Geopolitics of West Asia
The article highlights the persistent instability in West Asia, the limitations of military solutions, and the need for a comprehensive regional security arc...
Moving from war to deal in a deeply divided region
The article analyzes a recent US-Iran deal, highlighting that military force alone is insufficient without a political settlement. It details the factors compelling both the US and Iran to negotiate, despite Israeli opposition. The deal's terms, including opening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting sanctions, are discussed, alongside Iran's continued assertive posture and reliance on non-state actors. The piece also examines the negative impact on Gulf countries, exposing their fault lines and prompting a recalibration of their security strategies. It touches upon the reactions of Russia and China, and critically assesses India's initial alignment and subsequent need for a balanced, multi-aligned approach in West Asia to protect its energy security, trade, and diaspora interests. The article concludes by questioning the deal's durability and the potential for future conflicts.
Syllabus mapping
Mains syllabus topics
Indian Culture Art Architecture
Modern Indian History
Indian Society Diversity
Globalization Indian Society
Social Empowerment Communalism
Prelims takeaways
- Understanding the key actors and their roles in West Asian geopolitics (US, Iran, Israel, Gulf states, non-state actors).
- Significance of the Strait of Hormuz for global energy security and trade.
- Context and implications of the Abraham Accords.
- Overview of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and its relevance to Iran's nuclear program.
- India's strategic interests in West Asia (energy, trade, diaspora remittances) and its foreign policy approach (strategic autonomy, multi-alignment).
- Role and impact of international groupings like BRICS and OPEC in global power dynamics.
Elimination traps
- Specific, minute details of the US-Iran deal's terms or negotiation timelines.
- The author's subjective predictions about regional stability or specific political outcomes.
- Internal political dynamics of countries like Israel (e.g., election schedules) unless directly impacting a major international event.
Static concepts
- Strategic autonomy
- Multi-alignment
- Energy security
- Maritime trade
- Nuclear weapons
- Nuclear enrichment
- Ceasefire
- Political settlement
- Sanctions
- Proxy warfare
- Deterrence
- Regional security architecture
Probable question areas
Question areas
- Analyze the impact of the US-Iran deal on global energy security and regional stability in West Asia.
Question areas
- Discuss India's foreign policy challenges and opportunities in a changing West Asian geopolitical landscape.
Question areas
- Evaluate the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz in international trade and security.
Question areas
- Examine the role of non-state actors in shaping conflicts and alliances in West Asia.
Question areas
- What are the implications of the Abraham Accords for regional security and cooperation in the Middle East?
UPSC concepts in this story
Durable syllabus ideas for revision — not article memory.
India's Strategic Autonomy and Multi-alignment
The article underscores India's need for a balanced regional strategy rooted in strategic autonomy and multi-alignment, especially in West Asia, to safeguard...
Previous year Prelims questions on overlapping themes and topics.
India is one of the founding members of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect
Explanation
Correct answer
A. India to Central Asia to Europe via Iran
The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is a multimodal transport network aimed at boosting trade between India, Central Asia, Russia, and Europe, using a combination of sea, rail, and road routes via Iran. The corridor connects Mumbai → Bandar Abbas (Iran) → Azerbaijan → Russia → Europe, with access to Central Asia.
International Relations
Geopolitics & International Conflicts
Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the following countries?
Explanation
Correct answer
B. Russia
* India signed the ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with Russia. * India and Russia have a long-standing strategic partnership in the field of civil nuclear cooperation. * The agreement aims to enhance collaboration in areas such as nuclear fuel cycle management, nuclear power projects, and research in nuclear science and technology. * Russia has been a key partner in India's nuclear energy sector, particularly through Rosatom, which has been involved in building Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) in Tamil Nadu. * Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States have also engaged in nuclear cooperation with India but were not part of this specific agreement.
