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General Studies 2022 GS Paper II 15 marks 250 words Compulsory How

GS Paper II — Q19

How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India's position in global politics ? (Answer in 250 words) 15

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

I2U2 (भारत, इज़रायल, संयुक्त अरब अमीरात और संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका) समूह वैश्विक राजनीति में भारत की स्थिति को किस प्रकार रूपांतरित करेगा ? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)

Q19 of the 2022 UPSC Mains General Studies GS Paper II, as printed
The question as printed in the 2022 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.

I2U2, the India–Israel–UAE–USA grouping, transforms India’s global position by giving it a flexible, non-aligned platform to deepen strategic, economic and technological ties across West Asia and the Indo-Pacific. It is not a formal alliance, but a consultative forum for policy coordination and project-based cooperation.

Strategic autonomy. It lets India engage the US and Israel while preserving Gulf partnerships through the UAE, reducing dependence on any single bloc. This multi-alignment strengthens India’s freedom of action without alliance commitments. It also allows India to project itself as a bridge between South Asia, West Asia and the US-Israel partnership, increasing its relevance.

Economic and energy security. Israeli agri-tech, UAE capital and US clean-energy investments diversify India’s inputs and can lower vulnerability in water-intensive agriculture and energy supply chains. The $2 billion food-park initiative, though mainly processing- and export-oriented, adds value-chain capacity and investment confidence.

Technology transfer. Collaboration in semiconductors, space, AI and health can move India from consumer to co-producer in global value chains, supporting Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Indo-Pacific positioning. I2U2 acts as a West Asian complement to QUAD, expanding India’s strategic footprint beyond South Asia and helping counter China’s influence in the Indian Ocean and West Asia without becoming a security alliance.

Diplomatic balancing. India must manage the Pakistan factor, Israel–Arab normalization dynamics and Iran relations. If handled carefully, I2U2 can enhance India’s credibility as a net-security provider in the Indian Ocean Region while preserving its non-aligned identity. Thus, I2U2 can make India a more relevant, but not hegemonic, actor.

What "How" is asking you to do

Set out the route by which the outcome comes about, step by step. Many how stems ask how one thing affects another, and there the channel of transmission is precisely what is being marked.

Structure that answers it

Starting condition → step → step → outcome reached → the conditions the route depends on

Where marks are lost

Answering why it happens instead of how, the commonest single misread in the paper. An answer full of causes and significance that never traces the mechanism has answered a different question.

All UPSC directive words, compared →

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

Framework: GS2 International Relations. analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward Full marks: Deep analysis of strategic, economic, and tech dimensions with specific examples.

Key points expected

  • Strategic autonomy and diversification of partnerships
  • Economic integration via trade and investment
  • Technological cooperation (semiconductors, AI, defense)
  • Geopolitical balancing in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific

Evaluation rubric

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

  1. The answer Explain the strategic, economic, and diplomatic shifts in India's global standing due to I2U2. 15 marks · 250 words

    analyse— intro → causes → effects → stakeholders/linkages → way forward

    Must cover

    • Strategic autonomy and diversification of partnerships
    • Economic integration via trade and investment
    • Technological cooperation (semiconductors, AI, defense)
    • Geopolitical balancing in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific

    Loses marks

    • Reciting general facts about India's foreign policy
    • Ignoring the specific role of UAE or Israel
    • Failing to link the grouping to 'global politics'

    Earns more

    • Specific examples of I2U2 summits or agreements
    • Impact on India's 'Act East' policy
    • Energy security implications (UAE/Israel)
    • Defense technology transfer (Israel/USA)

    Extra mark

    • Reference to specific I2U2 working groups
    • Mention of 'Quad' synergy or contrast

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