Consider the following statements regarding strategic dialogues and healthcare diplomacy:
1. The ASEAN-India Centre (AIC) at the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) organizes strategic dialogues and cultural exchanges.
2. The Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) framework is predominantly a military alliance aimed at countering piracy in the Malacca Strait.
3. To bolster healthcare cooperation, India provides affordable generic medicines and pharmaceutical partnerships to several Southeast Asian countries.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The AIC fosters dialogue, and 'pharmacy of the world' diplomacy is a key economic tool. Statement 2 is incorrect; the MGC is focused entirely on civilian sectors like tourism, culture, education, and transport, not military alliances or anti-piracy.
Consider the following statements regarding naval exercises and maritime domain awareness:
1. The trilateral Malabar naval exercise serves as a major platform for enhancing interoperability among Quad nations in the Indo-Pacific.
2. All ASEAN nations have collectively signed a defense pact with India to jointly boycott the Belt and Road Initiative.
3. India has offered a coastal radar surveillance system to friendly nations in Southeast Asia to enhance their Maritime Domain Awareness.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Malabar boosts Quad interoperability, and coastal radar networks are supplied to boost regional MDA. Statement 2 is incorrect; several ASEAN nations actively participate in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and have not boycotted it with India.
Consider the following statements regarding the role of BIMSTEC in the Act East Policy:
1. BIMSTEC acts as a natural strategic bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia, perfectly aligning with Act East objectives.
2. The BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity complements India's sovereign efforts to enhance regional integration.
3. Thailand and Myanmar are the two Southeast Asian (ASEAN) member states that are also full members of BIMSTEC.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: All three statements are correct. **BIMSTEC** (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) connects South Asian and ASEAN nations (Myanmar and Thailand), fostering connectivity and bridging India's 'Neighbourhood First' and 'Act East' policies.
Consider the following statements regarding the India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway:
1. The highway is designed to connect Moreh in the Indian state of Manipur to Mae Sot in Thailand via Myanmar.
2. There are active diplomatic proposals to extend this highway further east to Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
3. The project is exclusively funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) with no direct financial input from the Government of India.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The IMT highway links Moreh to Mae Sot, with proposals to extend it to Vietnam. Statement 3 is incorrect; the **Government of India** is entirely funding the construction of several critical segments and bridges of this highway within Myanmar.
Consider the following statements regarding cultural and maritime initiatives in the Indo-Pacific:
1. The revival of the Nalanda University was conceived as a hallmark cultural project under India's eastern outreach to foster educational ties with East Asia.
2. The Act East policy advocates for the establishment of a single, unified currency for all nations in the Indo-Pacific region.
3. The Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) explicitly seeks collaborative partnerships across pillars such as trade, connectivity, and maritime security.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Nalanda University serves as a cultural linkage, and the IPOI is India's flagship multilateral maritime initiative. Statement 2 is incorrect; India does not advocate for a unified Indo-Pacific currency.
Consider the following statements regarding the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) and capacity building:
1. The Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) includes cooperation in sectors like tourism, culture, education, and transport.
2. Japan and South Korea are official dialogue partners within the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation framework.
3. The Act East policy seeks to strengthen institutional linkages by providing specialized training to ASEAN diplomats at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The MGC focuses on soft infrastructure and tourism, while India frequently trains ASEAN diplomats. Statement 2 is incorrect; the MGC exclusively comprises India and the five Mekong region countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam).
Consider the following statements regarding defense exports and security status:
1. India conducts the 'Dharma Guardian' joint military exercise with Japan to enhance interoperability in counter-terrorism operations.
2. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has designated India as a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council.
3. India has offered a Line of Credit to the Philippines for the procurement of defense equipment to boost maritime security.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. 'Dharma Guardian' is a key exercise with Japan, and defense lines of credit are actively offered (e.g., to the Philippines). Statement 2 is incorrect; ASEAN does not have the authority or mechanism to designate any nation as a Permanent Member of the UNSC.
Consider the following statements regarding Digital Connectivity and Act East:
1. The Act East Policy places a strong, modern emphasis on enhancing digital and cyber connectivity with ASEAN nations.
2. India has established Centers of Excellence in Software Development and Training (CESDT) in the CLMV countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam).
3. The real-time integration of India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Singapore's PayNow represents a historic milestone in cross-border digital linkages.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: All three statements are correct. Digital connectivity is the newest frontier of Act East, manifested through capacity building in CLMV nations and cutting-edge fintech integration like the UPI-PayNow linkage with Singapore.
