TEST History + (IR + Current Affairs)

SECTIO
21/05/2025

SECTION-I
1. (a) Throw light on the ideology of Rabindranath Tagore in the context of Nationalism and
Internationalism.
Rabindranath Tagore’s views towards nationalism were more cosmopolitan and less confrontational.
He envisioned a nationalism beyond borders, focusing on cultural unity and harmony. He saw India’s
heritage as a bridge between East and West and believed nationalism should unite, not isolate, India
within global civilisation. Tagore’s approach towards internationalism should be inclusive and should
respect the diversity of cultures and religions. Tagore’s internationalist perspective advocated global
Cooperation and understanding. Tagore’s poet had immense respect for the nation, which is clearly
reflected in his work and personality.
• At the same time, he composed his popular song ‘Amar Sonar Bangla’ which later became the
national song of Bangladesh. He strongly condemned the brutal killing of Indians in Jallianwala
Bagh and returned the title of ‘Knighthood’ and ‘sir’ received from the British Government.
• According to Tagore, Nationalism would go against the fundamental principles of humanity
because it was nothing more than the appropriation of the resources and territory of other
nations. He saw it as a means of draining humanity in order to amass wealth and property for
their nation.
Tagore’s Idea of internationalism is not about global governance, dismantling of all nation
states and surrendering nationals’ sovereignty to a global authority. His Philosophy of
internationalism centres around Cooperation, understanding, mutual respect and Pursuit of unity of
mankind.
• Along with a broad and universal outlook towards education, he also believed in synergetic culture
and religious tolerance. He emphasized on the union of civilisation and culture.
• Tagore’s ‘Humanism’ led him to ‘Universalism’. Tagore wanted to break all the geographical,
Social, Political and cultural barriers.
• In the international field the first momentous event was the outbreak of the first world war in
1914, when Tagore had already started in Shantiniketan, the ashram school for more than thirteen
years and he warned that war was caused by the demons of nationalism, characterized by the
imperialistic greed of wealth, the lust of the power, selfish materialism, mad competition and
ruthless cruelty perpetuated on the weak, exploited and vanquished nations of the world.
• Tagore founded Visva Bharati, the world university (1921) in Shantiniketan, west Bengal, India with
the aim to spread the rich heritage of Indian philosophy and spiritualism to the whole world.
In this way, it can be concluded that the various aspects of nationalism used to flow in
Tagore’s huge poetic, heart, but at the same time he was also very sensitive to the welfare of mankind,
as a result of which he avoided the narrow interpretation of nationalism ‘Extremist’ which is a
reflection of his universal humanist vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Tagore was a universal man
who is not bound by local/regional or transcend our petty provisional and is an international
university where the whole world has become a single nest “Yatra Vishvam Bhavati Ek Nidam.”

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1.(b) Do you believe that the Government of India Act of 1858 changed the character of British rule?
The revolt of 1857 exposed the limitations of the company in running the administration in complex
circumstances. Till then there was not much accountability. The Act of 1858 tried to remove this
anomaly.

The following were the features of this Act:

(i) It provided that henceforth India would be governed by and in the name of the Queen. The
designation of the Governor-General of India was changed to Viceroy of India. He (Viceroy) was
the direct representative of the British Raj in India. Thus, Lord Canning became the first Viceroy
of India.
(ii) It ended the system of dual government by abolishing the Board of Control and the number of
Directors.
(iii) It created a new office of Secretary of State for India with full power and control over the
administration of India. The Secretary of State was a member of the British Cabinet and was
ultimately responsible to the British Parliament.
(iv) It established a 15-member Council of India to assist the Secretary of State for India. The Council
was an advisory body. The Secretary of State was made the President of the Council.
(v) It constituted the Secretary of State-in-Council as a regular body, capable of overseeing and
prosecuting matters in India and England.
(vi) The Government of India Act 1858 marked a significant turning point in Indian history. It ended
the rule of the East India Company and transferred the governance of India directly to the
British Crown, establishing the office of the Secretary of State for India and creating a more
centralized and bureaucratic system of administration.
Thus, we can say that the Government of India Act of 1858 was aimed at improving governance
after the Revolt of 1857, it also signified the beginning of direct colonial rule under the British Raj.
Although it did not grant Indians any real participation in governance, it laid the foundation for
future constitutional developments. In essence, the Act centralized power in British hands and began
a new phase of imperial control over India and it did not make any substantial change in the system
of prevailing in India.

1.(c) Write a short note on Patna Kalam painting.

Patna Kalam painting, also known as the Patna School of Painting, is a distinctive style of miniature
painting that developed in the 18th and 19th centuries in Bihar, primarily in the city of Patna. This
art form emerged as an offshoot of the Mughal painting tradition, evolving uniquely under local
influences. Patna Kalam holds historical importance as one of India's earliest forms of urban, secular
art. Today, it stands as a testament to Bihar's rich cultural and artistic heritage.

