International Relations

India and its neighbourhood — relations with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests.— UPSC Mains Syllabus

India's foreign policy doctrine (Neighbourhood First, Act East, Strategic Autonomy, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam) and its bilateral relationships. Every IR answer should be framed around India's strategic, economic, and security interests. China and US are the load-bearing pillars; neighbourhood relations are the most frequently tested.