Consider the following statements regarding the blue economy and dialogue formats:
1. Under the policy, India emphasizes the development of blue economy initiatives, including sustainable fisheries and ocean resource management.
2. India engages in a '2+2' Ministerial Dialogue with Japan, involving their respective Foreign and Defense Ministers.
3. The Act East Policy strictly mandates the adoption of the Chinese Yuan as the primary currency for all intra-regional trade with ASEAN.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The Blue Economy is a core pillar of the IPOI, and '2+2' dialogues reflect deep strategic trust with Japan. Statement 3 is incorrect; India promotes trade in national currencies (like the Rupee) but absolutely does not mandate the use of the Chinese Yuan.
Consider the following statements regarding defense frameworks and academic exchanges:
1. The ADMM-Plus (ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus) framework includes India as a key partner for practical defense cooperation.
2. Improving air connectivity by increasing direct flights between major Indian cities and ASEAN capitals is a stated objective of the policy.
3. India provides PhD fellowships to students from ASEAN countries at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: All three statements are correct. India actively engages in ADMM-Plus, prioritizes aviation connectivity, and offers 1,000 PhD fellowships for ASEAN students at IITs as a major capacity-building initiative.
Consider the following statements regarding the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project:
1. The project aims to connect the Kolkata seaport in India to the Sittwe port in Myanmar's Rakhine State.
2. The Kaladan project completely bypasses the Bay of Bengal, utilizing only inland river routes and highways.
3. A primary strategic objective of this project is to provide an alternative, shorter route to India's landlocked Northeast region.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The Kaladan project links Kolkata to Sittwe to provide a vital alternative route to the Northeast (Mizoram), easing reliance on the Siliguri Corridor. Statement 2 is incorrect; the first leg of the project is a **maritime route** across the Bay of Bengal from Kolkata to Sittwe.
Consider the following statements regarding the institutional and strategic foundations of the Act East Policy:
1. The ASEAN-India Centre (AIC) was established to undertake policy research and provide policy recommendations for strengthening the strategic partnership.
2. The Act East Policy systematically integrates the development of India's Northeastern region with the economic growth of Southeast Asia.
3. India has offered a dedicated Line of Credit (LoC) specifically for ASEAN countries to undertake physical and digital connectivity projects.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: All three statements are correct. The AIC fosters intellectual and policy links, the Northeast is the geographic anchor of the policy, and India has deployed significant financial mechanisms, including a $1 billion LoC, to boost connectivity.
Consider the following statements regarding the challenges related to Myanmar in the Act East Policy:
1. Myanmar is uniquely positioned geopolitically as the only ASEAN country sharing both a land border and a maritime boundary with India.
2. Chronic political instability and ethnic insurgencies in Myanmar pose severe challenges to the timely completion of major connectivity projects.
3. Following the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, India completely severed all diplomatic, economic, and military ties with the Naypyidaw regime.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Myanmar is the vital land bridge, but its internal conflict constantly stalls projects like the Trilateral Highway. Statement 3 is incorrect; adopting a pragmatic approach driven by border security and strategic necessity, India **has not severed ties** and continues to engage with the military junta in Myanmar.
Consider the following statements regarding India's trade engagements in the region:
1. To massively boost its Act East economic engagements, India officially signed and ratified the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
2. India withdrew from RCEP negotiations citing serious concerns over inadequate protection against potential import surges, particularly from China.
3. Despite opting out of RCEP, India maintains Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreements (CECA/CEPA) with countries like Japan and South Korea.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are correct. India withdrew from RCEP to protect domestic industries but maintains strong bilateral FTAs. Statement 1 is incorrect; India explicitly **walked out of the RCEP** in 2019 and did not sign the mega-trade deal.
Consider the following statements regarding India-Philippines defense ties:
1. The Philippines became the first foreign nation to procure the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system from India.
2. This landmark defense export signifies a major shift in India's Act East Policy towards assuming the role of a net security provider.
3. Both nations share growing strategic concerns regarding freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: All three statements are correct. The BrahMos deal with the Philippines is a watershed moment for India's defense exports and demonstrates the strategic and security maturation of the Act East Policy in countering regional hegemony.
Consider the following statements regarding ASEAN Centrality and Capacity Building:
1. India officially views 'ASEAN Centrality' as the indispensable core of its broader strategic vision for the Indo-Pacific.
