UPSC Mains Daily Answer Writing Practice (September 30, 2026): Model Answer & Framework

UPSC Mains Daily Answer Writing Practice (September 30, 2026): Model Answer & Framework

Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing: Question & Model Answer Framework (September 30, 2026)

Today's Mains Question (GS Paper 2 - 15 Marks / 250 Words)

"Critically analyze India’s balancing act within the expanded BRICS framework, particularly concerning its strategic engagement in West Asia. To what extent does this engagement align with the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) under Article 51 in promoting international peace and security?"

1. Decoding the Directive & Demand of the Question

Directive: "Critically Analyze" requires you to examine the topic deeply, weighing the pros and cons, identifying the nuances of India's geopolitical strategy, and providing a balanced judgment on the effectiveness of this policy.

Demand:
1. Contextualize BRICS+: Acknowledge the expanded BRICS and the inclusion of West Asian powers (Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt).
2. Strategic Engagement: Explain how India leverages BRICS to deepen ties in West Asia (energy security, connectivity, trade).
3. Constitutional/Conceptual Link: Explicitly link the strategy to Article 51 (promoting international peace, fostering respect for international law, encouraging settlement of international disputes by arbitration).
4. Critical Stance: Address the friction between India’s participation in Western-led groupings (like I2U2) and the China-Russia dominated BRICS, and how it manages this dichotomy.

2. Structural Outline / Skeleton Framework

  • Introduction (30-40 words): Define the post-2024 expanded BRICS context. Briefly state India’s "Multi-alignment" policy and its convergence with Article 51.
  • Body Section 1 (80-90 words): The Synergies. Discuss energy security (West Asia as the primary source), the importance of the INSTC (International North-South Transport Corridor), and the need for a multipolar world order as advocated by BRICS.
  • Body Section 2 (80-90 words): The Balancing Act & Challenges. Discuss the "dilemma": balancing the US-led West vs. the BRICS bloc. Address the Israel-Palestine conflict as a litmus test for India’s diplomacy. Mention the risk of BRICS becoming an anti-Western platform.
  • Way Forward & Recommendation (40-50 words): Emphasize "Strategic Autonomy." Suggest that India acts as a "bridge-builder" rather than a block-adherent. Mention the "Vishwamitra" (friend to all) philosophy.
  • Conclusion (20-30 words): Reiterate that India’s engagement is driven by national interest (Viksit Bharat 2047) and global stability, consistent with constitutional mandates.

3. Comprehensive Model Answer

The expansion of BRICS to include major West Asian powers—Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt—has transformed the bloc into a critical forum for global energy and geopolitical discourse. For India, this provides a unique platform to harmonize its West Asia policy with its aspirations for a multipolar global order.

Synergies in India’s Engagement:
India’s involvement in BRICS facilitates direct engagement with West Asian nations, which are crucial for India’s energy security and diaspora welfare. The BRICS platform complements bilateral initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the INSTC. By engaging within BRICS, India ensures that its interests in the region—stability, counter-terrorism, and trade—are protected in a multilateral setting, effectively diversifying its diplomatic footprint beyond the traditional Western-led architecture.

Alignment with Article 51:
India’s strategy is deeply rooted in Article 51 of the Constitution, which mandates the state to endeavor to promote international peace and security, maintain just and honorable relations between nations, and foster respect for international law. India’s stance in BRICS emphasizes "sovereign equality" and "non-interference," aligning with the constitutional directive to encourage the settlement of international disputes by arbitration. By acting as a voice for the Global South, India promotes a "rules-based" order that is inclusive rather than exclusionary.

The Critical Balancing Act:
However, the challenge lies in the inherent contradictions. The expansion of BRICS risks being perceived as an anti-Western bloc, which creates friction with India’s strategic partnerships with the US and the EU (e.g., I2U2, QUAD). India must navigate the geopolitical rivalry between Iran/Russia and the West. Furthermore, the internal heterogeneity of BRICS members makes consensus on contentious issues, such as the Israel-Palestine conflict, difficult to achieve.

Way Forward:
India must continue its policy of "Strategic Autonomy". Rather than choosing sides, India should leverage its unique position as a member of both the G7 and BRICS to act as a "connective tissue" or "bridge-builder." By prioritizing issue-based coalitions over bloc-based alliances, India can ensure that its regional engagement serves its national interest (Viksit Bharat 2047) while upholding the constitutional commitment to global peace.

Conclusion:
Ultimately, India’s role in BRICS is not about containment but about contribution. By balancing its diverse partnerships, India reinforces its position as a "Vishwamitra," ensuring that its geopolitical engagements remain firmly anchored in the pursuit of both national prosperity and global stability.

4. Value Addition Box (Schemes, Data & Committees)

Component Key Details
Constitutional Article Article 51: Promotion of international peace and security.
Strategic Concept Multi-alignment: Moving away from Non-Alignment (NAM) to engaging with multiple, sometimes competing, power blocs simultaneously.
Key Frameworks INSTC (Connectivity), IMEC (Infrastructure), I2U2 (West Asia Quad).
Diplomatic Philosophy "Vishwamitra": The concept of India as a friend to the world, emphasizing dialogue and mediation.
Committee/Report MEA Annual Report 2025-26: Highlights on 'Global South' leadership and the expansion of multilateral footprints.

ЁЯПЫ️ Official Government & Policy Updates (PIB Gazette Connect)

Key national initiatives, Cabinet & Ministry releases aligned with GS-2 and GS-3:

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