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 Main Features of Patna Kalam Painting:
(i) Patna Kalam painting falls under the category of miniature painting and is mostly painted on
paper, ivory, leather, metal, mica etc.
(ii) Patna Kalam paintings are influenced by British style, Mughal style and Indian style which
attracted a lot of traders, officials etc. making them a commercial art form.
(iii) The themes of Patna Kalam paintings are
based on common life depicting the
traditional Indian way of life, some of such
paintings include woodcutter, fish seller,
blacksmith, goldsmith, dyer, palanquin
bearers, peasants ploughing fields, sages and
ascetics etc.
(iv) The painters were skilled with a good
knowledge of ornithology which is visible in
their paintings of flying birds.
(v) There is little use of foreground and background, and the human figures depicted have heavy
eyebrows, thin faces, deep eyes, thick moustaches for men.
(vi) Paintings were done without drawing which is called Kajli ink technique for which colours were
prepared indigenously using clay, flower colours, flour, leaf colours etc.
(vii) Imagination based paintings were also made by many painters like Malkadev Lal's depiction of
heroine, Madho Lal's depiction of grief-stricken
heroine, Shivlal's depiction of Muslim marriage etc.
(viii) Patna Kalam paintings have less ornamentation
and decoration compared to Mughal paintings or
Pala art paintings.
The Jalan Museum in Patna City is set to host a
public exhibition of Patna Kalam paintings in July 2025.
In May 2025, INTACH and Your Heritage conducted a
special training workshop at the College of Arts and
Crafts, Patna, aiming to preserve the legacy of Patna
Kalam painting.
Thus, we can say that Patna Kalam Style of Painting is a significant artistic tradition that
reflects the cultural synthesis and socio-economic realities of its time. Though lesser-known today, it
remains an important part of India's art heritage and deserves greater recognition and preservation.

1.(d) Swadeshi Movement

The Swadeshi Movement began as a response to the 1905 partition of Bengal, encouraging Indians to
boycott British goods and promote indigenous products as a means of economic independence. This
movement played a pivotal role in fostering national unity and laid the foundation for India's struggle
for self-rule.
Due to emerging nationalism and rising resentment among Indians, the movement soon got
spread all over India, crossing the regional boundaries of Bengal that resulted in many positive
developments in the fields of art, literature, music science and industries as well. In long run, its
biggest achievement was the annulment of Bengal partition in 1911.

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 Methodology and Politics of the Swadeshi Movement
• Boycott of Foreign Goods: People burned foreign-made items, refused foreign clothing in
rituals, and promoted local products.
• Emergence of Samitis: Volunteer groups like Swadesh Bandhab Samiti in Barisal organised
mass mobilisation efforts, training members in social service, crafts, and Swadeshi education.
• Use of Festivals: Tilak's Ganapati and Shivaji festivals and folk theatre forms like jatras
disseminated nationalist ideas and helped mobilise the masses.
• Atma Shakti and Self-Reliance: The movement promoted Atma Shakti (self-reliance)
through social reforms and building national pride. Programs encouraged self-sufficiency in
villages.
• Swadeshi and National Education: Educational institutions like Bengal National College and
the National Council of Education promoted Indian-led education in local languages.

Bal Gangadhar
Tilak

(Promoted swadeshi
and boycott in
Western India; used
festivals like Ganesh
Utsav to mobilize
people.)

Rabindranath Bipin Chandra Pal

Tagore
(Advocated for
(Promoted cultural aggressive swadeshi;
nationalism through inspired national
art, music, and education and self-
literature.)
Key Leaders reliance.)
and Their
Contributions

Aurobindo Ghosh
Lala Lajpat Rai
(Provided ideological
(Spread the
support; edited
movement in North
journals like Bande
India; promoted
Mataram;
indigenous
emphasized spiritual
enterprise.)
nationalism.)

The effective conduction of the above-mentioned programmes, activities and strategies

under the leaders resulted in the following major achievements of the Swadeshi movement:-
• Annulment of Bengal Partition in December 1911.
• It shook the British administration’s roots through boycottism, passive resistance,
demonstrations, etc.
• It led the quality development in Indian literary sections by prominent litterateurs like R. N.
Tagore, D.M. Mazumdar, Rajnikant Sen, etc.
• Several indigenous industries got developed in India such as cotton textiles.
• Science and technological developments also took place through the contribution of J.C. Bose and
Prafulla Chand Rai.
• It set a strong background for Gandhian movements by awakening public conscience.
• It promoted Indian glorious past and Hindu Muslim unity.
• It proved to be a big economic loss to British rule which was mainly profit oriented.
However it resulted in few unfavorable incidents like Surat split of INC in 1907 and
introduction of communal representation in 1909, but the Swadeshi movement paved the way for
future mass movements as well as revived the socio-economic, cultural artistic and educational
heritage and glory through which the hearts of the masses got overwhelmed with patriotic and
nationalist feelings as a result of which they participated more enthusiastically in future movements.