International Relations
Current Affairs
Geopolitics & International Conflicts
Consider the following pairs :
Country | Reason for being in the news|
|- | -|
|1. Argentina | Worst economic crisis|
|2. Sudan | War between the country's regular army and paramilitary forces|
|3. Turkey | Rescinded its membership of NATO|
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
Explanation
Correct answer
B. Only two pairs
* Argentina - Worst economic crisis: Correct. Argentina has been facing a severe economic crisis for a while, marked by high inflation, debt, and poverty. * Sudan - War between the country's regular army and paramilitary forces: Correct. Sudan has been engulfed in a violent conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. * Turkey - Rescinded its membership of NATO: Incorrect. Turkey has not rescinded its membership of NATO. While there have been tensions between Turkey and other NATO members, it remains a member. _Therefore, only two out of the three pairs are correctly matched._
International Relations
Current Affairs
Geopolitics & International Conflicts
Macroeconomic Trends & Inflation
Consider the following statements:
Statement-I :Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States.
Statement-II :The 'Arab Peace Initiative' Mediated by Saudi Arabia was signed by Israel and Arab League.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Explanation
Correct answer
C. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
* Statement I is correct: Several Arab states, including Egypt, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan, have established diplomatic relations with Israel. * Statement II is incorrect: The Arab Peace Initiative, mediated by Saudi Arabia, was endorsed by the Arab League but not signed by Israel. It outlines a path towards peace in exchange for Israeli concessions, but Israel has not formally accepted all its terms.
International Relations
Geopolitics & International Conflicts
Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS:
I. 16th BRICS Summit was held under the Chairship of Russia in Kazan.
II. Indonesia has become a full member of BRICS.
III. The theme of the 16th BRICS Summit was Strengthening Multiculturalism for Just Global Development and Security.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Correct answer
A. I and II
✅ Statement I: Correct
*The 16th BRICS Summit was held in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024 under Russia’s chairship. Russia held the rotating presidency in 2024, and the summit took place from October 22-24 in Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan.* ✅ Statement II: Correct
*Indonesia became a full member of BRICS in January 2025, becoming the first Southeast Asian nation and the 10th member of the bloc.* ❌ Statement III: Incorrect
*The theme of the 16th BRICS Summit is "Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security." The statement used "Multiculturalism" instead of "Multilateralism," making it incorrect for this question.* Therefore, only statements I and II are correct.
International Relations
Geopolitics & International Conflicts
Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’?
Explanation
Correct answer
A. Iran
The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, originally (and still colloquially) known as the Gulf Cooperation Council, is a regional intergovernmental political and economic union consisting of all Arab states of the Persian Gulf except Iran. Its member states are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The Charter of the Gulf Cooperation Council was signed on 25 May 1981, formally establishing the institution. Hence, option A is the correct answer.
International Relations
Geopolitics & International Conflicts
In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not participant/ participants?
1. Bangladesh
2. Cambodia
3. China
4. Myanmar
5. Thailand
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation
Correct answer
C. 1 and 3 only
All 6 participants of the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation are member countries bordering the basins of the Mekong and Ganga rivers, aiming to collaborate on various initiatives. These countries are: - India - Cambodia - Laos - Myanmar - Thailand - Vietnam Hence, China & Bangladesh are not part of the Mekong-Ganga Corporation.
International Relations
Geopolitics & International Conflicts
India is a member of which of the following?
1. Asia-Pacific economic corporation.
2. Association of South-East Asian Nations.
3. East Asia Summit
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation
Correct answer
B. 3 only
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC): India is not a member of APEC. Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN): India is not a member of ASEAN, but it is a part of ASEAN6. East Asia Summit: India is a member of the East Asia Summit. Therefore, out of the given options, India is only a member of the East Asia Summit.
International Relations
Geopolitics & International Conflicts
What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India?
Explanation
Correct answer
C. India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
India signed a deal to develop the Chabahar port with Iran. Apart from the bilateral agreement between India and Iran, a trilateral transit and trade corridor deal was also signed by India, Iran and Afghanistan which would ensure easy movement of goods between the three countries, bypassing Pakistan. The Chabahar port is situated in South Eastern part of Iran and on the northern coast of Gulf of Oman It is surrounded by Afghanistan in the North, Pakistan in the North-East and India in the East. The location of the Chabahar port is of strategic importance to India in linking trade routes from the Indian Ocean to Afghanistan, Central Asia and also to Europe; thereby avoiding a land route through Pakistan.
