Consider the following statements about India's capacity-building initiatives and healthcare diplomacy in Afghanistan:
1. Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, India has provided specialized training to thousands of Afghan civil servants and professionals.
2. India has traditionally served as a major, highly preferred destination for Afghan nationals seeking specialized medical tourism and advanced healthcare interventions.
3. India legally controls and directly manages the primary sovereign wealth fund of Afghanistan, dictating its macroeconomic policies.
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. ITEC training and medical tourism form huge pillars of India-Afghan relations. Statement 3 is incorrect; India has no legal control over Afghanistan's sovereign wealth funds or its central bank reserves.
With reference to the UN Security Council (UNSC) and Afghanistan, consider the following statements:
1. During its UNSC non-permanent membership (2021-2022), India chaired the Taliban Sanctions Committee (the 1988 Sanctions Committee).
2. India utilized its veto power to block the passage of UNSC Resolution 2593 to protest the exclusion of the Afghan Republic government.
3. UNSC Resolution 2593 explicitly demands that Afghan territory not be used to threaten or attack any country, or to shelter terrorists.
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 chaired the crucial 1988 Sanctions Committee and strongly backed Resolution 2593 regarding terrorism. Statement 2 is incorrect; India does not possess veto power in the UNSC. Furthermore, India actually presided over the council when Resolution 2593 was successfully adopted.
Consider the following statements regarding terrorist attacks on Indian assets in Afghanistan:
1. The Indian Embassy in Kabul has never faced any direct terror attack due to robust, non-aggression guarantees secretly provided by the Haqqani network.
2. The Indian Embassy in Kabul was subjected to a deadly suicide bombing in 2008, an attack widely attributed by intelligence agencies to the Haqqani network.
3. Indian consulates in provincial cities like Jalalabad and Herat have also been targets of complex terrorist attacks in the past.
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. Indian diplomatic missions in Kabul, Jalalabad, and Herat have repeatedly faced lethal attacks. Statement 1 is incorrect; the Haqqani network is not a guarantor of Indian safety; rather, it is widely considered the primary perpetrator of the 2008 Embassy bombing.
Consider the following statements about the Delaram-Zaranj Highway (Route 606):
1. The 218 km highway connects the Afghan city of Zaranj near the Iranian border to Delaram on the crucial Garland Highway.
2. The project was executed and constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) of India.
3. The construction phase faced severe security threats from insurgents, resulting in the tragic loss of several Indian and Afghan lives.
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 Delaram-Zaranj highway is India's flagship connectivity project in Afghanistan, built by the BRO at great human cost to link the Afghan ring road to the Iranian border and Chabahar port.
Consider the following statements about India's High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP) in Afghanistan:
1. The HICDP scheme involves Indian financial support for small-scale socio-economic projects directly benefiting local Afghan communities.
2. These projects are primarily focused on the large-scale mining and extraction of rare earth minerals in the Hindu Kush mountains.
3. Phase IV of the HICDP, encompassing projects in education, health, and rural development, was signed in 2020.
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. HICDP focuses on grassroots development, providing quick dividends to local communities across Afghan provinces. Statement 2 is incorrect; HICDP is dedicated to social infrastructure (schools, clinics, irrigation), not large-scale commercial mining.
Consider the following statements regarding the geopolitical significance of the Wakhan Corridor:
1. The Wakhan Corridor is a narrow panhandle of Afghan territory that geographically separates Tajikistan from the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) region.
2. The corridor was artificially established in 2021 by the Taliban as an exclusive demilitarized trade zone with China.
3. This strategic corridor provides Afghanistan with a direct, albeit highly rugged and high-altitude, territorial border with the People's Republic of China.
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 Wakhan Corridor separates Central Asia from South Asia and borders China at the Wakhjir Pass. Statement 2 is incorrect; the corridor was established in the late 19th century as a strategic buffer zone between the Russian Empire and the British Indian Empire during the 'Great Game'.
Regarding India's medical and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, consider the following statements:
1. India built the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health (IGICH) in Kabul, which remains a premier pediatric hospital in the country.
2. Following the 2021 regime change, India supplied Covaxin doses to Afghanistan to assist with the COVID-19 pandemic response.
3. India routinely conducts artificial limb fitment camps in Afghanistan, popularly known as 'Jaipur Foot' camps, assisting war amputees.
