General Studies 2022 GS Paper II 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Discuss

Q9

'India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.' Discuss India's role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. (Answer in 150 words) 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

'भारत श्रीलंका का बरसों पुराना मित्र है।' पूर्ववर्ती कथन के आलोक में श्रीलंका के वर्तमान संकट में भारत की भूमिका की विवेचना कीजिए। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)

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Directive word: Discuss

This question asks you to discuss. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'discuss' requires a balanced examination of India's multifaceted role in Sri Lanka's 2022 economic crisis, contextualized within the 'age-old friend' framework. Structure as: brief introduction acknowledging historical ties; body covering economic assistance, diplomatic engagement, energy cooperation, and strategic considerations; conclusion with forward-looking assessment of India-Sri Lanka relations.

Key points expected

Historical context: India-Sri Lanka relations spanning civilizational, ethnic, and strategic dimensions (Tamil issue, 1987 Accord, post-war reconciliation)
Economic crisis specifics: forex shortage, debt default, fuel/food shortages, IMF bailout negotiations (2022-2023)
India's assistance package: $4 billion credit lines, currency swap, fuel/food/medicine supplies, debt restructuring support
Diplomatic role: 'Neighbourhood First' and 'SAGAR' policy in action; contrast with China's debt-trap concerns
Strategic balancing: managing Tamil Nadu interests, Chinese influence, and Sri Lankan sovereignty concerns

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	2	Demonstrates clear grasp that 'discuss' requires examining multiple dimensions of India's role while explicitly linking to 'age-old friend' premise; avoids mere listing or one-sided narrative	Addresses India's role but treats 'age-old friend' as decorative opening rather than analytical lens; some imbalance between assistance and strategic motives	Misinterprets directive as 'describe' or 'list'; ignores 'age-old friend' context entirely or provides generic India-Sri Lanka history without crisis focus
Content depth & accuracy	20%	2	Precise figures ($3.8-4 billion assistance, 2022 timeline), accurate identification of mechanisms (credit lines, currency swap, debt restructuring), correct policy frameworks (Neighbourhood First, SAGAR)	Broadly correct assistance figures but vague on specifics; mentions IMF but unclear on India's role in bailout; minor chronological errors	Significant factual errors (confuses 2009 war assistance with 2022 crisis); omits economic dimensions entirely; conflates India's role with other donors
Structure & flow	20%	2	Tight 150-word structure with clear progression: historical anchor → crisis context → multi-pronged Indian response → strategic assessment → balanced conclusion; seamless paragraph transitions	Logical but somewhat mechanical structure; either front-loaded with history leaving little crisis analysis, or assistance details without strategic framing; abrupt conclusion	Disorganized chronology or thematic jumping; no clear introduction or conclusion; exceeds word limit significantly or severely underwrites
Examples / case-law / data	20%	2	Specific quantified assistance ($4 billion credit lines, 400,000 MT fuel, rice shipments); mentions 13th Amendment context; contrasts with Hambantota port Chinese debt; references IMF Extended Fund Facility	Mentions 'financial assistance' and 'fuel supplies' without figures; vague reference to Chinese influence; generic mention of Tamil interests without 13th Amendment specificity	No concrete examples or data; relies on phrases like 'substantial help' or 'various measures'; irrelevant examples from unrelated periods
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	2	Nuanced assessment acknowledging limits of India's influence, Sri Lankan agency, and future challenges (debt sustainability, Chinese competition, Tamil reconciliation); returns to 'friend' premise with critical sophistication	Standard positive conclusion on bilateral ties without critical depth; or abrupt ending without synthesis; misses opportunity to assess whether India met 'friend' expectations	No conclusion or generic 'India-Sri Lanka relations will strengthen'; purely descriptive ending; ignores question's evaluative invitation entirely

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