🌐 GS Paper II — International Relations
India Foreign Policy
& BRICS 2026
Complete topic-wise notes — Strategic Autonomy, Multi-Alignment, Bilateral Relations, Neighbourhood First, BRICS Chairmanship & UPSC model answers
11
BRICS+ members 2026
10
BRICS partner nations
4th
Time India chairs BRICS
$60B
India–Russia trade FY25
$48B
India dev. assistance 2000–2024
India's foreign policy in 2026 stands at a historic crossroads. As BRICS Chair, the world's fastest-growing major economy, and host of multiple global summits, India is navigating a uniquely complex geopolitical landscape — balancing the US, Russia, China, and the Global South simultaneously. For UPSC aspirants, this is the most important IR topic for GS Paper II in 2026.
Topics Covered in This Guide
01
Core Principles & History
02
Strategic Autonomy & Multi-Alignment
03
India–US Relations 2026
04
India–Russia Relations
05
India–China Relations
06
Neighbourhood First Policy
07
BRICS 2026 — India as Chair
08
Multilateral Forums
09
Challenges & Opportunities
10
Key Doctrines & Terms
11
15 MCQs — Prelims + Mains
12
Mains Answer Templates
01
Core Principles & Historical Evolution
Panchsheel · NAM · Gujral Doctrine · Article 51
Constitutional Basis — Article 51 (DPSP)
Static GKArticle 51 of the Constitution (Part IV — DPSP) directs the State to: (a) promote international peace and security; (b) maintain just and honourable relations between nations; (c) foster respect for international law and treaty obligations; (d) encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration. This is the constitutional foundation of India's entire foreign policy architecture.
Panchsheel (1954): Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence — mutual respect for sovereignty & territorial integrity; Non-aggression; Non-interference; Equality & mutual benefit; Peaceful coexistence. Originally signed between India and China (Tibet Agreement).
Non-Aligned Movement (NAM): Founded 1961, Belgrade. Co-founders — Nehru (India), Tito (Yugoslavia), Nasser (Egypt), Sukarno (Indonesia), Nkrumah (Ghana). India's policy of staying outside US–USSR Cold War blocs.
Gujral Doctrine (1996): PM I.K. Gujral's five principles — India will not demand reciprocity from smaller South Asian neighbours (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka) and will give concessions unilaterally. Aimed at building trust in the neighbourhood.
Indra Doctrine (1983): PM Indira Gandhi's assertion of India's right to intervene militarily in South Asian countries facing external threats to their stability — seen as India's Monroe Doctrine for South Asia.
Evolution of India's Foreign Policy — Timeline
1947–1964 · Nehru Era
Non-Alignment & Idealism
NAM founding, Panchsheel, anti-colonialism. India as voice of the developing world. Setback: 1962 India-China War exposed limits of idealist foreign policy.
1971 · Indira Gandhi
Realism — India-USSR Treaty & Bangladesh Liberation
India signed Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation with USSR. Bangladesh Liberation War — India intervened decisively. Demonstrated willingness to use military power for strategic objectives.
1991–1998 · Liberalisation Era
Look East Policy & Economic Diplomacy
Look East Policy (Narasimha Rao) — deepened ties with ASEAN. Gujral Doctrine (1996). India's nuclear tests (1998) — forced it to confront Western sanctions, accelerating strategic autonomy.
2000–2014 · Manmohan Era
Global Integration & the Nuclear Deal
India-US Civil Nuclear Deal (2008) — transformational. SAARC deepened. IBSA, BRICS formed. India became permanent dialogue partner of SCO. Look East became Act East.
2014–Present · Modi Era
Neighbourhood First, Act East, Multi-Alignment
Neighbourhood First Policy. Act East (replacing Look East). India chairs G20 (2023) and BRICS (2026). Strategic autonomy formalized — "friend to all, enemy to none." India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC).
02
Strategic Autonomy & Multi-Alignment
From Non-Alignment to Multi-Alignment · 2026 Context
Non-Alignment vs Multi-Alignment — The Key Distinction
Mains FavouriteNon-Alignment (Cold War era): India stayed out of both US-led NATO and USSR-led Warsaw Pact blocs. It was reactive — defined by what India would NOT do (join any military alliance). Led by Nehru as a moral and ideological stance.