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 has a long history of medical diplomacy in Afghanistan, spanning the IGICH construction, ongoing Jaipur Foot camps, and recent pandemic relief despite the lack of formal diplomatic recognition.
With reference to the geographical dynamics affecting India-Afghanistan relations, consider the following statements:
1. India shares a direct 106 km physical border with Afghanistan in the state of Punjab, allowing direct overland trade.
2. The Durand Line is the internationally recognized border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which Afghan governments have historically disputed.
3. The Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan separates the Gilgit-Baltistan region (claimed by India) from Tajikistan.
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 Durand Line remains a point of friction, and the Wakhan Corridor is a strategic buffer. Statement 1 is incorrect; India's physical border with Afghanistan (106 km) is in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK)/Ladakh, not in Punjab.
With reference to Narcotics and Drug Trafficking originating from Afghanistan, consider the following statements:
1. The production of opium in Afghanistan was completely and permanently eradicated on the very day the Taliban returned to power in August 2021.
2. The cross-border smuggling of Afghan heroin and methamphetamines poses a severe transnational security and public health threat to India.
3. Afghanistan is the central node of the "Golden Crescent," a region infamous as one of the world's largest hubs for illicit opium production and transit.
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. Afghan narcotics heavily threaten India via the Golden Crescent route. Statement 1 is incorrect; while the Taliban later announced a ban on poppy cultivation in 2022, production was not immediately or permanently eradicated upon their takeover, and massive stockpiles continued to be smuggled.
With reference to India's 'Soft Power' footprint in Afghanistan, consider the following statements:
1. India's developmental footprint spans all 34 provinces of Afghanistan, reflecting a highly decentralized and inclusive capacity-building approach.
2. The widespread export and broadcasting of Indian television serials, Bollywood movies, and music have cultivated immense cultural goodwill among the Afghan populace.
3. India's 'High Impact Community Development Projects' (HICDP) scheme deliberately focuses on rapid-gestation, localized projects like village schools and small irrigation networks.
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's strategy in Afghanistan relies heavily on soft power: executing small, fast projects (HICDP) across every province, and leveraging deep cultural connections via Indian entertainment media.
Consider the following statements about multilateral forums involving Afghanistan and India:
1. Afghanistan was admitted as the 8th member state of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in 2007.
2. India strongly advocated for Afghanistan's inclusion in SAARC to integrate the country into the South Asian economic framework.
3. Afghanistan is a founding member of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).
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 championed Afghanistan's entry into SAARC to enhance regional connectivity. Statement 3 is incorrect; Afghanistan is not a member of BIMSTEC, which comprises nations geographically adjacent to or dependent on the Bay of Bengal.
With reference to Pakistan's role in shaping India-Afghanistan relations, consider the following statements:
1. Pakistan has historically viewed a strong Indian diplomatic and economic presence in Afghanistan as a direct encirclement threat to its military doctrine of 'strategic depth'.
2. Pakistan strictly restricts India from utilizing its land borders for seamless, two-way commercial transit trade with Afghanistan.
3. Under the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA), Afghan trucks are permitted to carry exports to the Wagah border but are strictly forbidden from loading Indian goods for the return journey.
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. Pakistan's pursuit of 'strategic depth' makes it inherently hostile to Indian presence in Kabul. Consequently, Pakistan uses its geography to choke India-Afghan overland trade, forcing Afghan trucks returning from Wagah to travel back empty.
With reference to the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) signed between India and Afghanistan in 2011, consider the following statements:
1. The agreement explicitly mandates India to deploy combat troops on Afghan soil in the event of an external invasion.
2. Under the SPA, India agreed to assist in the training, equipping, and capacity building of the Afghan National Security Forces.
3. The agreement provides for the institutionalization of political and security consultations through a dedicated Partnership Council.
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 SPA enhanced security cooperation, including training Afghan forces and establishing a Partnership Council. Statement 1 is incorrect; India has consistently maintained a policy of not deploying combat troops on Afghan soil, and the SPA does not mandate such military intervention.
Consider the following statements about regional security dialogues on Afghanistan post-2021:
1. India hosted the 'Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan' in November 2021, chaired by its National Security Advisor.
2. National Security Advisors from Central Asian countries, Iran, and Russia actively participated in this dialogue.
3. Both Pakistan and China attended the Delhi Regional Security Dialogue to present a unified regional front.
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 Delhi Dialogue was a major Indian diplomatic initiative to build regional consensus on the Afghan crisis. Statement 3 is incorrect; Pakistan and China were invited but officially declined to attend the dialogue.