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1.(e) Briefly comment on Rowlatt Satyagraha
The Rowlatt Satyagraha was a significant non-violent movement was to be launched by Mahatma
Gandhi in 1919 against the repressive Rowlatt Act imposed by the British colonial government in India.
The Rowlatt Act gave the British authorities sweeping powers to arrest and detain individuals without
trial, aiming to curb revolutionary activities. Gandhi saw the act as a blatant denial of civil liberties
and an assault on fundamental rights. In response, he called for a nationwide hartal (strike) and
peaceful civil disobedience. The Rowlatt Satyagraha marked a turning point in India's freedom
struggle, as it brought together people from diverse regions and communities in a unified movement
against colonial injustice.

Hence this act was Called the act of “No Appeal, No Vakil, No Dalil” and to oppose it Gandhiji
decided to call for an All-India hartal, on 6th April 1919 which came to be known as the beginning of
Rowlatt satyagraha. But in the series of Satyagraha, there were several violent incidents took place in
Punjab, Gujarat, Bombay and Bengal due to which Gandhiji Called his effort “a mistake of Himalayan
Magnitude”.
Rowlatt Satyagraha set into motion a chain of reactions culminating serious outcomes.
After the arrest of Dr. Saifuddin Kichlew and Dr. Satyapal, there was organized a meeting in Jallianwala
Bagh on 13th April 1919 (the day of Baisakhi) where General Dyer opened fired without any warning on
the crowd killing thousands of innocent lives, resulting in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre 1919.

It was the first mass

political movement under
Gandhi's leadership.

Significance
of Rowlatt
Satyagraha

It helped establish Gandhi as a It marked the beginning of a new

national leader and united phase in India's freedom struggle,
Indians across regions and shifting from petitions to direct
religions. non-violent action.

Hence due to this widespread violence and massacre, Gandhiji Called off the movement on
18 April 1919 as he understood that Indians were not prepared for satyagraha. However, the Rowlatt
th

Satyagraha couldn’t be successful in attaining its objectives at that time but in the long run, it laid
the foundation for Non-Cooperation movement and also the repeating of Rowlatt act in March 1922.

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2. Describe the Champaran Indigo Movement and also explain how the Champaran Satyagraha
proved to be a turning point in the Indian freedom struggle?

This question has been asked about Champaran Satyagraha and the impact of this Satyagraha on
the Indian freedom struggle, which we can write through the following STEPS-

STEP-I: Introduction
The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was the first civil disobedience movement led by Mahatma Gandhi
in India, marking a turning point in the Indian freedom struggle. It took place in Champaran district
of Bihar, where local farmers, particularly indigo cultivators, were being forced by British planters to
grow indigo on a portion of their land (known as the Tinkathia system) under oppressive conditions.
The Champaran Satyagraha is considered a landmark event in the Indian independence struggle,
demonstrating the effectiveness of non-violent protest against colonial injustice.
STEP-II: Brief description of the Champaran Satyagraha
It is noteworthy that Champaran Satyagraha was a movement related to the 'Teen Kathiya Vyavastha'
i.e., commercialization of agriculture. The British rule was promoting contract farming of indigo in Bihar
under commercialization. As a result, the British planters would get the farmers to contract to grow
three kattha of indigo per bigha (20 kattha). The indigo landlords not only paid a nominal price for the
indigo produced but also imposed various types of taxes on the farmers. Again, indigo cultivation was
harmful for the fertility of the land. In 1916, the practice of Assamiwar, Jirat, Teen Kathiya etc. was
applicable on about 21 thousand acres of land. Along with this, about 46 taxes including Padavan,
Fagumahi, Dasheri, Dasturi, Khushki were illegally collected from the farmers. Along with this, whenever
there was tension between the farmers and the indigo farmers, the police and the judges used to take
the side of these white landlords. The imposition of a new tax called “Painkharcha” on the peasants
became an important immediate reason for this movement.
[Obligation to cultivate
three kattha of indigo
(out of 20 kattha)]

Teen Kathiya System

On the request of one such suffering farmer Rajkumar Shukla, Gandhiji reached Champaran in April
1917 to discuss with the exploited farmers and find a solution to their problem.
• After his arrival in Champaran, the Commissioner of Tirhut Division, Morhod, ordered him to
leave the place immediately, which he refused to obey and agreed to face punishment.
• When Gandhiji was prosecuted for disobedience, he received immense public support. In this
movement, Gandhiji received full support from leaders like Rajendra Prasad, Brajkishore Prasad,
Anugrah Narayan Sinha, Mazhar-ul-Haq, Mahadev Desai, Narhari Parek, J. B. Kriplani, Ramnavmi
prasad and Shambhusharan Varma.
• Ultimately the government had to bow down. The then Lieutenant Governor Gete constituted the
'Champaran Krishak Samiti' under the chairmanship of F.G. Sly to investigate the matter and also
made Gandhiji its member.
• This committee not only suggested the abolition of the Teenkathiya system on the basis of the
statements of the farmers but also ordered the plantation owners to return 25 percent of the
illegal recovery to the farmers.