International Relations
Geopolitics & International Conflicts
With reference to the United Nations General Assembly, consider the following statements:
1. The UN General Assembly can grant observer status to the non-member States.
2. Inter-governmental organisations can seek observer status in the UN General Assembly.
3. Permanent Observers in the UN General Assembly can maintain missions at the UN headquarters.
Which of the statements given above are correct ?
Explanation
Correct answer
D. 1, 2 and 3
Statement 1 is correct. The United Nations General Assembly may grant non-member states, international organizations, and other entities Permanent Observer Status. Statement 2 is correct. The General Assembly decided that observer status would be confined to States and intergovernmental organizations whose activities cover matters of interest to the Assembly. Statement 3 is correct. Permanent Observers may participate in the sessions and workings of the General Assembly and maintain missions at the UN Headquarters.
International Relations
Geopolitics & International Conflicts
Previous year Mains questions mapped to overlapping GS syllabus topics.
Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion.
Salient features of Indian Society and Diversity
Women, population, poverty, urbanization and development
View Mains PYQ
Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.
Salient features of Indian Society and Diversity
Women, population, poverty, urbanization and development
View Mains PYQ
How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience.
Salient features of Indian Society and Diversity
Women, population, poverty, urbanization and development
Effects of globalization on Indian society
View Mains PYQ
Mahatma Jotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss.
Modern Indian history (mid-18th century to present)
Salient features of Indian Society and Diversity
Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism and secularism
View Mains PYQ
Do you think that globalization results in only an aggressive consumer culture? Justify your answer.
Effects of globalization on Indian society
View Mains PYQ
The ethos of civil service in India stand for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness – Elucidate.
Salient features of Indian Society and Diversity
View Mains PYQ
Which of the following is NOT a reported term of the recent US-Iran deal mentioned in the article?
Explanation
The article states that the deal 'opens up Hormuz Strait unconditionally, halts the war on all fronts including Lebanon, lifts Iranian oil sanctions, unfreezes Iranian assets and commits Iran not to produce nuclear weapons.' It also mentions that 'Iran’s missile arsenal will be replenished,' indicating no commitment to dismantle it.
According to the article, the recent US-Iran deal and the preceding conflict have exposed which of the following among Gulf countries?
Explanation
The article states, 'They overestimated their collective economic and security strength while underestimating their internal divisions and long-standing rivalries.' It also notes that the 'Iran war has divided the Gulf rather than united it against a common adversary.'
Despite the recent US-Iran deal, the article suggests that Iran's role as a 'major disruptor' in West Asia is unlikely to diminish significantly in the near future due to which of the following reasons? 1. Its continued reliance on non-state actors like Hezbollah and Houthis. 2. Its commitment to dismantle its nuclear enrichment facilities. 3. Its hardline government and replenished missile arsenal. 4. Its capability to threaten the Strait of Hormuz and strike Gulf countries. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
The article explicitly states: 'There is little indication that its reliance on non-state actors such as Hezbollah, the Houthis and Iraqi militias will diminish. The Iranian government is now more hardline, its missile arsenal will be replenished, and it retains the capability to threaten the Strait of Hormuz and strike Gulf countries at will.' Statement 2 is incorrect; the deal commits Iran not to produce nuclear weapons, but negotiations to suspend nuclear enrichment are separate and ongoing, and the article does not suggest a commitment to dismantle existing facilities as a reason for continued disruption.
"Military force, by itself, cannot be a solution unless it is followed by a political settlement." In light of this statement, analyze the factors that compelled the US and Iran to negotiate a deal, and critically assess its implications for regional stability, particularly for Israel and the Gulf countries.
Introduce the central premise, discuss US and Iran's compulsions, detail the deal's terms, and then critically examine its varied impacts on Israel and Gulf states, concluding on the prospects for regional stability.
The recent geopolitical shifts in West Asia, exemplified by the US-Iran deal, necessitate a recalibration of security strategies by regional powers. In this context, discuss the challenges and opportunities for India in adopting a balanced, multi-aligned approach to safeguard its energy security, trade, and diaspora interests in the region.
Briefly outline the changing West Asian landscape, identify India's key interests, elaborate on the challenges posed by regional dynamics, and suggest opportunities for a multi-aligned strategy.