Table of Contents

APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 21/02/2026

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (21-02-2026).

GS Mains Model Question

Paper: General Studies – II (International Relations | Global Governance | India’s Foreign Policy)

Q. India’s recent bilateral engagements with Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Slovakia, and the United Nations reflect an evolving multi-dimensional foreign policy anchored in technology, maritime security, and Global South leadership.

Examine the strategic significance of these engagements and analyse how they strengthen India’s role in regional and global governance.
(15 marks)

Model Answer

Introduction

On the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit (February 2026), the Prime Minister held bilateral talks with leaders of Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Slovakia, and the UN Secretary-General. The discussions centred on artificial intelligence (AI), digital public infrastructure (DPI), maritime security, defence cooperation, and UN reforms. These engagements signal a calibrated diplomatic strategy that blends neighbourhood outreach, Indian Ocean security, European partnership, and multilateral reform advocacy.

Body

A. Strategic Significance of Bilateral Engagements

1. Indian Ocean & Maritime Security (Mauritius & Sri Lanka)

Reinforces India’s maritime doctrine under MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
Ensures stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), a vital trade corridor.
Counters external strategic influence in India’s neighbourhood.

Mauritius remains a critical maritime partner, while Sri Lanka occupies a geostrategic position near key sea lanes.

2. Technology Diplomacy & Digital Partnerships (Slovakia & UN)

Promotion of Digital Public Infrastructure (Aadhaar, UPI model) as exportable governance architecture.
Cooperation in AI, defence, space, and innovation ecosystems.
Engagement with the UN to shape inclusive AI governance norms.

Technology is emerging as a core pillar of India’s foreign policy toolkit.

3. Global South Leadership

Advocacy for UN reforms and greater representation of developing nations.
Positioning India as a bridge between developed and developing economies.
Reinforcing post-G20 leadership role in multilateral platforms.

4. Economic & Strategic Diversification

Engagement with Slovakia strengthens India–EU linkages.
Opens avenues for defence manufacturing and supply chain diversification.
Enhances India’s strategic autonomy.

B. Implications for Regional and Global Governance

1. Norm-Setting in Emerging Technologies

Active participation in shaping global AI ethics and regulatory standards.
Promotes inclusive digital transformation.

2. Strengthening Cooperative Federalism in Foreign Policy

Maritime and economic diplomacy aligned with Act East and Indo-Pacific strategies.

3. Institutional Reform Advocacy

Push for expansion of UN Security Council.
Reforms to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.

4. Multi-Vector Diplomacy

India simultaneously balances:

Neighbourhood First
Indo-Pacific maritime strategy
Europe outreach
Multilateral reform agenda

C. Challenges

Strategic competition in Indian Ocean Region.
Divergent regulatory regimes in AI and data governance.
Slow progress on UN reforms.
Managing economic asymmetries in trade agreements.

Conclusion India’s recent diplomatic engagements illustrate a shift from traditional transactional diplomacy to strategic, technology-driven, and norm-shaping foreign policy. By integrating maritime security, digital innovation, and Global South advocacy, India strengthens both its regional influence and global governance role. Sustained institutional coordination and strategic clarity will be essential to translate these engagements into long-term geopolitical gains.

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