2. The Act East Policy seeks deeper economic integration by integrating Indian industries into regional and global value chains.
3. Capacity building initiatives, notably the ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) program, are utilized extensively to aid Southeast Asian nations.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: All three statements are correct. ASEAN Centrality is the bedrock of India's Indo-Pacific approach, economic value-chain integration is a primary goal, and ITEC is a major tool for Indian soft power and capacity building in the region.
Consider the following statements regarding infrastructure and cultural diplomacy:
1. The Maitri Setu (Friendship Bridge) connects Sabroom in Tripura to Ramgarh in Bangladesh, facilitating faster access to the Chittagong port.
2. Under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), different countries take the lead on specific pillars, with Australia co-leading the Marine Ecology pillar.
3. Cultural diplomacy under Act East includes the restoration of ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples, such as My Son in Vietnam, by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: All three statements are correct. Maitri Setu bridges the Northeast to maritime routes, Australia leads the marine ecology pillar in IPOI, and ASI's restoration works in Vietnam/Cambodia highlight deep historical ties.
Consider the following statements regarding India and South Korea:
1. South Korea's 'New Southern Policy' closely aligns with and complements the objectives of India's 'Act East Policy'.
2. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) operationalizes and significantly boosts the bilateral trade ties between the two nations.
3. South Korea is a formal, founding member of the Quad security dialogue alongside India, the USA, and Japan.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The New Southern Policy and CEPA are pillars of the India-ROK relationship. Statement 3 is incorrect; the Quad consists of India, the USA, Japan, and **Australia**. South Korea is not a member of the Quad.
Consider the following statements regarding economic and digital integration under the Act East Policy:
1. The Act East Policy places a significant emphasis on promoting digital public infrastructure (DPI) and financial connectivity with ASEAN countries.
2. To facilitate trade and investments, India has established a dedicated 'Japan Plus' desk within Invest India.
3. India is a founding member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to bolster its Act East Policy.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. India actively pushes digital linkages (like UPI integration) and maintains the 'Japan Plus' desk for FDI. Statement 3 is incorrect; India is not a member of the CPTPP.
Consider the following statements regarding the Quad and its relationship to ASEAN:
1. The Quad framework explicitly and repeatedly endorses 'ASEAN Centrality' as the foundation of its Indo-Pacific architecture.
2. The Quad is a formal, mutual-defense military alliance explicitly modeled on NATO to contain China in the Indo-Pacific.
3. The Quad's collaborative initiatives focus heavily on delivering public goods, such as COVID-19 vaccines and climate change mitigation, to the region.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The Quad supports ASEAN centrality and focuses on public goods (vaccines, infrastructure, climate). Statement 2 is incorrect; the Quad is a strategic diplomatic dialogue, **not a formal military alliance or Asian NATO**.
Consider the following statements regarding the transition from 'Look East' to the 'Act East' Policy:
1. The Act East Policy was formally announced in 2014 as an upgrade to the earlier Look East Policy initiated in the 1990s.
2. It explicitly expands the geographic focus from solely Southeast Asia to the extended neighborhood in the broader Asia-Pacific region.
3. Unlike the Look East Policy, the Act East Policy involves a significantly greater focus on strategic, security, and defense cooperation.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: All three statements are correct. The **Act East Policy (AEP)** was launched in 2014. It is a more action-oriented upgrade of the Look East Policy, expanding its scope to the broader Asia-Pacific (Indo-Pacific) and heavily incorporating strategic and defense ties alongside economic integration.
Consider the following statements regarding the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI):
1. The SCRI was launched solely as a bilateral formal treaty between India and the ASEAN secretariat to dominate regional trade.
2. It aims to reduce heavy regional dependence on a single nation (like China) for critical manufacturing and supply chains.
3. A major objective is to attract foreign direct investment and turn the broader Indo-Pacific into a robust economic powerhouse.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are correct regarding the goals of de-risking supply chains and boosting FDI. Statement 1 is incorrect; the SCRI was launched as a trilateral initiative by **India, Japan, and Australia**, not a bilateral treaty with ASEAN.
Consider the following statements regarding space and maritime security cooperation:
1. ISRO has established a ground station in Vietnam to provide satellite data for civilian and disaster management applications.
2. India’s SAGAR vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region) is deeply intertwined with the maritime objectives of the Act East Policy.
