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General Studies 2021 GS Paper II 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Examine

GS Paper II — Q9

"If the last few decades were of Asia's growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa's." In the light of this…

"If the last few decades were of Asia's growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa's." In the light of this statement, examine India's influence in Africa in recent years. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

"यदि विगत कुछ दशक एशिया के विकास की कहानी के रहे, तो परवर्ती कुछ दशक अफ्रीका के हो सकते हैं।" इस कथन के आलोक में, हाल के वर्षों में अफ्रीका में भारत के प्रभाव का परीक्षण कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)

Q9 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 150-word length. UPSC does not publish answers for Mains — this is one way to score well, not an official key.

As Africa emerges as the next global growth engine, India has transformed historical solidarity into a dynamic, consultative partnership.

Developmental and Economic Sway: Institutionalised through the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS), India has extended ~$12.5 billion in concessional Lines of Credit. Initiatives like ITEC capacity building, the Pan-African e-Network, and solar diplomacy via the International Solar Alliance (34 African members) anchor this non-prescriptive model.

Strategic and Soft Power: Bolstered by a 3-million-strong diaspora, cultural ties, pharmaceuticals, and IT presence, India offers a transparent alternative to China’s debt-heavy infrastructure and militarisation (e.g., Djibouti base), while scaling defence exports.

Limitations: However, Indian influence is constrained by chronic project implementation delays, trade imbalances, and private sector investments that lag substantially behind China's footprint.

Examining this trajectory, India’s enduring influence will depend on leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), securing critical mineral supply chains (cobalt, lithium), and championing climate finance for the continent.

What "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.

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

Stopping at description. An examination has to reach a finding, and “examine with justification” means the extent must be stated, not implied.

All UPSC directive words, compared →

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

Framework: GS2 International Relations. examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Comprehensive analysis of India's multi-dimensional engagement with specific examples and strategic context.

Key points expected

  • Contextualize Africa's emerging economic potential
  • Detail India's soft power initiatives (e.g., ICIPE, ICAI)
  • Analyze trade and investment linkages (e.g., IT, Pharma)
  • Address security or strategic dimensions (e.g., maritime security)

Evaluation rubric

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

  1. The answer Assess India's strategic and economic footprint in Africa in the context of the continent's rising global importance. 10 marks · 150 words

    examine— intro → how/why with reasoning → evidence → conclusion

    Must cover

    • Contextualize Africa's emerging economic potential
    • Detail India's soft power initiatives (e.g., ICIPE, ICAI)
    • Analyze trade and investment linkages (e.g., IT, Pharma)
    • Address security or strategic dimensions (e.g., maritime security)

    Loses marks

    • Generic statements without specific examples
    • Ignoring the 'recent years' aspect of the prompt
    • Focusing solely on history without current relevance

    Earns more

    • Mention specific summits (e.g., IBSA, India-Africa Forum)
    • Reference specific sectors (e.g., Oil, Mining, IT)
    • Compare India's approach with China's (BRI)
    • Mention specific African countries (e.g., Nigeria, Ethiopia)

    Extra mark

    • Cite specific data on trade volume or FDI
    • Reference specific policy documents (e.g., Africa Policy 2015)

Practice this exact question

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