Multi-Alignment (2026): India actively engages ALL major powers simultaneously — the US (Quad, defence deals), Russia (S-400, oil, BRICS), China (SCO, trade despite tensions), EU (FTA), Gulf (energy, remittances), and Global South (BRICS, G20). Defined by what India WILL do — pursue national interest across multiple partnerships without exclusive loyalty to any bloc.
PM Modi's formulation: "India is not non-aligned — India is multi-aligned." India is simultaneously a Quad member (with US, Japan, Australia) and a SCO member (with China, Russia, Pakistan).
2025–26 test cases: India purchased Russian S-400 despite US CAATSA threats; bought Russian oil at discount after Ukraine war; yet signed India-US trade deal reducing tariffs; joined Quad military exercises; and chaired BRICS — all simultaneously.
Critique (Chatham House, Jan 2026): India's multi-alignment is creating "strategic loneliness" — muted responses to Gaza, Ukraine, Venezuela and Iran conflicts leave India appearing aloof from global norms it otherwise champions.
🎯 UPSC Mains Insight — Strategic Autonomy in 2026
In 2026, India's strategic autonomy is facing its biggest test. Three simultaneous pressures: (1) US imposed 50% tariffs on India over Russian crude purchases; (2) Iran — a BRICS member — was attacked by US-Israel, and BRICS (chaired by India) issued no joint statement; (3) China's assertiveness in LAC despite diplomatic thaw. India's "friend to all, enemy to none" formula is being stress-tested. The Mains answer should present both the strength (economic benefits, diplomatic flexibility) and the limits (moral credibility, norm enforcement) of this doctrine.
03
Key Bilateral Relations — 2026 Status
US · Russia · China · EU · Japan · Gulf
🇺🇸
United States
Complex Partnership
The India–US relationship in 2025–26 has been turbulent. The Trump administration imposed 50% tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian crude and failure to conclude a trade deal by the agreed deadline. Washington also increased outreach to Islamabad — adding to New Delhi's concerns.
→Trade deal signed Feb 2026: US tariffs on Indian goods reduced from 25% → 18%
→Quad: India, US, Japan, Australia — security dialogue; Quad summit possibly in 2026
→iCET: Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies — joint R&D in AI, semiconductors, space
→Defence: Major Defence Partner status; GE F-414 jet engine deal; MQ-9B drones purchase
→CAATSA threat: US threatened sanctions over India's S-400 purchase from Russia
UPSC: GS2 — India-US relations, CAATSA implications, Quad vs SCO balancing, iCET framework, trade deal significance.
🇷🇺
Russia
Special & Privileged Partner
India–Russia relations remain a bedrock of India's strategic autonomy. President Putin visited New Delhi in December 2025. Bilateral trade reached $60 billion in FY25 — up from $13 billion in 2021 — with a stated goal of $100 billion by 2030. India accounts for ~40% of Russia's oil exports after Western sanctions.
→S-400 deal: ₹35,000 crore — India's most controversial defence purchase; defying US CAATSA
→Cheap Russian oil: India buys discounted Urals crude — saving ₹35,000 crore+ annually
→Trade in national currencies: India-Russia trade in INR/Ruble to reduce dollar dependency
→Common platforms: BRICS, SCO, UN — India and Russia coordinate on Global South agenda
UPSC: GS2 — India-Russia "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership," Ukraine war implications, energy security, de-dollarisation debate.
🇨🇳
China
Competitive Co-existence
India–China relations in 2026 are characterised by "competitive co-existence" — the border standoff in Eastern Ladakh (since April 2020) saw partial disengagement with patrolling rights restored at key friction points by late 2024. Trade remains high at ~$100 billion despite tensions. Xi Jinping may visit India for the 2026 BRICS Summit.
→LAC disengagement (2024): Troops pulled back at Depsang and Demchok — positive step
→Trade paradox: India-China bilateral trade ~$100 billion — India's largest trade partner despite border tensions
→BRICS tension: India resists China's push for de-dollarisation and yuan-denominated trade in BRICS
→String of Pearls vs Necklace of Diamonds: China's port strategy in Indian Ocean vs India's counter-strategy
UPSC: GS2 — India-China border dispute (McMahon Line, LAC, Aksai Chin), SCO membership, BRICS dynamics, trade deficit concerns, Doklam, Galwan.
🇪🇺
European Union
Strategic Partner
The India–EU Free Trade Agreement is in advanced stages in 2026 — described as potentially transformational. EU is India's largest trading partner collectively. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was chief guest at India's Republic Day 2026 — signalling the deepening relationship.
→India-EU trade: ~€120 billion annually — EU is India's #1 trading bloc
→FTA 2026: If signed, India's largest ever trade agreement — covering goods, services, investments
→Connectivity: India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) — alternative to China's BRI
→Climate & Tech: India-EU partnership on green hydrogen, critical minerals, digital governance
UPSC: GS2 — India-EU FTA significance, IMEC vs BRI, EU as counterbalance to China, EU's role in India's supply chain diversification strategy.
04
Neighbourhood First Policy — SAARC & Beyond
Bangladesh · Nepal · Sri Lanka · Maldives · Pakistan · SAARC
Neighbourhood First — Key Developments 2025–26
High PYQ frequencyBangladesh (2025–26): Sheikh Hasina removed from power in Gen-Z protests, fled to India in 2024. India-Bangladesh relations under strain. New interim govt led by Muhammad Yunus — India seeking stable ties. Both countries face reset of decades-old partnership.
Nepal (2026): Elections held in early 2026. India-Nepal relations volatile — Nepal's flirtation with China (BRI) vs traditional India-Nepal special relationship. New Eminent Persons Group report being negotiated.
Sri Lanka: Post-economic crisis (2022) recovery — India provided $4 billion in emergency assistance. India-Sri Lanka energy grid connection and UPI integration progressing. Trincomalee energy hub being developed jointly.
Maldives: President Mohamed Muizzu initially asked Indian military to leave (2024) — but pragmatism prevailed. India remains largest bilateral partner. India-Maldives "India First" policy from Maldives side formally reaffirmed by 2025.
Pakistan: Relations remain precarious. Four-day India-Pakistan military conflict in May 2025 — the most intense since Kargil. Ceasefire brokered under international pressure. SAARC effectively paralysed since 2016 — India refuses to participate in summits until Pakistan addresses cross-border terrorism.
⚠️ Critical Fact for UPSC 2026 — India-Pakistan Conflict, May 2025
In May 2025, India and Pakistan engaged in a four-day military conflict — the most intense hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbours since the 1999 Kargil War. This was triggered by a major cross-border terrorist attack. A ceasefire was brokered under international pressure. The conflict severely strained India–US relations (Washington increased outreach to Islamabad), has implications for India's BRICS chairmanship agenda, and is a near-certain UPSC 2026 question.
05
BRICS 2026 — India as Chair
Theme · Members · Three Pillars · De-dollarisation · Iran War Test
BRICS 2026 — India's Chairmanship: All Key Facts
Most Important 2026 TopicIndia's 4th chairmanship — previously held in 2012, 2016, and 2021
Theme: "Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability" — PM Modi: BRICS = "Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability"
Approach: "People-centric" and "Humanity First" — drawing parallels with India's G-20 presidency (Global South agenda)
India's stated goal: Redefine BRICS as "non-Western but not anti-Western" — ensuring it does not become a Chinese/Russian anti-US instrument
De-dollarisation stance: India maintains a distinct position — separates itself from Russia-China push for unified currency or yuan-based trade. India reframes it as "settling trade in national currencies" (less confrontational framing)
Iran war test (March 2026): US-Israel attack on Iran (BRICS member) — BRICS issued NO joint statement. India's role as chair has been under intense scrutiny — it spoke with Iran's FM to ensure safety of Indian shipping through Strait of Hormuz rather than organize collective response.
BRICS — Complete Membership & Structure
| Category | Countries | Year Joined | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original BRIC | Brazil, Russia, India, China | 2009 | Term coined by Jim O'Neill, Goldman Sachs (2001). 1st Summit: Yekaterinburg, Russia, 2009 |
| South Africa | South Africa | 2011 (3rd Summit, Sanya) | Made BRIC into BRICS. Africa's largest economy at the time |
| BRICS+ Expansion | Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE | January 2024 | Announced at Johannesburg Summit 2023. Major expansion — doubled membership |
| Latest member | Indonesia | 2025 | First Southeast Asian member. World's 4th most populous nation |
| Total BRICS+ (2026) | 11 full members | — | Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, UAE |
| Partner Countries | 10 nations including Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam | 2025 | Partner status — can engage with BRICS initiatives; may become full members in future |
Three Pillars of BRICS Cooperation
Political & Security Cooperation
Counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, UN reform advocacy, opposition to unilateral sanctions, Global South representation in UNSC. BRICS has 2 permanent UNSC members (China, Russia).
Economic & Financial Cooperation
New Development Bank (NDB) — HQ Shanghai, $100B corpus. Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA). Trade in national currencies. De-dollarisation debate. India resists yuan-based system.
People-to-People Exchanges
Academic exchanges, cultural cooperation, tourism, think-tank dialogue (BRICS Academic Forum), civil society engagement, BRICS Young Diplomats Forum.
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06
India & Key Multilateral Forums
G20 · SCO · Quad · UN · SAARC · IORA · ASEAN
| Forum | India's Role | Key 2025–26 Development | UPSC Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRICS | Chair 2026 | India hosts summit; PM Modi redefined BRICS theme. Iran war creates BRICS unity test. | GS2 — multi-alignment, NDB, de-dollarisation |
| G20 | Member; Chaired 2023 | US holds G20 presidency in 2026. India aligning BRICS agenda with G20 US presidency agenda. | GS2 — India's G20 legacy, Global South, AU inclusion |
| Quad | Full member | Quad summit possibly in 2026 (postponed from 2025 due to India-US tensions). Critical tech cooperation ongoing. | GS2 — Quad's purpose, India's balancing with SCO |
| SCO | Full member since 2017 | India and Pakistan both members — awkward coexistence. India uses SCO for Russia/Central Asia engagement. | GS2 — SCO vs Quad contradiction, Eurasian connectivity |
| UN | Aspirant for UNSC permanent seat | India in G4 (with Germany, Japan, Brazil) pushing for UNSC expansion. India on non-permanent UNSC 2021-22. | GS2 — UNSC reform, P5 veto power, India's candidacy |
| SAARC | Founder member; effectively boycotted | No SAARC summit since 2014 — India refuses to attend until Pakistan addresses terrorism. 19th Summit indefinitely postponed. | GS2 — SAARC vs BIMSTEC, regional integration failure |
| BIMSTEC | Active promoter | India pushing BIMSTEC as alternative to SAARC — excludes Pakistan, includes Myanmar and Thailand. 6th Summit in 2026. | GS2 — BIMSTEC vs SAARC, Bay of Bengal connectivity |
07
Challenges & Opportunities for India's Foreign Policy
Critical Analysis for Mains GS2
Iran War — BRICS Credibility Crisis
As BRICS chair, India's failure to produce a joint statement on the US-Israel attack on Iran — a fellow BRICS member — raises questions about the grouping's collective security credentials and India's leadership effectiveness.
US Tariff & CAATSA Pressure
50% US tariffs on India and CAATSA threat over S-400 purchase create economic and diplomatic costs to India's Russia relationship. India must manage costs of strategic autonomy increasingly carefully.
China — LAC & Trade Deficit
Despite LAC disengagement, trust deficit with China remains deep. India's trade deficit with China at ~$85 billion annually. Chinese investment restrictions complicate economic decoupling from supply chains.
Neighbourhood Instability
Bangladesh political transition, Nepal-China deepening, Maldives reset, Sri Lanka economic recovery, Pakistan conflict — India's immediate neighbourhood is the most complex it has been in two decades.
G20 & BRICS Chair — Soft Power
India's back-to-back G20 (2023) and BRICS (2026) chairmanships provide enormous diplomatic leverage, agenda-setting power, and visibility as a leader of the Global South.
Trade Deal Momentum
India-UK FTA signed; India-EU FTA in advanced stages; India-US tariff reduction; India-GCC FTA being negotiated — collectively opening vast new markets for Indian goods, services, and talent.
Pharmacy & Digital of the World
India supplies 20% of global generic medicines and 46% of real-time digital payments globally. These are powerful tools of economic diplomacy — making India indispensable to global health and digital infrastructure.
China +1 Opportunity
Global supply chain diversification away from China positions India as the prime alternative manufacturing hub — PLI scheme, BHAVYA industrial parks, and semiconductor mission all serve this strategic opportunity.
08
Key Doctrines, Terms & Concepts
Essential Vocabulary for Prelims & Mains
| Term / Doctrine | Definition | Context / Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Strategic Autonomy | India's ability to pursue independent foreign policy decisions free from external pressure or alignment compulsions | Core of India's post-Cold War foreign policy — balancing US, Russia, China simultaneously |
| Neighbourhood First Policy | PM Modi's policy (2014) of prioritising diplomatic, economic, and connectivity relations with India's immediate neighbours | First foreign visits by PM Modi were to SAARC neighbours — BIMSTEC summit at 2014 swearing-in |
| Act East Policy | Upgraded version of "Look East Policy" (1991) — from economic engagement to strategic and security engagement with ASEAN and East Asia | Announced at EAS 2014. India-ASEAN Strategic Partnership; Quad; Indo-Pacific strategy |
| Multi-Alignment | India's approach of building strategic partnerships with multiple major powers (US, Russia, EU, China, Japan, Gulf) without exclusive loyalty to any | Contrasted with Cold War Non-Alignment. India in Quad (US-led) and SCO (China/Russia-led) simultaneously |
| Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam | "The World is One Family" — India's G20 theme (2023). Ancient Sanskrit concept from Maha Upanishad | Reflects India's civilisational approach to foreign policy; inclusive multilateralism |
| IMEC | India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor — rail+ship connectivity from India to Europe via UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel | Launched at G20 New Delhi 2023 — India's alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) |
| De-dollarisation | Reducing global dependence on the US dollar for trade and reserve currency — reducing US financial hegemony | Russia/China push strongly; India ambivalent — supports national currency trade but not yuan-based system |
| String of Pearls | China's strategy of establishing naval and commercial ports in Indian Ocean littoral states (Gwadar, Hambantota, Chittagong, etc.) to encircle India | India's counter-strategy: Necklace of Diamonds — partnerships with Japan, Australia, Vietnam, UAE |
| Panchsheel | Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence (1954) — mutual respect, non-aggression, non-interference, equality, peaceful coexistence | India-China Agreement on Tibet (1954). Nehru-Zhou Enlai. Became basis of NAM and India's foreign policy rhetoric. |
| Global South | Developing and emerging economies of Asia, Africa, and Latin America — India positions itself as their natural leader | India used G20 2023 to bring Global South concerns to forefront — Africa Union membership, debt relief |
09
Mains Answer Writing Templates
GS Paper II · High-Scoring Structures
Mains Q1 — 15 Marks · GS Paper II
"India's multi-alignment strategy is a pragmatic evolution of its Non-Alignment tradition, but it risks strategic loneliness." Critically analyse with reference to India's foreign policy in 2025–26. (250 words)
Introduction (30 words)
Define multi-alignment — India's simultaneous partnerships with US (Quad), Russia (SCO, S-400), China (SCO, trade), EU (FTA). Contrast with Cold War NAM which was reactive. Multi-alignment is proactive — India chooses partners based on issue-by-issue national interest.
Strengths of Multi-Alignment (70 words)
(1) Economic gains: cheap Russian oil ($60B trade), US tech deals (iCET), EU FTA, Gulf remittances ($135B). (2) Defence diversification: Russian S-400 + US MQ-9 drones + Israeli weapons + French Rafale = no single dependency. (3) Leverage: India negotiates from strength — US needs India in Quad, Russia needs India for oil revenues, China needs India for BRICS credibility.
Critique — Strategic Loneliness Risk (70 words)
Chatham House (Jan 2026): India's muted responses to Gaza, Ukraine, Venezuela and Iran conflicts create "strategic loneliness." (1) When India doesn't lead on global norms, it loses moral authority for UNSC permanent seat candidacy. (2) BRICS chairs India but Iran was attacked — no collective response = BRICS credibility damage. (3) US tariffs (50%) show costs of balancing Russia simultaneously.
Way Forward & Conclusion (40 words)
India must supplement multi-alignment with selective norm leadership — speak on issues where costs are low (UN reform, climate finance, debt relief) while maintaining strategic ambiguity on harder geopolitical conflicts. This sustains both credibility and flexibility — the true test of mature strategic autonomy.
Mains Q2 — 10 Marks · GS Paper II
"India's BRICS Chairmanship in 2026 is both an opportunity and a challenge." Analyse. (150 words)
Introduction
India holds BRICS chair for the 4th time in 2026 (2012, 2016, 2021). Theme: "Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability." Back-to-back with G20 2023 — India as Global South leader. Context: BRICS now has 11 members including Iran (currently at war), and 10 partner countries.
Opportunities
(1) Agenda-setting: India can steer BRICS away from anti-Western posture toward constructive multilateralism — debt relief, climate finance, digital public infrastructure. (2) Restraining China: India can prevent BRICS from becoming vehicle for yuan-based trade/Chinese payment systems. (3) Global South leadership: Position India as bridge between West and Global South — enhancing UNSC permanent seat credentials.
Challenges
(1) Iran war: BRICS includes Iran and US-allied Saudi Arabia and UAE — getting consensus on any geopolitical issue near-impossible. (2) De-dollarisation pressure: Russia and China pushing hard — India resists, creating internal BRICS tension. (3) Pakistan conflict 2025: Damaged India's image as peacemaker in Global South.
Conclusion
India's 2026 BRICS chairmanship tests whether strategic autonomy translates into strategic leadership. Success requires balancing internal BRICS tensions while delivering tangible outcomes for the Global South.
Foreign Policy & BRICS Quiz — 15 Questions
Based on this guide. Target 12+/15. Every question reflects actual UPSC Prelims pattern.
Prelims Level (Questions 1–10)
Q1. Which article of the Indian Constitution provides the constitutional basis for India's foreign policy by directing the state to promote international peace and security?
Topic: Constitutional Basis
A) Article 32
B) Article 44
C) Article 51
D) Article 253
Q2. The term "BRIC" was coined by which economist, and for which institution, in 2001?
Topic: BRICS History
A) Paul Krugman for IMF
B) Jim O'Neill for Goldman Sachs
C) Joseph Stiglitz for World Bank
D) Raghuram Rajan for RBI
Q3. India is chairing BRICS for the fourth time in 2026. What is the theme of India's BRICS Chairmanship?
Topic: BRICS 2026
A) Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — One Earth, One Family
B) BRICS for Global Peace and Prosperity
C) Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
D) Inclusive Multilateralism for a Multipolar World
Q4. South Africa joined BRICS making it BRICS (from BRIC) at which summit in 2011?
Topic: BRICS History
A) Durban Summit
B) New Delhi Summit
C) Sanya Summit (China)
D) Yekaterinburg Summit
Q5. The New Development Bank (NDB), created by BRICS nations, is headquartered in which city?
Topic: BRICS Institutions
A) Beijing
B) Shanghai
C) New Delhi
D) Moscow
Q6. The "Gujral Doctrine" in India's foreign policy is associated with which principle?
Topic: Foreign Policy Doctrines
A) India's right to intervene militarily in South Asian nations facing external threats
B) India giving unilateral concessions to smaller South Asian neighbours without expecting reciprocity
C) India refusing to join any military alliances
D) India's Look East policy of ASEAN engagement
Q7. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), launched at G20 New Delhi 2023, is seen as India's alternative to which Chinese initiative?
Topic: Connectivity Initiatives
A) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
B) Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
C) Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
D) Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
Q8. Indonesia joined BRICS in 2025, making it the first member from which region?
Topic: BRICS Membership
A) Central Asia
B) East Asia
C) Southeast Asia
D) South Asia
Q9. Panchsheel — the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence — was originally signed between India and China in 1954 in the context of which agreement?
Topic: Historical Diplomacy
A) Simla Agreement
B) Agreement on Trade and Intercourse with Tibet Region of China
C) Treaty of Friendship between India and China
D) Bandung Conference Declaration
Q10. India's bilateral trade with Russia reached approximately what value in FY 2024–25?
Topic: India–Russia Relations 2026
A) $30 billion
B) $45 billion
C) $60 billion
D) $80 billion
Mains/Advanced Level (Questions 11–15)
Q11. BRICS has issued no joint statement on the Iran war (2026) despite Iran being a BRICS member. This reflects which fundamental limitation of the grouping?
Topic: BRICS Structural Limitations
A) Lack of a permanent secretariat and headquarters
B) Divergent national interests preventing collective security action — sovereignty-based structure with no binding obligations
C) Western pressure preventing BRICS from taking positions
D) Absence of a military wing or collective defence mechanism
Q12. India's "Neighbourhood First Policy" is best characterised by which of the following?
Topic: Neighbourhood First
A) India giving military assistance to all SAARC nations unconditionally
B) India establishing defence alliances with all neighbouring countries
C) Priority given to diplomatic, developmental, and connectivity engagement with immediate neighbours, regardless of political differences
D) India imposing economic sanctions on neighbours that align with China
Q13. The "String of Pearls" theory, often cited in India's strategic discourse, refers to which Chinese strategy?
Topic: India–China Strategic Competition
A) China's investment in Indian Ocean island nations for tourism development
B) China's diamond mining operations in the Indian Ocean region
C) China's network of naval and commercial port facilities in Indian Ocean littoral states to encircle India
D) China's submarine cable infrastructure across the Indian Ocean
Q14. India's development assistance of $48 billion (2000–2024) to 65 countries serves which dual strategic function for India's foreign policy?
Topic: India as Development Partner
A) Debt trap diplomacy and military influence
B) Establishing Global South leadership credentials and building goodwill for UNSC permanent seat aspirations
C) Creating trade dependency among recipient nations
D) Competing with China for raw material access in Africa
Q15. India maintains a "distinct position" within BRICS on de-dollarisation. Which of the following best describes India's actual stance?
Topic: BRICS — India's De-dollarisation Position
A) India fully supports a unified BRICS currency to replace the dollar
B) India supports yuan-based trade settlement within BRICS
C) India supports settling trade in national currencies (INR, Ruble, etc.) but rejects a unified currency or yuan dominance
D) India opposes all forms of de-dollarisation to maintain US goodwill
Your Score
0 / 15
Quick Revision Table — Foreign Policy & BRICS
| Topic | Key Fact | Critical Detail | Paper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Article 51 | Constitutional basis of foreign policy | DPSP — Part IV. Promotes international peace, law, arbitration | GS2 |
| Panchsheel (1954) | 5 Principles of Peaceful Coexistence | India-China Tibet Agreement. Nehru-Zhou Enlai. Basis of NAM. | GS2 |
| NAM Founded | 1961, Belgrade | Nehru, Tito, Nasser, Sukarno, Nkrumah. 120+ members now. | GS2 |
| Gujral Doctrine | 1996 — unilateral concessions to neighbours | 5 principles: No reciprocity demanded from smaller neighbours | GS2 |
| BRICS Founded | 2009, Yekaterinburg | Jim O'Neill coined BRIC (2001). South Africa joined 2011 (Sanya Summit) | GS2 |
| BRICS 2026 Chair | India — 4th time (2012, 2016, 2021, 2026) | Theme: "Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation & Sustainability" | Current |
| BRICS+ Members | 11 full members (2026) | Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE joined 2024; Indonesia 2025 | Current |
| NDB | New Development Bank — BRICS institution | HQ: Shanghai. $100B authorised capital. India has equal voting rights. | GS2 |
| India-Russia trade | $60 billion FY25 | Target: $100B by 2030. India buys ~40% of Russia's oil exports | Current |
| India-Pakistan conflict | May 2025 — 4-day military conflict | Most intense since Kargil 1999. Ceasefire brokered internationally. | Current |
| IMEC | India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor | Launched G20 2023. India–UAE–Saudi–Jordan–Israel–EU. Alternative to BRI. | GS2 |
| India dev. assistance | $48 billion (2000–2024) to 65 countries | FY26 budget: $810 million (20% increase). Global South leadership tool. | GS2 |
| SAARC status | No summit since 2014 | India boycotts over Pakistan terrorism. BIMSTEC preferred alternative. | GS2 |
| India-EU FTA | In advanced stages (2026) | EU = India's largest trading partner ($120B+). Von der Leyen at Republic Day 2026. | Current |
| String of Pearls | China's Indian Ocean port strategy | Gwadar (Pakistan), Hambantota (Sri Lanka), Chittagong (Bangladesh). India counter: Necklace of Diamonds. | GS2 |
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