3. Defense cooperation under the policy includes the provision of training to military personnel of several Southeast Asian nations in Indian defense establishments.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: All three statements are correct. ISRO's station in Vietnam boosts tech diplomacy, SAGAR drives maritime outreach, and Indian defense academies regularly train ASEAN military personnel.
Consider the following statements regarding ASEAN-India relations under the Act East framework:
1. The ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA) is comprehensive, including specific agreements on goods, services, and investments.
2. India formally elevated its diplomatic relations with ASEAN to a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' in the year 2022.
3. Currently, the ASEAN bloc is India's largest trading partner globally, surpassing both the United States and China.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. India and ASEAN share a comprehensive FTA and elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022. Statement 3 is incorrect; while ASEAN is a major trading partner (usually in the top 4), the **United States** and **China** are India's largest trading partners.
Consider the following statements regarding declarative milestones and science funding:
1. The 'Delhi Declaration' issued during the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit emphasizes maritime security and freedom of navigation.
2. Myanmar is currently the largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India among all the ASEAN countries.
3. The India-ASEAN Science and Technology Fund supports joint collaborative research projects between Indian and ASEAN scientists.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The Delhi Declaration highlighted maritime security, and the S&T fund promotes research. Statement 2 is incorrect; Singapore is consistently the largest source of FDI into India from the ASEAN region, not Myanmar.
Consider the following statements regarding trilateral highways and overseas investments:
1. The Asian Trilateral Highway is planned to be extended to Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam to further integrate the region.
2. India’s strategic partnership with Japan includes joint collaboration on the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC).
3. The Act East Policy strictly prevents any Indian public sector enterprise from investing in the oil and gas sectors of Southeast Asian nations.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The highway extension and the AAGC are key initiatives. Statement 3 is incorrect; Indian PSUs, particularly ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL), actively invest in the oil and gas sectors of Southeast Asia, notably in Vietnam.
Consider the following statements regarding supply chains and e-Visas:
1. To improve people-to-people contact, India provides e-Visa facilities to citizens of all ASEAN member states.
2. The Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) launched by India, Japan, and Australia aligns closely with the economic security objectives of Act East.
3. The Act East Policy legally binds India to participate in all military interventions organized by the ASEAN Defence Ministers.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. E-Visas boost tourism, and the SCRI aims to de-risk supply chains. Statement 3 is incorrect; India retains complete strategic autonomy and is not legally bound to participate in any ASEAN military interventions.
Consider the following statements regarding highway infrastructure and maritime training:
1. India has successfully completed and operationalized the entire stretch of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway without any delays.
2. To counter illegal fishing and maritime threats, India participates in the Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) exercises.
3. New Delhi views a stable, prosperous, and integrated ASEAN as essential for maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are correct. SEACAT enhances maritime domain awareness, and ASEAN centrality is vital for regional stability. Statement 1 is incorrect; the Trilateral Highway has faced severe and chronic delays due to terrain challenges, funding issues, and the internal political crisis in Myanmar.
Consider the following statements regarding the integration of India's Northeast:
1. The Act East Policy officially replaced India’s 'Neighbourhood First' policy to focus entirely on maritime Southeast Asia.
2. A key element of the Act East Policy is integrating India's MSME sector with the regional value chains of Southeast Asia.
3. The physical connectivity between India and ASEAN is severely hindered by the rugged terrain and dense forests of the Indo-Myanmar border.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are correct. MSME integration is a core economic goal, and geography poses severe connectivity challenges. Statement 1 is incorrect; the 'Act East' and 'Neighbourhood First' policies are complementary and run parallel to each other; one did not replace the other.
Consider the following statements regarding land connectivity and strategic partnerships:
1. The Trilateral Highway project connects India to Thailand via Myanmar, acting as a crucial land bridge to Southeast Asia.
2. A major focus of India's engagement with Vietnam includes capacity building in civil nuclear energy and space cooperation.
3. Under the Act East Policy, India has formally withdrawn its recognition of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to support Vietnam's claims.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The Trilateral Highway and the comprehensive partnership with Vietnam are core pillars. Statement 3 is incorrect; India staunchly supports UNCLOS and frequently cites it to advocate for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
Consider the following statements regarding HADR operations and energy security:
1. The 'Act East' policy recognizes the importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as India's maritime outpost facing Southeast Asia.
2. India extends Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to ASEAN nations, such as during typhoons and natural disasters.
