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)
Model answer
Drafted with AI 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. How we build rubrics and answers.
(a) Developmental and economic influence: Through the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) process, India has extended over $12 billion in concessional Lines of Credit. ITEC capacity building, the Pan-African e-Network and solar diplomacy via the International Solar Alliance anchor a non-prescriptive model, while IT and pharmaceutical firms deepen trade.
(b) Strategic and soft power: A diaspora of about 3 million and cultural ties help India offer a transparent alternative to China's debt-heavy infrastructure model and military presence (e.g., Djibouti base), while defence exports and maritime security cooperation grow. Securing the African Union's permanent G20 membership during India's 2023 presidency underlined its Global South credibility.
(c) Limitations: Project delays, trade imbalances and private investment lagging far behind China constrain influence; leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and critical-mineral supply chains (cobalt, lithium) can help.
How this answer will be evaluated
Framework: GS2 International Relations
What earns full marks: Comprehensive analysis of India's multi-dimensional engagement with specific examples and strategic context.
Evaluation rubric
Each sub-part is marked on its own, against the marks and word limit printed on the paper.
- 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 and capacity-building initiatives (e.g., ITEC, Pan-African e-Network, AU's G20 membership)
- 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)
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.
Practice this exact question
Write your answer and it is marked point by point against the model answer above — what you covered, what you missed, what you got wrong.
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