Regarding the Strategic Agreements and Treaties signed between India and Afghanistan, consider the following statements:
1. The historic 1950 Treaty of Friendship between India and Afghanistan laid the early foundation for peace and the establishment of formal consular posts.
2. India and Afghanistan signed an Extradition Treaty in 2016 to facilitate the transfer of wanted criminals and terrorists between the two nations.
3. The 2011 Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) included a mutual defense pact, legally obligating India to deploy troops if Afghanistan faced a Pakistani military invasion.
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 1950 Friendship Treaty and the 2016 Extradition Treaty are real, foundational agreements. Statement 3 is incorrect; the 2011 SPA provided for security cooperation, training, and capacity building, but explicitly stopped short of a mutual defense pact or any obligation to deploy Indian combat troops.
Regarding sports diplomacy and the development of Afghan Cricket, consider the following statements:
1. India actively provided 'home' stadiums in cities like Greater Noida, Dehradun, and Lucknow for the Afghanistan national cricket team to host international matches.
2. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) heavily supported the capacity building, training, and logistical needs of Afghan cricketers.
3. Despite their talent, Afghan national cricket players are legally banned from participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) under strict ICC regulations.
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 was the primary incubator for Afghan cricket's rise to international prominence. Statement 3 is incorrect; Afghan players (like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi) are highly sought after and participate extensively in the IPL.
With reference to 'Operation Devi Shakti' and the evacuation of minorities, consider the following statements:
1. 'Operation Devi Shakti' was the complex evacuation mission launched by the Indian Armed Forces following the fall of Kabul to the Taliban in August 2021.
2. The operation strictly barred the evacuation of any Afghan nationals, reserving all airlift capacity solely for Indian passport holders.
3. Several highly sacred Sikh scriptures, including copies of the Guru Granth Sahib, were respectfully airlifted to India by the IAF during this operation.
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. Operation Devi Shakti safely extracted Indians and vulnerable minorities, along with their sacred scriptures. Statement 2 is incorrect; the operation explicitly prioritized and successfully evacuated distressed Afghan Hindu and Sikh minorities, alongside Indian citizens.
Consider the following statements regarding the historical context of the Durand Line and India's position:
1. India shares a direct territorial boundary with Afghanistan through the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
2. The Durand Line was established in 1893 following an agreement between Sir Mortimer Durand and Amir Abdur Rahman Khan.
3. Successive Afghan governments, including the Taliban, have consistently refused to formally recognize the Durand Line as an international border.
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 claims a 106 km border with Afghanistan in PoK. The Durand Line was drawn in 1893, and no Afghan government has officially recognized it, creating a persistent zone of conflict with Pakistan that affects regional security dynamics.
With reference to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and its engagement with Afghanistan, consider the following statements:
1. The SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group was established as a mechanism to coordinate regional efforts regarding security, terrorism, and stability in Afghanistan.
2. Afghanistan is currently a full-fledged, permanent voting member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation alongside India and Pakistan.
3. India has consistently utilized the SCO platform to advocate for the formation of a genuinely inclusive government and the protection of minority rights in Kabul.
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 SCO Contact Group facilitates regional dialogue, and India actively uses the forum to push its Afghan policy. Statement 2 is incorrect; Afghanistan holds 'Observer Status' in the SCO and is not a full-fledged permanent member.
With reference to the role of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and India's position, consider the following statements:
1. UNAMA is a massive peacekeeping military force stationed in Kabul, featuring a heavy deployment of Indian infantry troops.
2. UNAMA was established by the UN Security Council as a political mission to support state-building, development, and humanitarian relief.
3. India has historically supported UNAMA's mandate and heavily emphasized the need for an inclusive, Afghan-led political transition.
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. UNAMA is a political and developmental mission supported by India. Statement 1 is incorrect; UNAMA is a civilian political mission, not a military peacekeeping force, and India does not deploy combat troops to Afghanistan.
Regarding the Chabahar Port and regional connectivity, consider the following statements:
1. The Chabahar port is located in the Persian Gulf, providing Afghanistan a direct sea route that completely bypasses Pakistan.
2. The trilateral transit agreement operationalizing the Chabahar route involves India, Iran, and Afghanistan.
3. India successfully utilized the Chabahar route to ship thousands of tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan during periods of critical food shortages.