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STEP-III: Evidence of Champaran Satyagraha being a turning point in the freedom struggle
The condition of the farmers had become very pitiable due to the harsh system prevailing in
Champaran and exploitation by the landlords and plantation owners. In such a situation, on the
request of Rajkumar Shukla, Gandhiji started the Champaran Satyagraha to save the indigo farmers
from exploitation and to end the Teenn Kathiya system. Encouraged by Gandhiji's working methods
and the success of this movement, the farmers participated enthusiastically in the national
movement in the coming time. As a result, the problems of the farmers naturally got linked to the
national movement, which can be seen from the following points:
(i) After the Champaran Satyagraha, various issues of farmers were given prominence at the
national level from various platforms of the Congress.
(ii) Gandhiji linked the issue of farmers with the national movement and this increased their
confidence and consciousness, so that they could oppose the exploitation being done by the
European planters.
(iii) Formation of Champaran Agriculture Committee and compensation of 25% of the amount
taken from the farmers.
(iv) Gandhiji started his political life with the issue of farmers in Champaran. The use of
'Satyagraha' and 'non-violence' for the success of any movement in India was seen for the first
time and it proved to be an infallible weapon for future movements in India.
Champaran Satyagraha was a turning point in the national movement in the following ways-

First Successful Use of Satyagraha in India

Champaran was the first place where Mahatma Gandhi applied his method of nonviolent resistance
(Satyagraha) first time on Indian soil. Though he had used it earlier in South Africa, its success in
Champaran gave credibility to the strategy in India.
Mass Mobilization of Peasants

It involved thousands of poor indigo farmers in Bihar who were being forced by British planters to
grow indigo under oppressive conditions. Gandhi organized them peacefully, giving a voice to rural
Indians and connecting the freedom movement with common people's problems.
Gandhi's Emergence as a National Leader

Before Champaran, Gandhi was relatively unknown in Indian politics. His success in resolving the
issue through nonviolence earned him national recognition and cemented his position as a leader of
the Indian National Movement.

Challenge to British Authority

Gandhi's defiance of the British order to leave Champaran, and the subsequent public support and
government's decision not to prosecute him, demonstrated the power of civil resistance and shook
British confidence.

Inspiration for Future Movements

Champaran became a model for later Satyagrahas and Movements such as the Non-Cooperation
Movement (1920), Civil Disobedience (1930), and Quit India (1942). It showed that organized, peaceful
protest could be a powerful tool.

STEP-IV: Conclusion
Champaran Satyagraha proved to be the first example of successful implementation of Gandhian
movement in the country which had a wide impact on the national movement. It not only resolved the
differences between the moderate and extremist parties but also ensured the social expansion of the
freedom movement in future. Along with this, the problem of farmers was raised at the national level
through this movement, due to which we call Champaran Satyagraha the turning point of freedom.

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3. “The objective of the Birsa movement was not only the desire to end foreign rule but it was also
for internal purification”. In the context of this statement, discuss the causes, objectives and
consequences of the Munda rebellion.
This question is a multidimensional question asked about the reformist nature, causes, objectives
and consequences of Munda rule, which we can write in the following STEP-

STEP-I: Introduction
The Munda rebellion (1895-1900) started by Birsa Munda in 1895 was one of the major rebellions
between the colonial exploitative character of British rule in Bihar and India and the independent
tribal consciousness. The main objective of this rebellion was to destroy the foreign rule and the
structures dedicated to it (landlords, moneylenders, police system) and also to make some socio-
religious reforms. Due to its fierce nature, it has been named Ulgulan i.e. great movement.
STEP-II: Reasons for the Munda Rebellion
There were several causes behind the tribal rebellions of the contemporary period which may be
classified under the following heads:
(i) Economic Reasons: The Mundas used to donate land to Hindu priests who later became
landlords and started exploiting the Mundas. This exploitation became a serious pain for them
when the British introduced their new land policies like permanent settlement and ban on
shifting cultivation. As a result of such policies, tax rates increased, the Mundas got trapped in
debt and fell into a vicious circle of poverty. The bonded labour system and the combined
exploitation of the Mundas by the Dikus and the British forced them to revolt and put an end
to their sufferings.
(ii) Socio-religious reasons: Under the Charter Act of 1813, Christian missionaries were allowed to
preach Christianity in India and they started converting the Munda people to Christianity.
Since the tribal people were deeply attached to their habitat, culture, traditions, customs and
religion, they felt that their religion, culture and customs were being interfered with under the
influence of Christian missionaries, which led to their revolt.
(iii) Political and administrative reasons: In 1806, police rights were given to the landlords, due to
which the Mundas could not approach the police for their complaints. Apart from this, the
British interfered in their tribal Munda administration system and their local judicial system.
Their voices were constantly suppressed, which can be seen during the Sardar Movement of
1886-87. These political and administrative changes led the Mundas to revolt against the Dikus
and the British rule.
(iv) Contracted labour system and forced labour: Discontent grew due to forced and contracted
labour during the construction of Bhagalpur-Bardhaman railway line (1860-62 AD). This was
called forced labour.
STEP-III: Objectives of Munda Rebellion
In these exploitative conditions Birsa Munda united the Mundas and led the Munda Rebellion. He was
an educated Munda who had knowledge of both tribal culture and traditions, western culture and
Christianity. He put together social, religious, economic and political elements to fight against
exploitation and had the following objectives:
(i) To get relief from the joint plunder committed by the Dikus, Christian missionaries and the
British administration on the Mundas.
(ii) The slogan “Abua Raje Setar Jana, Maharani Raje Tundu Jana”, which means end the rule of the
Queen and establish our state, clearly shows that they wanted to end the rule of the British and
establish their own Munda Raj.
(iii) Abolition of feudal system and forced labour in the tribal forest areas.
(iv) Restoration of tribal pride by removing socio-religious evils and promoting monotheism.