3. The policy seeks to enhance energy security by exploring collaborative upstream oil and gas projects in the Indo-Pacific region.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: All three statements are correct. The A&N Islands act as a strategic springboard, HADR is a primary naval mission, and securing energy assets (like ONGC Videsh's stakes in Vietnam) is an economic imperative.
Consider the following statements regarding BIMSTEC's role and framework:
1. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) currently operates a fully functional free trade area.
2. The BIMSTEC region encompasses over 20% of the world's total population, making it a massive potential market.
3. India has been designated as the 'Lead Country' for the 'Security' sector (including counter-terrorism) within the BIMSTEC cooperation framework.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are correct. The region is highly populous, and India leads its security sector. Statement 1 is incorrect; while a BIMSTEC Free Trade Area Framework Agreement was signed in 2004, a fully functional FTA is **still under negotiation** and not yet operational.
Consider the following statements regarding India-Vietnam relations:
1. Vietnam is consistently considered a crucial and central pillar of India's Act East Policy, particularly in the strategic and security domains.
2. To bolster maritime security, India has handed over fully operational missile corvettes (such as INS Kirpan) to the Vietnam People's Navy.
3. To project power in the South China Sea, Vietnam has officially leased a permanent sovereign naval base to the Indian Navy in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Vietnam is a key strategic partner, and India recently gifted the active-duty INS Kirpan to Vietnam. Statement 3 is incorrect; Vietnam follows a strict "Four No's" defense policy, which explicitly includes **no foreign military bases** on Vietnamese territory.
Consider the following statements regarding community development and peacekeeping operations:
1. India has successfully negotiated a defense treaty with ASEAN that allows the Indian Navy to permanently station warships in the South China Sea.
2. The Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) scheme is utilized by India in countries like Cambodia and Vietnam to deliver short-gestation, high-visibility community development projects.
3. India conducts the 'VINBAX' bilateral military exercise with Vietnam to strengthen capacity in UN Peacekeeping operations.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are correct. QIPs are highly effective diplomatic tools, and VINBAX enhances peacekeeping capabilities. Statement 1 is incorrect; India has no such defense treaty with ASEAN to permanently station warships in the South China Sea.
Consider the following statements regarding Cultural Diplomacy under Act East:
1. Cultural diplomacy heavily leverages the deeply rooted, shared Buddhist heritage between India and several Southeast Asian nations.
2. The 'Project Mausam' initiative focuses exclusively on building land-based Buddhist tourist circuits within Northeast India.
3. India has actively provided technical and financial assistance in the restoration of ancient Hindu and Buddhist temple complexes in Cambodia and Vietnam.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Buddhist diplomacy and monument restoration (e.g., Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, My Son) are key soft power tools. Statement 2 is incorrect; **Project Mausam** explores the multi-faceted Indian Ocean 'world' focusing on historical **maritime cultural routes** and monsoon winds, not land-based circuits in the Northeast.
Consider the following statements regarding India's defense diplomacy under the Act East Policy:
1. India hosts the multilateral 'MILAN' naval exercise, which sees active and growing participation from several Southeast Asian navies.
2. Defense diplomacy explicitly includes the export of indigenous defense equipment, such as the BrahMos missile system, to ASEAN nations.
3. India has signed mutual defense pacts obligating it to militarily defend ASEAN nations in the event of a Chinese attack.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. India uses platforms like MILAN for maritime engagement and exports defense hardware (e.g., BrahMos to the Philippines). Statement 3 is incorrect; India maintains a policy of strategic autonomy and has **not** signed any mutual defense treaties obligating it to go to war for ASEAN nations.
Consider the following statements regarding strategic dialogues and historical geography:
1. The Act East Policy encompasses robust engagement with South Korea, characterized by the 'Special Strategic Partnership'.
2. The connectivity projects in the Northeast aim to reverse the region's geographical isolation caused by the partition of India in 1947.
3. India regularly participates in the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore to articulate its vision for regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: All three statements are correct. South Korea is a vital partner, partition heavily isolated the Northeast requiring new connectivity routes, and the Shangri-La Dialogue is a primary forum for India's defense diplomacy.
Consider the following statements regarding India-Singapore relations:
1. India and Singapore conduct the SIMBEX (Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise) annually, reflecting deep defense ties.
2. Singapore is consistently ranked among the topmost sources of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) equity inflows into India.