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 trilateral agreement is crucial for bypassing Pakistan to deliver humanitarian aid and trade goods. Statement 1 is incorrect; Chabahar Port is located in the Gulf of Oman, not the Persian Gulf.
Regarding the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and its impact on India, consider the following statements:
1. The 2020 US-Taliban Doha Agreement was negotiated and signed without the official participation or endorsement of the Indian government.
2. The rapid US withdrawal created a massive security vacuum that heightened India's concerns regarding regional instability and cross-border terrorism in Kashmir.
3. Post-withdrawal, India pragmatically shifted from its traditional policy of non-engagement with the Taliban to opening back-channel and later official communications.
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 was marginalized during the Doha talks, faced massive security concerns following the US exit, and was forced into a pragmatic engagement with the new Taliban reality to protect its regional interests.
Regarding the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2593 on Afghanistan, consider the following statements:
1. The resolution explicitly recognized the Taliban as the sole, legitimate, and democratically elected government of Afghanistan.
2. It was adopted under India's presidency of the UN Security Council in August 2021, mere days after the fall of Kabul.
3. The resolution firmly demanded that Afghan territory not be used to threaten or attack any country, nor to shelter or train terrorist organizations.
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 oversaw the passage of Resolution 2593, which laid down the international community's red lines regarding counter-terrorism. Statement 1 is incorrect; the resolution did not grant recognition to the Taliban and deliberately avoided acknowledging them as the legitimate government.
With reference to Afghanistan's engagement with international forums like the OIC, consider the following statements:
1. Due to its historical significance, Afghanistan holds a permanent, veto-wielding seat on the United Nations Security Council.
2. Afghanistan is a member state of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), a body which has convened special sessions to address the Afghan humanitarian crisis.
3. India, although not an OIC member, has pragmatically engaged with international and regional humanitarian initiatives aimed at stabilizing the collapsing Afghan economy.
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. Afghanistan is an OIC member, and India engages with global efforts to stabilize the nation. Statement 1 is incorrect; Afghanistan is a standard member state of the UN and does not hold a permanent seat or veto power on the UN Security Council.
With reference to India's Humanitarian Assistance to Afghanistan post-2021, consider the following statements:
1. India completely halted the supply of life-saving medicines and vaccines to Afghanistan immediately following the Taliban's capture of Kabul.
2. India partnered with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) for the internal distribution of wheat in Afghanistan to avoid direct institutional dealings with the Taliban.
3. Over 40,000 metric tonnes of Indian wheat were transported overland to Afghanistan via Pakistani territory after securing special transit permissions.
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 utilized the WFP to ensure aid reached the people and successfully negotiated a rare overland transit through Pakistan for wheat shipments. Statement 1 is incorrect; India continuously supplied multiple batches of medical aid, Covid vaccines, and winter clothing even after the Taliban takeover.
With reference to the construction of the new Afghan Parliament Building, consider the following statements:
1. The new parliament complex in Kabul was constructed as a prominent gift from India, symbolizing strong bilateral democratic solidarity.
2. The architectural design and construction execution were entirely supervised and funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
3. A prominent block within the parliament building was officially named the 'Atal Block' in honor of former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
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 building is a massive symbol of Indian goodwill, housing the Atal Block. Statement 2 is incorrect; the project was entirely funded by the Government of India and executed by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) of India, not the UNDP.
Consider the following statements about India's recent diplomatic posture towards the Taliban administration:
1. India deployed a "technical mission" to its embassy in Kabul in June 2022 to closely monitor and coordinate humanitarian aid delivery.
2. India has officially granted de jure recognition to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and formally accredited a Taliban ambassador to New Delhi.
3. The current Indian diplomatic presence in Kabul does not possess formal ambassadorial status and operates below the level of full diplomatic recognition.
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 has a pragmatic presence (technical team) without granting formal recognition. Statement 2 is incorrect; India, aligning with the international community, has explicitly refused to formally recognize the Taliban regime.
With reference to Defence Cooperation between India and the Afghan Republic (pre-2021), consider the following statements:
1. India gifted several squadron-level formations of advanced Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets to the Afghan Air Force to counter insurgent offensives.
2. India transferred four Mi-24 attack helicopters to the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces in 2015 to boost their close air support capabilities.
3. The Indian Military Academy (IMA) and National Defence Academy (NDA) regularly trained Afghan army cadets to build institutional capacity.