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 (v) Bringing about social reforms by focusing on ethical behaviour and inner purification.
With these objectives the Munda rebellion started in 1895 in which Digambaras, Christian
missionaries, British, landlords etc. were attacked. Birsa Munda was soon arrested but was released on
the occasion of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 1897. This time the revolutionary activities were quite
intense and in August 1897 Birsa Munda along with his 400 followers attacked the Khunti Police Station
and fought a fierce battle near the Tanga River. Seeing the intensity of the rebellion, the British
government started brutal suppression of the Mundas in December 1899 after which Birsa Munda was
arrested in February 1900, who later died in Ranchi Jail in June 1900. This led to the rebellion coming
to a halt.
STEP-IV: Reformist elements of the Munda rebellion
The main objective of this rebellion was to free the tribal society and the region from mass atrocities
by killing the Dikus, Christian missionaries and British officials, but along with this Birsa Munda also
tried to remove the religious and social evils present in the Munda society, which we can see from the
following points:
(i) He prohibited polytheism (Bonga) and advised to worship monotheism (Singh Bonga) in its place.
(ii) In this context, Birsa Munda converted a large number of Munda people, who had accepted
Christianity, to his monotheistic religion, of which he himself was the prophet.
(iii) He said that with the mercy of Singh Bonga, ideal order will be restored in the society and they
will be freed from exploitation and oppression.
(iv) Birsa Munda's initial popularity was based on his medicinal and healing powers.
(v) In 1895 AD, Birsa Munda declared himself a messenger of God.
(vi) An important feature of this rebellion was the participation of women, which indicates the
prominent role of women in tribal society.
(vii) He emphasized on organization and unity in tribal society.

STEP-V: Results of Munda rebellion

One of the main objectives of this rebellion was to stop widespread social evils. Although the Birsa
movement could not succeed in eliminating British rule in the Chhotanagpur region, it still had some
positive results. In 1903, for the first time, the Khuntkatti system of the Mundas was given legal
recognition by the Tenancy Amendment Act. Also, by passing the Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act in 1908,
the land rights of the tribes were restored. The objective of the Birsa movement was not only to drive
out the Dikus (British/outsiders) but to “destroy their enemies and eliminate the British”. Birsa
achieved legendary fame and his movements became an inspiration for the social, religious and
political movements of the tribals in the future.

Tribal regional
survey was
conducted for
the protection of
tribals.

Chotanagpur Bonded labour

Tenancy Act 1908 system was
was passed. abolished.

Consequences of
the Munda
Rebellion
Munda self-rule
Khuntkatti
system was
system was
reestablished at
restored
the local level.

Land rights were

granted to
tribals.

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STEP-VI: Conclusion
In this way Bhagwan Birsa Munda led the movement against the exploitation and oppression of the
tribals by the British and forced the British to take action on the plight of the Mundas. The objective
of this rebellion was not only focused on the establishment of self-rule of the Mundas as well as socio-
religious reforms, but it also inspired patriotic and nationalist sentiments among Indians at a time
when Indian nationalism was in its early stages. It is the invaluable contribution of Birsa Munda
through the Munda rebellion that even today he is considered as a god in the tribal society of India.

SECTION-II
4. (a) What is the importance of S-400 in India's air-defense system?
S-400 Air Defense systems are advanced military installations designed to protect against aerial
threats such as aircraft, missiles, drones and helicopters is developed by Russia. These systems operate
through multiple layers of integrated capabilities that work in union to detect, track and neutralise
airborne dangers. At the core of modern air defence networks are radar systems, which serve as the
primary detection tools, continuously scanning the skies for potential threats.
The S-400 missile system is developed by Russia. India’s S-400 air defence system is named
“Sudarshan Chakra”.

