UPSC Mains Answer Practice — GS 2: India’s role in BRICS for engagement in West Asia and Constitutional Safeguards (Week 173)

UPSC Essentials invites you to practice Mains answer writing on questions pertaining to GS-2 topics. This exercise aims to assess your progress in understanding the Civil Services exam syllabus. The upcoming discussion focuses on two key questions related to India's role in BRICS, West Asia, and constitutional safeguards.

First, consider India's capacity to leverage its role as the 2026 BRICS chair to enhance diplomatic relations in West Asia. Despite the conflict's contentious nature, India has successfully convened BRICS members Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. This platform facilitates dialogue among states with divergent interests, as evidenced by their agreement on the New Delhi Declaration.

The declaration emphasizes prudence, discourse, diplomacy, sovereignty, and international law, rather than assigning blame. This consensus demonstrates India's ability to foster constructive dialogue, even amidst regional divisions. By promoting secure and unhindered marine trade and emphasizing energy security, India can expand its diplomatic influence in West Asia through the BRICS framework.

Secondly, examine the constitutional safeguard of informing grounds of arrest. This provision goes beyond mere procedural compliance; it serves as a fundamental constitutional safeguard. Article 21 guarantees life and personal liberty, while Article 22(1) mandates informing the arrested person of the grounds for their detention.

The Supreme Court has underscored the importance of these safeguards in preventing arbitrary deprivation of liberty. Understanding this constitutional principle is crucial for appreciating the balance between state authority and individual rights.