PSIR Brief #66

Today’s brief covers these important themes:

Shashi Tharoor in The Hindu analysis the rules-based order is weakening and powerful states making international law optional.

Gaurav Dutta’s article in VIF talks about Europe becoming important for India’s technology, defence, Arctic and supply-chain strategy.

Sanjaya Baru in Indian Express focuses on India-U.S. ties becoming restrained and India to prioritise its economic interest than emotions.

UPSC has previously asked question on these themes:

• PSIR Paper II 2025: “The tariff threats have pushed India and the European Union closer. Evaluate the India-EU partnership.

• PSIR Paper II 2025: India continues to invoke its time-tested policy of strategic autonomy vis-à-vis both the United States of America and Russia by rejecting US’ offer of mediation on Kashmir issue and by refusing to criticize Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. Comment.

• GS-II, 2025: “The reform process in the United Nations remains unaccomplished because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs. Russo-Chinese alliance.”

• GS-II, 2024: “The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.”

• PSIR Paper II, 2024: “India and USA have become such strong strategic partners that they need not become formal allies.”

• GS-II, 2023: “The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well for India.”

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