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 trained Afghan cadets and supplied lethal aid like Mi-24 attack helicopters. Statement 1 is incorrect; India never supplied advanced fighter jets like the Su-30MKI to Afghanistan, restricting its military hardware assistance to lighter helicopters and transport assets.
Consider the following statements about multilateral dialogues involving India regarding Afghanistan:
1. The 'Moscow Format' is a prominent negotiation mechanism involving Russia, India, China, Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asian states to discuss Afghan stability.
2. In these multilateral forums, India has consistently emphasized the absolute necessity of unhindered, non-discriminatory humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.
3. The 'Delhi Declaration' resulting from the Regional Security Dialogue in 2021 explicitly underscored that Afghan territory must not be used for sheltering or training terrorists.
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 Moscow Format and the Delhi Regional Security Dialogue are key diplomatic arenas where India pushes its core agendas: humanitarian aid, inclusive governance, and strict counter-terrorism measures.
With reference to 'Operation Devi Shakti', consider the following statements:
1. It was a complex evacuation mission launched by the Indian Armed Forces to rescue Indian citizens and Afghan partners from Kabul in 2021.
2. The operation involved establishing a permanent Indian sovereign military base in Dushanbe to manage continuous airlifts over the next decade.
3. During this operation, India actively evacuated vulnerable members of the Afghan Hindu and Sikh minority communities.
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. Operation Devi Shakti successfully evacuated Indians and vulnerable Afghan minorities following the Taliban takeover. Statement 2 is incorrect; India did not establish a permanent sovereign military base in Dushanbe for this operation; it utilized existing diplomatic and logistical channels for immediate evacuation.
Consider the following statements about India's major infrastructural projects in Afghanistan:
1. India constructed the 218 km Zaranj-Delaram highway to facilitate the movement of goods towards the Iranian border.
2. The new Afghan Parliament building in Kabul was built entirely with Indian financial and technical assistance.
3. The restored Stor Palace in Kabul was jointly inaugurated by the leaders of India and Afghanistan as a symbol of cultural preservation.
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's major infrastructure footprints in Afghanistan include the Zaranj-Delaram highway (enhancing connectivity to Chabahar), the Afghan Parliament building, and the restoration of heritage sites like the Stor Palace.
With reference to the security challenges following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, consider the following statements:
1. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operates from Afghan soil and significantly impacts the regional security environment.
2. India has repeatedly raised concerns at international forums regarding the use of Afghan territory by anti-India terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
3. The Islamic State - Khorasan Province (ISKP) is an allied proxy group funded jointly by India and the Afghan Taliban to counter Pakistan.
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. TTP operations and the presence of LeT/JeM in Afghanistan are major security threats. Statement 3 is incorrect; ISKP is a virulent terrorist organization that acts as a mortal enemy to both the Afghan Taliban and the Indian state.
Regarding India's pre-2001 involvement in Afghan affairs, consider the following statements:
1. India maintained formal diplomatic ties with the Soviet-backed Afghan communist government led by Mohammad Najibullah until its eventual collapse in 1992.
2. During the Taliban's first stint in power (1996-2001), India provided vital political, diplomatic, and logistical support to the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance.
3. India operated a critical military field hospital at Farkhor Air Base in neighboring Tajikistan specifically to treat wounded Northern Alliance fighters.
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 recognized the Najibullah regime and, following its fall, aggressively supported the Northern Alliance against the Pakistan-backed Taliban, utilizing bases and hospitals in Tajikistan (Farkhor).
Consider the following statements about economic treaties and trade tariffs between India and Afghanistan:
1. India currently imposes a massive 200% punitive import tariff on all Afghan agricultural products to protect domestic Indian farmers from cheap imports.
2. In 2003, India and Afghanistan signed a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) that granted substantial duty concessions to Afghan dry fruits and fresh produce.
3. The broader South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement also facilitates trade integration and tariff reductions between India and Afghanistan.
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 PTA and SAFTA deeply integrated Afghan exports (like dry fruits) into the Indian market. Statement 1 is incorrect; India actually offers highly concessional tariffs to Afghan agricultural goods to support the Afghan economy, not punitive tariffs.
Regarding India's water diplomacy and dam construction in Afghanistan, consider the following statements:
1. India signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Afghan Republic to construct the Shahtoot Dam, primarily to provide safe drinking water to Kabul.