3. Because it is physically located in the Pacific basin, Singapore is barred from membership in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. SIMBEX is a foundational naval exercise, and Singapore is a massive FDI source. Statement 3 is incorrect; Singapore sits at the crucial juncture of the Indian and Pacific Oceans and **is a formal member** of IORA.
Consider the following statements regarding the historical evolution of India's Eastern policies:
1. The original 'Look East' policy was initiated in the early 1990s, driven by the end of the Cold War and India's urgent domestic economic liberalization.
2. A primary driver for 'Look East' was the necessity to economically integrate India with the booming "Tiger Economies" of Southeast Asia.
3. The transition to the 'Act East' Policy in 2014 marked a decisive shift from predominantly economic engagements to a more proactive, strategic, and defense-focused approach.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: All three statements accurately trace the evolution from the economically driven Look East Policy of the 1990s (post-Cold War, balance of payment crisis) to the more robust, geostrategic Act East Policy under the current administration.
Consider the following statements regarding India's stance and activities in the South China Sea:
1. India firmly supports freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea in strict accordance with UNCLOS.
2. India formally claims territorial sovereignty over several resource-rich islands within the disputed Spratly archipelago.
3. India's ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) has actively collaborated with Vietnam on oil and gas exploration blocks in the South China Sea.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. India upholds UNCLOS and engages in commercial energy exploration with Vietnam. Statement 2 is incorrect; India is **not a claimant state** in the South China Sea dispute and holds no territorial claims over any islands there.
Consider the following statements regarding Trade and non-traditional security with ASEAN:
1. The ASEAN-India Plan of Action strictly prohibits any form of intelligence sharing or collaboration on transnational crimes like terrorism and drug trafficking.
2. Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) in several ASEAN countries have remained a persistent, recurring concern for Indian exporters despite the existence of the AIFTA.
3. An official review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) has been initiated to make the treaty more user-friendly, modern, and trade-facilitative.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Trade barriers are a major friction point, leading to the current review of AITIGA to correct trade asymmetries. Statement 1 is incorrect; the ASEAN-India Plan of Action **explicitly includes robust collaboration** on combatting transnational crimes, terrorism, and drug trafficking.
Consider the following statements regarding the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC):
1. The MGC is a sub-regional cooperation organization comprising India and five ASEAN countries.
2. All ten member states of the ASEAN bloc are formal participants in the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation framework.
3. It focuses heavily on soft infrastructure and people-to-people ties, including tourism, culture, education, and transport.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The MGC focuses on cultural and transport ties. Statement 2 is incorrect; MGC involves India and only **five** ASEAN countries sharing the Mekong basin: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam (CLMTV), not all ten.
Consider the following statements regarding the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI):
1. The IPOI was formally proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the East Asia Summit in 2019.
2. It rests on seven practical pillars, including Maritime Security, Marine Ecology, and Capacity Building.
3. It seeks to create a safe, secure, and stable maritime domain, perfectly aligning with the broader goals of the Act East Policy.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: All three statements are correct. The **IPOI** is an open, non-treaty-based global initiative launched by India at the EAS to foster collaborative efforts in managing and securing the Indo-Pacific maritime domain across seven distinct pillars.
Consider the following statements regarding the 'SAGAR' initiative:
1. The 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision seamlessly complements the maritime dimensions of India's Act East Policy.
2. SAGAR was launched exclusively to counter China's Belt and Road Initiative within the landlocked countries of Central Asia.
3. Under the SAGAR framework, India has proactively provided Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to several littoral states.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. SAGAR drives India's maritime outreach and HADR operations in the Indo-Pacific. Statement 2 is incorrect; SAGAR is specifically focused on the **maritime domain of the Indian Ocean** and Indo-Pacific, not landlocked Central Asia.
Consider the following statements regarding the role of Northeast India in the Act East Policy:
1. The Act East Policy categorically excludes Bay of Bengal nations that are not formal members of the ASEAN bloc.
2. It officially recognizes the Northeastern states of India as the territorial and cultural gateway to Southeast Asia.
3. The development of robust border and connectivity infrastructure in the Northeast is a core, foundational component of this policy.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are correct. The Northeast is pivotal to the Act East Policy, serving as India's physical bridge to Southeast Asia. Statement 1 is incorrect; the policy actively engages non-ASEAN Bay of Bengal nations through frameworks like **BIMSTEC** (e.g., Bangladesh, Sri Lanka).
