Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- Q. India–Indonesia relations have evolved from civilisational and anti-colonial solidarity to a strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific. Discuss the significance of the recent Prime Ministerial visit to Indonesia and examine the challenges in the relationship.
- Q. India’s toy industry reflects the potential of combining cultural heritage with modern manufacturing and export competitiveness. Discuss the role of government initiatives in strengthening India’s toy ecosystem.
Q. India–Indonesia relations have evolved from civilisational and anti-colonial solidarity to a strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific. Discuss the significance of the recent Prime Ministerial visit to Indonesia and examine the challenges in the relationship.
(UPSC GS Paper II: International Relations)
Introduction:
India and Indonesia share deep civilisational, maritime and anti-colonial links. Their relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018. The recent State Visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Indonesia marked a new phase in cooperation across defence, maritime security, critical minerals, digital infrastructure, space, agriculture and culture.
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Significance of the Visit
1. Defence and Maritime Security
- Indonesia signed a USD 200 million contract to procure two batteries of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
- It also placed the first-ever export order for India’s Astra air-to-air missile system.
- Both countries extended cooperation on Maritime Safety and Security.
- Joint development of Sabang Port, near the Strait of Malacca, can improve India’s maritime surveillance and naval logistics.
2. Indo-Pacific and Strategic Convergence
- Indonesia is India’s closest maritime neighbour in Southeast Asia and a key pillar of the Act East Policy and SAGAR vision.
- Deployment of an Indonesian Liaison Officer at IFC-IOR, Gurugram will enhance maritime domain awareness.
3. Critical Minerals and Industrial Cooperation
- Agreements on rare earth magnets, steel supply chains and a proposed SAIL–Indonesia stainless-steel slab facility can help India secure EV, battery and electronics supply chains.
- This reduces dependence on China-dominated mineral networks.
4. Technology, Space and Digital Public Infrastructure
- The Indonesia Open Network modelled on India’s ONDC reflects India’s digital public infrastructure outreach.
- Space cooperation was extended, including support through Biak Telemetry, Tracking and Command facilities.
5. Soft Power and Education
- India will assist in restoring the Prambanan Temple Complex.
- Tagore–Dewantara Year 2026–27 will strengthen cultural diplomacy.
- A branch campus of IIM Bangalore is proposed in Indonesia.
Challenges
- Indonesia follows Bebas-Aktif foreign policy and is cautious about the Quad and anti-China alignments.
- Bilateral trade of around USD 28–30 billion remains skewed in Indonesia’s favour.
- India depends heavily on Indonesian palm oil and coal.
- China’s strong presence in Indonesia’s infrastructure and nickel-based EV supply chains limits India’s economic influence.
- Non-tariff barriers and absence of a bilateral CECA constrain trade expansion.
Way Forward
- Fast-track AITIGA review and explore a bilateral CECA.
- Operationalise Sabang Port through a time-bound framework.
- Build joint ventures in nickel, rare earths and EV battery chains.
- Respect Indonesia’s ASEAN Centrality while deepening practical maritime cooperation.
- Expand defence co-production, digital connectivity, education and cultural exchanges.
Conclusion:
India–Indonesia ties are central to a stable, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific. By combining maritime security, defence exports, critical minerals, digital cooperation and cultural diplomacy, both countries can strengthen Global South cooperation and support India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Q. India’s toy industry reflects the potential of combining cultural heritage with modern manufacturing and export competitiveness. Discuss the role of government initiatives in strengthening India’s toy ecosystem.
( GS Paper III: Manufacturing, MSMEs, Exports, Innovation, Industrial Policy )
Introduction:
India’s toy industry has a legacy of nearly 5,000 years, from clay toys of the Indus Valley Civilisation to modern STEM and electronic toys. Today, the sector is emerging as a contributor to manufacturing, exports, innovation, employment and cultural preservation.
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Growth of India’s Toy Ecosystem
India’s toy sector is gaining momentum due to:
- Large consumer base: India has a population of over 1.4 billion, with a significant young population.
- Rising incomes: Growing purchasing power is increasing demand for modern and educational toys.
- STEM learning: Parents are preferring educational, skill-based and cognitive-development toys.
- Digitalisation: E-commerce has improved market access, while smart toys using AI, AR and VR are gaining popularity.
Export and Economic Performance
India’s toy exports have grown significantly:
- Overall toy exports rose from US$152.7 million in 2017–18 to US$384.7 million in 2025–26.
- Imports of traditional and educational toys declined by 66%.
- India achieved a toy trade surplus of US$152 million in 2025–26, compared to a deficit of US$213.01 million in 2017–18.
- Employment in Games and Toys more than doubled from 8,685 in 2018–19 to 17,693 in 2023–24.
Government Initiatives
- National Action Plan for Toys, 2020: Promotes toys based on Indian culture, values and history.
- Quality Control Order, 2020: Made BIS certification compulsory for toy safety.
- Tariff measures: MFN tariff on toys increased to 70% in 2023, supporting domestic manufacturing.
- Toycathon and e-Toycathon: Encourage innovative toys based on Indian heritage and learning needs.
- e-Toys Lab: Supports indigenous electronic toy design and training.
- ODOP and GI tagging: Promote traditional toys like Channapatna Toys, Thanjavur Doll and Leather Toys of Indore.
- GST reduction: GST on toys reduced from 12% to 5%, improving affordability.
- Districts as Export Hubs: More than 10 districts identified with toy and doll export potential.
Challenges
- Competition from global manufacturers.
- Need for better design, branding and packaging.
- Limited scale among artisans and MSMEs.
- Compliance with global safety standards.
- Need for technology adoption in smart and electronic toys.
Way Forward
- Strengthen toy clusters with common facilities and design centres.
- Expand BIS certification support for MSMEs.
- Promote GI toys through e-commerce and exports.
- Use FTAs for zero-duty market access.
- Encourage STEM, electronic and sustainable toys.
Conclusion:
India’s toy industry represents the idea of “local to global” by combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. With sustained policy support, quality standards and export promotion, the sector can strengthen Atmanirbhar Bharat, create employment, preserve cultural heritage and contribute to Viksit Bharat 2047.
