2019 · GS Paper 2 · Q19 · 15 marks
The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order.' Elaborate.
In short
India's alignment with major powers and pursuit of great-power status have diluted its Cold War image as leader of the oppressed, but the role has evolved into a bridge between the North and the Global South. India secured permanent G20 membership for the African Union in 2023.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 303 words
Alignment with major powers
The 2008 nuclear deal, defence pacts with the US (LEMOA 2016, COMCASA 2018, BECA 2020) and Quad summits since 2021 place India close to the West.
Interest over solidarity
Skipping the NAM summits of 2016 and 2019, abstaining on UN resolutions over Ukraine (2022) and de-hyphenated ties with Israel signal multi-alignment over old causes.
Elite-club aspirations
Bids for a permanent UNSC seat and NSG membership cast India as a status-seeker within the order.
Convenor of the South
India hosted three Voice of Global South Summits (2023-24) and won permanent G20 membership for the African Union in 2023.
Provider in crises
Vaccine Maitri sent over 30.12 crore doses to 99 countries and two UN bodies, and India aided over 150 countries in disasters in five years (PIB, 2025).
Advocate at the WTO
India co-sponsored the TRIPS waiver (2020) and defends food stockholding for developing countries.
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Global6 questions
Asked in 6 of 14 sittings since 2013
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- 2025"With the waning of globalization, post-Cold War world is becoming a site of sovereign nationalism." Elucidate.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2019 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.