Consider the following statements regarding institutional forums under the Act East Policy:
1. India is a founding member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, actively shaping its trade policies.
2. India actively participates in the East Asia Summit (EAS), an ASEAN-led forum for broad strategic and political dialogue.
3. The ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) includes India as one of its eight designated Dialogue Partners.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are correct. India is a vital member of both the EAS and ADMM-Plus. Statement 1 is incorrect; despite expressing interest for decades, **India is not a member of APEC**, largely due to APEC's previous moratorium on membership and concerns over India's economic liberalization pace.
Consider the following statements regarding border regimes and military exercises:
1. The Act East Policy explicitly seeks to replace ASEAN-led mechanisms with a new security architecture led jointly by India and the United States.
2. The India-Myanmar border experiences a Free Movement Regime (FMR), which has recently been subjected to review and proposed fencing for security reasons.
3. India conducts the 'Sampriti' joint military training exercise with Bangladesh to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are correct. The FMR is under security review, and 'Sampriti' is a key bilateral exercise. Statement 1 is incorrect; India firmly reiterates its unwavering support for 'ASEAN Centrality' in the regional security architecture, rather than replacing it.
Consider the following statements regarding defense and diplomatic exercises in Southeast Asia:
1. The Asian Highway Network project, passing through India's northeast, is entirely funded and administered by the BRICS New Development Bank.
2. India conducts the 'Garuda Shakti' bilateral military exercise with Indonesia as part of its defense diplomacy in the region.
3. Singapore, Thailand, and India participate in the trilateral maritime exercise known as SITMEX in the Andaman Sea.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are correct regarding 'Garuda Shakti' and 'SITMEX'. Statement 1 is incorrect; the Asian Highway Network is a cooperative project spearheaded by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), not the BRICS Bank.
Consider the following statements regarding advanced technologies and regional integration:
1. The Act East Policy incorporates space cooperation, with ISRO providing training in satellite technology and applications to ASEAN personnel.
2. India’s strategic partnership with South Korea includes cooperation in advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and cyber security.
3. Deepening connectivity via the Bay of Bengal, primarily through the BIMSTEC framework, is considered a vital operational component of the policy.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: All three statements are correct. ISRO acts as a massive technological bridge, South Korea partners in cutting-edge tech, and BIMSTEC functions as the immediate sub-regional vehicle for Act East integration.
Consider the following statements regarding ASEAN action plans and project funding:
1. The ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2021-2025) outlines specific goals for cooperation in areas like transnational crime and counter-terrorism.
2. The Act East policy prohibits Indian universities from offering scholarships to students from ASEAN countries to prevent brain drain.
3. India has set up the Project Development Fund (PDF) to catalyze Indian private sector investments in the CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam) countries.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The Plan of Action includes security goals, and the PDF aims to boost manufacturing presence in CLMV nations. Statement 2 is incorrect; India actively offers thousands of scholarships to ASEAN students as a core soft-power strategy.
Consider the following statements regarding India-Indonesia relations:
1. The Sabang port in Indonesia is highly strategic due to its proximity to the Malacca Strait and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
2. India and Indonesia have agreed to strategically develop connectivity and economic infrastructure in and around the Sabang port.
3. Indonesia is the only ASEAN country that has firmly refused to conduct coordinated naval patrols (CORPAT) with the Indian Navy.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Sabang port development is a key strategic partnership reflecting maritime Act East. Statement 3 is incorrect; India and Indonesia regularly conduct the **IND-INDO CORPAT** (Coordinated Patrol) to secure the vital sea lanes.
Consider the following statements regarding Japan's role in India's Act East Policy:
1. Due to geopolitical sensitivities, Japan is strictly barred from participating in any infrastructure development projects in India's Northeast.
2. The 'Act East Forum' was established jointly by India and Japan to coordinate infrastructure and development projects in Northeast India.
3. Japan and India are cooperating strategically to develop the Matarbari deep seaport in neighboring Bangladesh.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are correct. The India-Japan Act East Forum is a pivotal mechanism, and they cooperate in third countries like Bangladesh (Matarbari port). Statement 1 is incorrect; Japan is the **only major foreign partner** actively involved and welcomed by India in developing infrastructure in the sensitive Northeast region.
Consider the following statements regarding multilateral forums and the extended neighborhood:
1. The East Asia Summit (EAS) is an exclusive economic forum limited only to the negotiation of free trade agreements.
2. India actively participates in the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF) to address common maritime challenges.