Main features of S-400 Air defence system

S-400 missile system is renowned for its exceptional speed. Its missiles can reach a
maximum speed of up to 17000 km/h allowing them to intercept fast moving
targets including high-speed aircraft and ballistic missiles.

S-400 missile systems missile range varies depending on the specific missile type.
The systems’ radar can detect targets up to 600 km away.

The S-400 missile system boasts impressive features, including a wide area search
and track capability, capable of maintaining 300 targets tracks while engaging 36
threats.

The S-400 missile system was recently deployed during Operation Sindoor to intercept
Pakistani missiles. This came after India conducted a targeted strike on terrorist camps in Pakistan
as a response to the Pahalgam attack and this makes the role of S-400 air defence system important
for India in various aspects, which can be seen from the following points:-
1. Enhanced Air Defense Capability
The S-400 can track and destroy multiple aerial threats, including aircraft, cruise missiles, and
ballistic missiles, up to 400 km away and at altitudes up to 30 km.
It provides multi-layered air defense, improving India’s ability to protect its critical
infrastructure, cities, and military assets.
2. Counter to Regional Threats
• India's main strategic rivals — China and Pakistan — have rapidly modernized their air
forces and missile capabilities.

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 • China has already deployed the S-400 system, and Pakistan continues to acquire advanced
aircraft and missiles.
• The S-400 helps maintain air superiority and deterrence in a volatile regional
environment.
3. Force Multiplier for Indian Armed Forces
• Integrates well with India’s existing air defense network.
• Complements indigenous systems like Akash and others under development, creating a
comprehensive shield against aerial threats.
4. Strategic Autonomy and Diversification
• By purchasing the S-400 from Russia, India diversifies its defense imports, reducing over-
dependence on Western suppliers.
• Shows India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy, making decisions based on national interest
despite external pressures (e.g., U.S. CAATSA sanctions).
5. Credible Deterrence
• The S-400 system is a visible and effective deterrent, signalling to adversaries that any
hostile aerial action would face a high risk of interception and failure.
Its deployment significantly enhances India's multi-layered air defence architecture and
provides a critical edge over regional adversaries. Furthermore, the acquisition of the S-400 reflects
India's strategic autonomy in defence procurement, reinforcing its position as a regional power. In the
face of growing regional tensions and evolving security challenges, the S-400 is not just a military asset
but a key component of India's broader geopolitical strategy.

4.(b) Examine India's position as a leader of the Global South.

The Global South refers to countries those are often categorized as developing, less developed or
undeveloped, primarily located in Africa, Asia and Latin America. There nations generally experience
higher levels of poverty, income, inequality and challenging living conditions compared to the weather
nations of the Global North.
India has positioned itself as a strong advocate for the Global South, raising the concerns of
developing nations on global platform. At the 18 th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas in January 2025, Prime
Minister highlighted India’s commitment to amplifying their voice.
The Global South is an important support for India’s international influence and its
economic transformation and development Relations with the Global South is an important part of
India’s “Multidirectional alignment” strategy. It also helps to offset China’s influence. India positioning
itself as a voice of Global South can be seen from the following points:-
• Enhancing connectivity and economic inter-linkages: By undertaking projects ranging from large
scale infrastructure development to community related projects in various sectors, including
health, housing, environment and education.
→ Extending financial, budgetary and humanitarian assistance to partner countries to aid them
in mitigating economic challenges and overcome crises.
• Capacity building and emerging as 1st responder of the Global South. E.g. India-UN Capacity
Building Initiative, Vaccine Maitri initiative during Covid-19.
• Leading the Global Climate Agenda: E.g. championing International Solar Alliance (ISA) & Coalition for
Disaster Resilience (CDRI), supporting Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)
• Advocacy of issues relevant for Global South: E.g. The induction of the African Union into the G20.
• Reforming multilateral institutions: E.g. demand for broadening of the UNSC's permanent
membership.
• Alternative Mechanisms on issues like democracy and human rights: E.g. based Panchsheel, Gujral
Doctrine and Principle of Non-Aligned Movement.

// 11 //
 Diverse relations

Challenges for
Limited
India in leading Competition with
comprehensive
the Global China.
national strength South

Diplomatic Challenges
(Balancing strategic palmerships
with power such as USA, Russia
while trying to represent Global
south can be diplomacy challenging

As India transitions from a balancing to a leading power it should leverage its rich cultural
ethos like “Vashudhaiva Kutumbakam” to unite Global South countries. By Bridging the digital divide,
supporting disaster resilient infrastructure and advocating for an inclusive, equitable international
order India can amplify their collective voice on Global Platform.

4.(c) Global Hunger Index, 2024

The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is a tool for comprehensively measuring and tracking hunger at global,
regional and national levels. Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024 has been jointly published by Concern
Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe.

