 of the 2021 UPSC Mains General Studies GS Paper II, as printed
The question as printed in the 2021 General Studies paper
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Model answer

Written by UPSC Answer Check against this question's marking rubric, to the 250-word length. UPSC does not publish answers for Mains — this is one way to score well, not an official key.

Established in 2001, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) represents over 40% of the world’s population, founded on the "Shanghai Spirit" across three core pillars: security through the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), economic cooperation via trade facilitation and the proposed SCO Development Bank, and socio-cultural exchanges.

Critical Examination of Aims and Objectives While SCO successfully created a dialogue platform for Eurasian security, structural weaknesses hinder its objectives. Economically, integration remains limited due to China’s asymmetric dominance and non-tariff barriers, stalling the SCO Development Bank. Institutionally, consensus-based decision-making is often paralysed by bilateral frictions, notably India-Pakistan hostilities. Geopolitically, the grouping remains heavily skewed towards the Sino-Russian axis, frequently projecting an anti-Western posture that conflicts with members' multi-aligned foreign policies.

Strategic Importance for India Despite joining late in 2017, India derives significant strategic value from the forum. First, it anchors India’s "Connect Central Asia" policy, securing access to regional energy reserves (TAPI pipeline) and transit routes like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). Second, RATS provides vital intelligence-sharing and legal frameworks to combat cross-border terrorism, radicalisation, and drug trafficking, vital after attacks like Uri and Pulwama. Third, it offers a multilateral counterweight to manage China’s hegemony and resist projects violating territorial integrity like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). India has also stamped its imprint through constructive initiatives, including the SCO Startup Forum, Buddhist heritage diplomacy, and cooperation via the National Disaster Response Force and disaster management mechanisms.

Conclusion Ultimately, while SCO suffers from institutional paralysis and Chinese economic dominance, it remains an indispensable Eurasian platform for India to secure its continental backyard, maintain strategic autonomy, and pursue pragmatic multi-alignment.

What "Critically examine" is asking you to do

Test the proposition the question puts to you and return a finding on how far it holds. Examine stems carry a claim, or ask whether something has happened, and expect evidence weighed both ways before the extent is stated — often with remedial measures attached. “Critically” is not a section added at the end: name the yardstick you are judging by — the evidence, the stated objective, a constitutional principle, a rival explanation — and let a verdict close each part of the body. Where the question quotes a claim, that verdict must land on the claim itself, accepted, qualified or rejected, and not on the theme in general.

Structure that answers it

Restate the claim as the question frames it → evidence that supports it → evidence that undercuts it → the conditions under which it holds → verdict on how far it stands

Where marks are lost

Merits in one paragraph, demerits in the next, and a conclusion calling for a balanced and holistic approach. That is a survey with the judgement left out and it holds the answer in the middle band. The opposite error is reading “critically” as permission to attack — and with the odd pairings, critically describe or critically explain, the exposition still carries most of the marks, the judgement being a layer on it rather than a substitute for it.

All UPSC directive words, compared →

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

Framework: GS2 International Relations. critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment Full marks: Sharp critical analysis of SCO aims with specific India-centric strategic evaluation

Key points expected

  • Define SCO's core aims (security, connectivity, non-alignment)
  • Critically examine limitations (China dominance, institutional weakness)
  • Link SCO to India's 'Act East' or 'Neighbourhood First' policy
  • Conclude with a balanced judgment on India's strategic utility

Evaluation rubric

Each sub-part is marked on its own, against the marks and word limit printed on the paper.

  1. The answer Assess SCO's aims/objectives and evaluate its strategic value for India. 15 marks · 250 words

    critique— the claim → its strengths → its weaknesses → your judgment

    Must cover

    • Define SCO's core aims (security, connectivity, non-alignment)
    • Critically examine limitations (China dominance, institutional weakness)
    • Link SCO to India's 'Act East' or 'Neighbourhood First' policy
    • Conclude with a balanced judgment on India's strategic utility

    Loses marks

    • Reciting SCO history without critical analysis
    • Ignoring the 'critical' aspect of the command word
    • Failing to link SCO specifically to India's interests

    Earns more

    • Mention specific India-SCO initiatives (e.g., border trade, counter-terrorism)
    • Reference the 2017 India accession as a strategic shift
    • Discuss SCO as a counter to Western-dominated forums
    • Highlight energy security or connectivity benefits for India

    Extra mark

    • Cite specific SCO summit outcomes relevant to India
    • Reference specific connectivity projects (e.g., Chabahar-SCO link)

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