2. The Salma Dam, famously known as the Afghan-India Friendship Dam, generates hydroelectric power and provides irrigation to the Herat province.
3. Pakistan has enthusiastically supported and co-funded India's dam construction activities on the Kabul River basin to stabilize regional water sharing.
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 Shahtoot Dam and Salma Dam are hallmark Indian infrastructure projects. Statement 3 is incorrect; Pakistan has strongly opposed India's dam projects in Afghanistan, particularly on the Kabul River basin, fearing they would drastically reduce water flow into Pakistan.
Regarding trade and transit routes between India and Afghanistan, consider the following statements:
1. The Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) allows Indian commercial trucks to carry goods directly to Kabul through Pakistani territory.
2. India and Afghanistan established a dedicated Air Freight Corridor to bypass the overland transit barriers imposed by Pakistan.
3. Major Afghan exports to India via this air corridor have prominently included fresh fruits, dried fruits, and asafoetida (hing).
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 Air Freight Corridor was a direct response to overland blockades, successfully facilitating the export of Afghan agricultural goods. Statement 1 is incorrect; Pakistan strictly denies Indian trucks access to its territory for transporting goods to Afghanistan under the APTTA.
Consider the following statements comparing the Chabahar and Gwadar ports in a strategic context:
1. The development of Chabahar port by India is often viewed strategically as a counterweight to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Gwadar port.
2. India, Iran, and Pakistan signed a joint treaty to link Gwadar and Chabahar with a high-speed freight rail corridor.
3. India established the India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) specifically to develop and operate terminals at the Chabahar Port.
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. Chabahar is India's strategic response to Gwadar, operated via IPGL. Statement 2 is incorrect; there is no joint treaty involving India and Pakistan to link Gwadar and Chabahar via rail.
Consider the following statements regarding India's relationship with the Northern Alliance:
1. During the 1990s, India officially deployed combat infantry alongside the Northern Alliance to directly fight the Taliban.
2. India provided vital logistical, medical, and intelligence support to the Northern Alliance, operating out of bases in Tajikistan.
3. Ahmad Shah Massoud, the legendary leader of the Northern Alliance, received critical medical treatment at an Indian-run hospital in Farkhor, Tajikistan.
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 supported the anti-Taliban resistance through non-combat means, including the Farkhor medical facility. Statement 1 is incorrect; India never deployed combat troops to fight in the Afghan civil war during the 1990s.
Consider the following statements regarding specific Indian infrastructure projects in Kabul:
1. The Stor Palace (Qasr-e-Stor), a site of immense historical and diplomatic significance, was restored with the financial backing of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and the Indian government.
2. The Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health was purposefully bombed and permanently destroyed by retreating Indian peacekeeping forces in 1996.
3. The Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health (IGICH) remains one of the premier pediatric hospitals in Kabul, originally built and continuously supported by India.
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 Stor Palace was successfully restored, and the IGICH is a flagship Indian medical diplomacy project. Statement 2 is incorrect; India never deployed peacekeeping forces to Afghanistan and certainly never bombed the very hospital it built.
Regarding India's development projects in the Afghan energy and power sector, consider the following statements:
1. India constructed a high-capacity 220kV Double Circuit transmission line from Pul-e-Khumri to Kabul, vastly improving the capital's erratic electricity supply.
2. India provided critical assistance in the rehabilitation of the Chimtala power substation to help manage power imported from Central Asian nations.
3. The Doshi-Charikar transmission project was undertaken by Indian agencies to further strengthen the resilience of the Afghan national power grid.
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's infrastructural aid heavily focused on power generation and transmission, fundamentally powering Kabul via the Pul-e-Khumri line, the Chimtala substation, and Doshi-Charikar projects.
Regarding India's development projects in the Afghan power sector, consider the following statements:
1. India built a state-of-the-art nuclear power plant in Kandahar under the bilateral "Atoms for Peace" initiative.
2. India constructed a 220kV Double Circuit transmission line from Pul-e-Khumri to Kabul to improve the power supply to the Afghan capital.
3. India played a key role in rehabilitating the Chimtala electrical substation to effectively draw imported power from Uzbekistan.
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's assistance heavily focused on essential infrastructure, including the critical Pul-e-Khumri transmission line and Chimtala substation. Statement 1 is incorrect; India has never built a nuclear power plant in Afghanistan.