Undernourishment

Components
Child mortality of Global Child stunting
Hunger Index

Child wasting

India ranks 105th out of 125th countries (up from 111th in 2023), falling under “serious” category with 41
other nations, including Pakistan and Afghanistan and some of the key highlights of this report can
be seen from the following points:-

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 • Reports show links between Gender inequality, climate change and hunger. Gender is intertwined
with climate and food security challenges in ways that respective policies and interventions often
ignore.
• Women and girls are typically hardest hit by food insecurity and malnutrition. They also suffer
disproportionately from the effects of weather extremes and climate emergencies.
• India’s GHI score has fallen since 2000, however, child wasting and stunting remains very high.
• Child under-nutrition in India goes hand in hand with poor nutritional status of mothers
underscoring need for attention to maternal health and nutrition.
• The Report acknowledges India’s significant efforts to improve the food and nutrition landscape
through various initiatives such as Poshan Abhiyan (National Nutrition Mission) PM Garib Kalyan
Yojana (PMGKAY) National mission for natural farming.
Methodology

(Three out of four indicators used for calculation

of index are related to health of children and
cannot be representative of entire population)

Faulty Indicators
Issues with (Reports shows that
Small sample-size Global Hunger stunting as an indicator of
under nutrition, showing
Index it occurs in well nourished
population as well)

Outdated data-set

The Global Hunger Index (GHI) serves as a crucial tool for measuring and tracking hunger
at global regional and national levels. It highlights the urgent need for sustained efforts to eliminate
hunger, especially in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where the situation remains
most severe. Despite some progress in reducing hunger over the part decades, challenges such as
conflict, climate change, economic inequality to hinder progress. Comprehensive and cooperative
actions from the governments, international organisation and civil society is essential to achieve food
security and meet the United Nations, Sustainable Development Goal of zero Hunger by 2030.

5. “ASEAN has a very important place in Indian foreign policy”. In the context of this statement,
explain the challenges present in India-ASEAN relations and the required strategy in this
regard.

This question has been asked about the importance of relations with ASEAN in Indian foreign
policy, the challenges present in these relations and the strategy required to improve these
relations. Which we can write through the following STEPS-

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STEP-I: Introduction
Better relations with ASEAN, an important organization of South-East Asian countries, are very
effective in enhancing India's economic and strategic interests in the region. The 21st ASEAN-India
Summit was held in Vientiane, Laos, in which the Indian Prime Minister participated and presented
a 10-point plan to improve India-ASEAN relations.

STEP-II: Brief Introduction to ASEAN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional organization established on August 8,
1967, in Bangkok, Thailand, by five founding countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore,
and Thailand through the Bangkok Declaration. Its primary aim was to promote political and economic
cooperation, regional stability, and social progress amid Cold War tensions and internal unrest.
Over time, ASEAN expanded to include Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia,
forming a 10-member bloc. The ASEAN Charter, signed in 2007, gave it a legal identity and
strengthened its commitment to regional integration. Its headquarters is located in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Today, ASEAN plays a vital role in global diplomacy and economics, representing a combined
population of over 650 million and being one of the world’s largest markets. It focuses on economic
growth, cultural exchange, environmental sustainability, and conflict resolution through dialogue.
Initiatives like the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic
Partnership (RCEP) underline its growing influence. Balancing diversity with unity, ASEAN remains
central to promoting peace, prosperity, and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific region.

STEP-III: Importance of ASEAN for India

India's relations with ASEAN countries began with the Look East Policy of the 1990s in the backdrop
of disintegration of the then our most trusted ally the USSR to promote better relations with South-
East Asian countries the ‘Asian Tigers’ of that era and to protect its interests in the Indo-Pacific region
and now it has changed into Act East Policy. We can see the importance of ASEAN for India in the
following form-
• Cultural and Historical Ties: India and ASEAN share deep-rooted cultural, civilizational, and
religious connections, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and shared colonial legacies. These links
foster strong people-to-people bonds, boosting tourism, education, and cultural exchange.
• Economic Partnership and Trade: ASEAN is India's fourth largest trading partner and accounts
for 11% of India's total global trade. The India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in goods (2010)
and services (2015) has expanded bilateral trade. ASEAN markets offer significant export potential
for Indian goods, services, and investments.
→ Bilateral trade between India and ASEAN stood at $122.67 billion during 2023-24.