3. The 'Act East' policy recognizes the strategic importance of Pacific Island nations, engaging them through the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are correct regarding India's engagement with the EAMF and FIPIC. Statement 1 is incorrect; the East Asia Summit (EAS) is a premier leaders-led forum for strategic, political, and security dialogues, not an exclusive free trade negotiation body.
Consider the following statements regarding the Agartala-Akhaura rail link:
1. The development of this rail link is designed to significantly improve connectivity and trade between Northeast India and Bangladesh.
2. The rail link entirely avoids Bangladeshi territory, passing strictly through the narrow 'Siliguri Corridor' for security reasons.
3. Once fully operational, it will provide a much shorter, more efficient route from Tripura to Kolkata compared to the existing domestic rail route.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. It vastly reduces the distance between Tripura and Kolkata. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Agartala-Akhaura link specifically connects Tripura (India) **directly into Bangladesh** (Akhaura), deliberately bypassing the long Siliguri Corridor route.
Consider the following statements regarding India-Australia relations in the context of Act East:
1. Australia is categorically excluded from the framework of India's Act East Policy because it is not geographically located in Asia.
2. The Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) between India and Australia significantly enhances military interoperability in the Indo-Pacific.
3. Both nations actively participate in the Malabar multilateral naval exercise alongside the United States and Japan.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are correct. The MLSA and Malabar exercise signify deep strategic ties. Statement 1 is incorrect; the Act East Policy explicitly expands India's focus to the broader Indo-Pacific, and **Australia is considered a core, indispensable partner** within this framework.
Consider the following statements regarding sub-regional groups and financial hubs:
1. The 'Act East' policy has led to increased focus on sub-regional cooperation initiatives like the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) Motor Vehicles Agreement.
2. Singapore functions as a crucial logistics and financial hub for Indian companies expanding their presence in Southeast Asia.
3. The policy completely rules out any form of economic engagement with Taiwan due to India's strict adherence to the One China Policy.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. BBIN enhances sub-regional connectivity, and Singapore is the premier financial hub for Indian firms. Statement 3 is incorrect; India maintains robust economic, trade, and technological engagements with Taiwan despite not having formal diplomatic relations.
Consider the following statements regarding inland waterways and strategic dialogues:
1. The Act East Policy aims to develop inland waterways in the Northeast, such as the Brahmaputra (National Waterway 2), to boost trade with neighboring countries.
2. India and Australia established a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' accompanied by a '2+2' Ministerial Dialogue format.
3. India's Act East Policy mandates the creation of a joint military command structure with South Korea to patrol the East China Sea.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Inland waterways are crucial for Northeast trade, and Australia is a vital '2+2' partner. Statement 3 is incorrect; India does not have any joint military command structure with South Korea to patrol the East China Sea.
Consider the following statements regarding regional forums and funds:
1. The 'Act East' policy strictly restricts India's engagement exclusively to the ten member states of the ASEAN bloc.
2. The India-ASEAN Green Fund was established to support pilot projects promoting environmental protection and climate change mitigation.
3. Under the Act East policy, India actively participates in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) to discuss political and security issues in the Indo-Pacific.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are correct. The Green Fund and the ARF are vital components of India's outreach. Statement 1 is incorrect; the Act East Policy expands well beyond ASEAN to include Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Pacific Island nations.
Consider the following statements regarding maritime domains and payment infrastructure:
1. The Act East Policy explicitly aims to transform the Bay of Bengal into a closed sea exclusively controlled by the Indian Navy.
2. India’s strategic ties with Indonesia have upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, emphasizing defense and maritime cooperation.
3. India’s integration of its indigenous RuPay card network with Singapore's NETS enhances cross-border digital payment infrastructure.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Indonesia is a comprehensive strategic partner, and fintech integration is progressing rapidly. Statement 1 is incorrect; India explicitly supports freedom of navigation and an open Indo-Pacific, rejecting the concept of a 'closed sea' or exclusive dominance.
Consider the following statements regarding defense exports and Indo-Pacific outlooks:
1. India conducts the 'MAITREE' joint military exercise with Thailand to foster closer defense relations.
2. The Act East policy strictly limits India's defense exports to non-lethal equipment and prohibits the sale of offensive weapons like missiles.
3. India supports the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) as it shares common principles with India's own Indo-Pacific vision.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. 'MAITREE' is a key exercise, and India supports the AOIP framework. Statement 2 is incorrect; India has begun exporting offensive lethal weapons, most notably the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines.