2015 · GS Paper 2 · Q19 · 12 marks
Project 'Mausam' is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian Government to improve relationship with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss.
In short
Project Mausam, launched by the Ministry of Culture in 2014, revives India's monsoon-borne heritage across the Indian Ocean and does carry a strategic dimension. It counters the narrative of China's Maritime Silk Road (2013) and gives a civilisational base to SAGAR and India's maritime partnerships.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 294 words
Shared heritage
It maps monsoon-driven trade, faith and ideas from East Africa and Arabia to Southeast Asia, through ports such as Lothal and Muziris and the Chola outreach to Srivijaya.
People-to-people ties
Research networks, exhibitions and a proposed transnational World Heritage nomination build goodwill among publics, not only governments.
Partnership narrative
It casts India as a co-inheritor of a common past, easing "big brother" fears.
Counter-narrative
Coming a year after China's Maritime Silk Road (2013), it asserts India's older presence in the ocean.
Reinforcing SAGAR
It gives a civilisational base to SAGAR (2015) and Act East, and to projects such as the Agalega airstrip and jetty in Mauritius (2024).
Trust for security
Cultural goodwill eases acceptance of Indian naval cooperation and disaster relief by Seychelles, Mauritius and Maldives.
Limits
Thin funding, slow progress and weak coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs keep it far smaller than China's port investments.
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Neighbourhood Relations13 questions
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2015 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.