19. Energy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India’s foreign policy and is linked with India’s overarching influence in Middle Eastern countries. How would you integrate energy security with India’s foreign policy trajectories in the coming years? (250 words, 15 marks)
Direction: Intro---- Dominant kingpin of India’s foreign policy + Integrate energy security with India’s foreign policy-------Conclusion.
Introduction:
Describe India’s energy security, foreign policy & interlink both. Mention some data related to India’s energy consumption, imports, etc.
Main Body
Energy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India’s foreign policy due to
- India’s energy import dependence
- Current geopolitical instability – Like Israel-Iran war, Disruption in the usage of the Suez Canal, etc.
- Investment in energy assets – Like pipelines, energy reserves, etc.
- Volatility in global oil prices.
- Competition from major powers such as China and the U.S.
Integrating Energy Security with Foreign Policy
- Transition to Clean Energy Diplomacy – via institutions like international solar Alliance, Global Biofuels Alliance, etc.
- Use India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)
- Critical Minerals Diplomacy to support green energy transition.
- Regional Energy Connectivity - Electricity grids, LNG terminals, and cross-border energy infrastructure.
- Climate and Energy Cooperation – Align foreign policy with India's Panchamrit commitments and Net Zero by 2070.
Conclusion:
Conclude in a positive and progressive manner – India must evolve from oil diplomacy to comprehensive energy diplomacy, and along with some way forward measures.
20. The reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved, because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs. Russo-Chinese alliance.” Examine and critically evaluate the East-West policy confrontations in this regard. (250 words, 15 marks)
Direction: Intro----key areas of confrontation + Critical evaluation------Conclusion.
Introduction:
Describe briefly about the United Nations (or) why the reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved – mainly due to geopolitical rivalry.
Main Body
Key areas of East-West policy confrontations
- Expansion of the Security Council – G4 seeks permanent membership.
- Veto-related deadlocks
- Ideological confrontation between East and West.
- USA vs. Russo-Chinese Alliance.
Critical evaluation
Arguments Supporting Reform
- UNSC reflects the post-1945 power structure, not contemporary realities.
- Underrepresentation of Africa, Latin America, and the Global South.
- Reform would improve representativeness, credibility, and effectiveness.
Arguments against reforms
- Expanding permanent membership without veto may reduce efficiency.
- New geopolitical rivalries may simply be replicated within an enlarged Council.
- Charter amendments require ratification by all P5 - West and East view: Any reform proposal put forward by one side is automatically vetoed or diluted by the other.
The Rise of Alternative Multilateralism
- East–West rivalry has weakened the UN's security architecture, prompting major powers to bypass the UN through alternative strategic groupings.
- West relies on the G7, NATO, AUKUS, and the Quad to advance its security and geopolitical interests.
- East strengthens BRICS+ & SCO to promote a multipolar order and counter Western dominance.
Conclusion:
Conclude in a positive manner – The present global order needs to be neither unipolar nor bipolar, but a multipolar one.
