UPSC CARE Mains Practice 5th December 2025
Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- Despite global geopolitical shifts, India–Russia relations continue to demonstrate strategic resilience.” Examine this statement with reference to political, defence, economic, and technological cooperation between the two countries. (GS Paper II – International Relation)
- Discuss the significance and limitations of the global nuclear governance framework, with special reference to the NPT, NSG and challenges posed by non-signatory nuclear states
1Q. Despite global geopolitical shifts, India–Russia relations continue to demonstrate strategic resilience.” Examine this statement with reference to political, defence, economic, and technological cooperation between the two countries. (GS Paper II – International Relation)
Introduction:
India–Russia relations—rooted in strategic trust and geopolitical convergence—have remained one of India’s most stable external partnerships for decades. Despite global realignments, including the Ukraine conflict, Western sanctions on Russia, Russia–China proximity, and India’s deepening ties with the US and QUAD, the bilateral relationship has shown remarkable continuity. The elevation of ties to a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” (2010) and the sustained high-level engagement reflect the enduring resilience of this partnership.
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1. Political and Diplomatic Resilience
- Annual Summit mechanism remains the highest institutionalised dialogue format, with 22 summits completed and the 23rd scheduled in 2025, indicating unbroken political engagement.
- Regular meetings at BRICS, SCO, G20, and the newly added 2+2 Dialogue reinforce strategic communication despite global turbulence.
- Russia continues to support India’s bid for a permanent seat at the UNSC and backs India’s normative positions in multilateral forums.
- High-level visits (2024–25) and NSA-level dialogues show that both sides maintain diplomatic continuity even amid crises like Ukraine and Middle East instability.
2. Defence Cooperation: The Most Resilient Pillar
- Defence ties are transitioning from a buyer–seller model to joint R&D and production, aligned with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Joint platforms include:
- BrahMos cruise missile,
- Su-30MKI licensed production,
- T-90 Bhishma tanks,
- AK-203 assault rifles under joint venture.
- Russia remains a key supplier of spares and legacy platforms, which constitute a major share of India’s military inventory.
- Regular exercises such as INDRA-2025 and participation in Zapad-2025 retain operational interoperability.
- The 2021–2031 Military-Technical Cooperation Programme institutionalises long-term defence collaboration.
3. Economic and Energy Engagement: Expanding Despite Sanctions
- Bilateral trade touched a historic USD 68.7 billion in FY 2024–25, driven by India’s imports of discounted Russian crude oil, fertilizers, sunflower oil, and coal.
- Targets:
- USD 100 billion trade by 2030,
- USD 50 billion mutual investments by 2025.
- Under IRIGC-TEC, both sides are addressing payment mechanisms, logistics hurdles, and EAEU-FTA negotiations affected by sanctions.
- Connectivity initiatives—International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), Chennai–Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor, Northern Sea Route—aim to build resilient long-term supply chains.
4. Science, Space, Education and Cultural Resilience
- Russia remains a major partner in advanced technologies including nanotechnology, materials science, and innovation frameworks under the 2021 STI Roadmap.
- In space, Russia trained Indian astronauts for Gaganyaan, showcasing long-standing cooperation.
- Education ties remain strong with ~20,000 Indian students studying in Russia, mainly in medicine.
- Deep cultural links—film festivals, yoga events, and ICCR programmes—sustain people-to-people affinity even during geopolitical strains.
5. Challenges and Emerging Divergences
Despite resilience, certain issues complicate the partnership:
- Ukraine conflict and Western sanctions have complicated payments and logistics.
- India’s closer ties with US, QUAD, Europe introduce strategic recalibration.
- Russia’s growing dependence on China raises concerns for India’s long-term security environment.
- Overdependence on Russian defence spares affects India’s diversification goals.
- Issues concerning Indians recruited into the Russian Army required diplomatic intervention.
Yet, both sides have shown political will to insulate the relationship from external pressures.
Conclusion:
India–Russia relations exhibit strategic resilience because they are anchored in long-term interests rather than short-term geopolitical compulsions. While the global order is undergoing unprecedented shifts—marked by great-power rivalry, sanctions, and new alignments—the partnership continues to adapt through diversified cooperation in defence, energy, technology, connectivity, and cultural exchange. Going forward, the sustainability of this resilience will depend on how effectively both nations balance emerging challenges while leveraging complementarities to shape a stable, multipolar global order.
2Q. Discuss the significance and limitations of the global nuclear governance framework, with special reference to the NPT, NSG and challenges posed by non-signatory nuclear state
(GS-3: Nuclear technology, space tech)
Introduction:
The global nuclear governance architecture—comprising the NPT, Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), IAEA safeguards, and CTBT—aims to prevent proliferation, promote peaceful nuclear use, and ensure global security. Despite this, geopolitical realities and emergence of non-NPT nuclear states pose challenges.
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Significance of the NPT Framework
- Most widely adhered nuclear treaty with 190+ signatories.
- Legally recognizes five Nuclear Weapon States (NWS) → USA, Russia, UK, France, China.
- Non-proliferation obligations: NWS must not transfer nuclear weapons; NNWS must not acquire them.
- Promotes peaceful use: Countries receive IAEA-supervised access to nuclear technology.
- Global security anchor: Prevents arms races and uncontrolled proliferation.
Role of NSG in Strengthening Non-Proliferation
- Controls export of nuclear material and dual-use technology.
- Prevents diversion of civilian technology for weapons development.
- Helps maintain high safety and security standards in nuclear commerce.
Limitations of the Current System
A. Non-signatory nuclear states
- India, Pakistan and Israel are outside NPT → weakens universality.
- North Korea withdrew and developed weapons.
- NPT unable to prevent proliferation in these cases.
B. Discriminatory Structure
- Only five NWS recognized → labelled as “nuclear apartheid”.
- No clear roadmap for disarmament by NWS.
C. Geopolitical Rivalries
- China blocks India’s entry into NSG.
- US–Russia tensions weaken disarmament commitments.
D. Technological Challenges
- Mini nukes, tactical weapons, hypersonics.
- Nuclear propulsion in space (NTP, NEP) remains outside treaty coverage.
India’s Position
- Advocates universal, non-discriminatory disarmament.
- Not a signatory to NPT but follows strict export controls, separation plan, and IAEA safeguards.
- Seeks NSG membership for access to advanced civilian nuclear technology.
Conclusion:
The global nuclear governance system remains essential but increasingly inadequate. Reforming the NPT to address non-signatory states, ensuring meaningful disarmament commitments, modernizing rules for emerging technologies (like nuclear propulsion), and strengthening multilateral cooperation are vital for a secure and stable nuclear order.