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 • Strategic Location and Connectivity: ASEAN lies at the crossroads of India’s Act East Policy and
Indo-Pacific strategy. Enhanced ties with ASEAN help India improve connectivity to Southeast
Asia, ensuring access to key maritime routes, boosting trade, and strengthening its strategic
footprint in the region.
• Alignment with Indo-Pacific Strategy: ASEAN centrality has an important place in India’s ‘Act
East’ policy and ‘Indo-Pacific’ strategy, reflecting the convergence of interests in the region.
→ Apart from this, India is also playing an important role in maintaining stability in its eastern
neighbouring countries (for example - Myanmar).
• Connectivity with the Northeast: Connectivity initiatives with ASEAN can boost economic
development by establishing India’s Northeastern states as hubs of regional trade and commerce.
→ Such as Kaladan Multi-Modal Transport Project, etc.
• Ensuring maritime security: With 90% of India’s trade by volume passing through the Indian
Ocean, cooperation with ASEAN is vital for maritime security, including the Strait of Malacca.
India engages with ASEAN in joint naval exercises and supports freedom of navigation and
adherence to international laws in the South China Sea.
• Tourism and Education: ASEAN countries are popular among Indian tourists. Students from
ASEAN countries are increasingly studying in India. Cordial relations with ASEAN countries
strengthen India's soft power and goodwill.
• Act East Policy Pillar: ASEAN is central to India’s Act East Policy, which focuses on strengthening
economic, political, and cultural ties with Asia-Pacific countries. Deepening ties with ASEAN
enhances India’s regional influence and integration into East Asian economic and security
architectures.
• Geopolitical Balance and Counterweight to China: Through ASEAN, India strengthens its
presence in the Indo-Pacific, providing a strategic counterbalance to China's growing dominance.
Participation in ASEAN-led forums like the East Asia Summit and ADMM-Plus enhances India’s
geopolitical leverage.
• Gateway to Broader Regional Forums: Engagement with ASEAN enables India’s participation in
influential regional platforms like the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), East Asia Summit (EAS), and
the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP, though India opted out). These forums
give India a voice in shaping regional norms and policies.
In summary, ASEAN is a vital partner for India in securing its strategic interests, expanding
economic ties, and maintaining regional stability. Closer cooperation with ASEAN enhances India’s
stature as a responsible regional power in the Indo-Pacific.

STEP-IV: Challenges Existing in India-ASEAN Relations

The relationship between India and ASEAN is multifaceted, driven by shared economic, political, and
strategic interests. However, there are some issues and challenges for being neighbours to each other’s
that hinder their cooperation.
Geopolitical and Geostrategic Concerns –
• South China Sea Dispute: ASEAN countries have overlapping claims in the South China Sea,
where China’s aggressive posturing threatens regional stability. India, while not a party to this
dispute still supports freedom of navigation and a rules-based order, aligning with ASEAN interests
but risking friction with China.
• Regional Crisis: internal strife in Myanmar, Cambodia etc. India walks a diplomatic tightrope on
Myanmar- balancing its strategic interests (connectivity and security) with ASEAN's push for
democracy and human rights.

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 Economic Challenges - India-ASEAN economic ties face several challenges.
• Walking out of RCEP : India’s last-minute withdrawal from the RCEP deal disappointed ASEAN,
which saw it as a step back from regional trade integration.
• Trade imbalances persist, with India running a deficit and China remaining ASEAN’s top trading
partner. Imports to ASEAN amounts to $68 billion as compared to $42 billion exports in 2021-22
Despite agreements, progress in India-ASEAN trade remains sluggish due to non-tariff barriers
and complex customs procedures.
• Slow implementation of Connectivity Projects: Connectivity initiatives like the India-
Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway have advanced slowly, especially when compared to
China’s swift progress under its Belt and Road Initiative.
• Additionally, inconsistent regulations and investment hurdles continue to obstruct smoother
trade and economic cooperation between India and ASEAN.
• India-ASEAN relations face international pressures from major power rivalries: especially
U.S.- China tensions in the Indo-Pacific. ASEAN’s balancing act between China and the West
affects its alignment with India’s strategic vision. Additionally, global economic uncertainties,
climate change commitments, and supply chain realignments influence bilateral cooperation,
requiring careful diplomatic navigation.

STEP-V: Necessary strategy to improve India-ASEAN relations

At present, relations with India's neighbouring countries are constantly changing and new challenges
are emerging. In this regard, the importance of India-ASEAN relations increases significantly, which
we can see in the following ways-
• 10-point plan: It lays a solid foundation for deeper cooperation, mutual respect and shared
development between India and ASEAN countries. It also advances India's vision of ASEAN
centrality in the Indo-Pacific region. It is noteworthy that India had outlined this vision in the
2018 Shangri-La Dialogue.
• Enhancing economic and trade relations: The scope and effectiveness of the ASEAN-India Free
Trade Agreement (FTA) should be updated and expanded to help address trade imbalances.
• Maritime Cooperation: A strong maritime cooperation between India and ASEAN is vital to
realising the full potential of security of SLOCs and the prosperity of the strategic and tactical
Indo-Pacific region.
• Counterbalancing China: India should launch an ‘Indo-Pacific Maritime Partnership’ that seeks
mutually beneficial maritime security partnerships with ASEAN countries.
• Promoting connectivity: Key connectivity projects (such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand
Trilateral Highway) should be completed. Efforts should be made to explore expanding these
projects to other ASEAN countries, while enhancing trade and cultural ties.

STEP-VI: Conclusion
India-ASEAN relations form the central pillar of India's Act Asia Policy, which is continuously
deepening and expanding. While deepening India-ASEAN relations will nurture India's economic
interests in the region, it will also provide India strategic and tactical advantage in the Indo-Pacific
region.

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