Regarding the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), consider the following statements:
1. The INSTC is a multi-modal transportation network established to promote transit connectivity between India, Russia, Iran, and Central Asia.
2. The successful integration of Chabahar port and Afghan transit routes is crucial for India to realize the full potential of the INSTC.
3. Afghanistan was one of the three founding members of the formal INSTC treaty signed in the year 2000.
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 INSTC is a major Eurasian connectivity project heavily reliant on Iranian ports. Statement 3 is incorrect; the three founding members of the INSTC in 2000 were India, Iran, and Russia, not Afghanistan.
With reference to India's strategic interests in Afghanistan, consider the following statements:
1. Preventing Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for anti-India terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba is a core Indian strategic objective.
2. India seeks to secure unhindered overland access to the resource-rich Central Asian Republics via Afghan territory.
3. Countering the 'strategic depth' historically sought by Pakistan in Afghanistan remains a major driver of India's Afghan 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. India's Afghan policy is driven by counter-terrorism imperatives, the desire for Central Asian connectivity, and the geopolitical necessity of denying Pakistan undisputed dominance in Kabul.
Regarding the historic and cultural ties between India and Afghanistan, consider the following statements:
1. The classic short story "Kabuliwala" by Rabindranath Tagore highlights the historical people-to-people and trade connections between the two nations.
2. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, a prominent Pashtun leader, was known as the "Frontier Gandhi" for his non-violent alignment with the Indian National Congress.
3. Indian cinema and Bollywood music enjoy massive popularity in Afghanistan, serving as a significant pillar of India's soft power.
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. Cultural ties run deep, historically exemplified by the Pashtun participation in the Indian independence movement and literary works like Kabuliwala, and currently sustained by the popularity of Indian entertainment.
Consider the following statements regarding the cultural and educational ties between the two nations:
1. India rebuilt the historic Habibia High School in Kabul as part of its extensive educational infrastructure assistance program.
2. The Afghan National Agricultural Sciences and Technology University (ANASTU) was established exclusively by USAID with no Indian financial or technical involvement.
3. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) provides hundreds of fully-funded scholarships annually to Afghan students for higher education in India.
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 rebuilt Habibia High School and provides massive scholarship support via ICCR. Statement 2 is incorrect; ANASTU was established in Kandahar specifically with major technical and financial assistance from the Government of India.
Consider the following statements about India's regional diplomacy regarding the Afghan peace process:
1. India consistently advocated that any peace process must be "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled."
2. India formally attended the inaugural session of the intra-Afghan peace talks held in Doha in September 2020.
3. India has actively participated in the 'Moscow Format' consultations on Afghanistan to discuss regional security and stability.
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 supported an indigenous peace process but pragmatically engaged with international efforts, attending the Doha talks and the Moscow Format to protect its security interests.
Regarding Afghan Refugees and Visas in India, consider the following statements:
1. India is a founding signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and automatically grants citizenship to all Afghan refugees upon their arrival.
2. Prior to the 2021 crisis, tens of thousands of Afghan refugees, including students and medical tourists, legally resided in India under specialized visa categories.
3. In response to the Taliban takeover, India specifically introduced the 'e-Emergency X-Misc Visa' category to fast-track entry for Afghans fleeing persecution.
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 hosts a large Afghan diaspora and created an emergency e-visa during the 2021 crisis. Statement 1 is incorrect; India is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol, and it does not automatically grant citizenship to refugees, managing them instead under domestic laws like the Foreigners Act.
Consider the following statements about Counter-Terrorism and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regarding Afghanistan:
1. India has consistently utilized multilateral forums like the FATF to push for strict scrutiny of terror financing networks operating across the Af-Pak region.
2. The presence of UN-designated terrorist entities, such as the Haqqani Network, within the top echelons of the Afghan de facto administration remains a severe security concern for India.
3. The Haqqani Network is officially recognized by the Indian government as a legitimate diplomatic partner for regional intelligence sharing against ISIS.
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 the FATF to pressure terror-sponsors and views the Haqqani network's power as a direct threat. Statement 3 is incorrect; the Haqqani network is a virulent anti-India terrorist organization responsible for bombing the Indian embassy in Kabul, and India absolutely does not recognize it as a legitimate diplomatic partner.
With reference to the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) Pipeline, consider the following statements:
1. The project aims to transport natural gas from the Galkynysh Gas Field in Turkmenistan to Fazilka in India.
2. The proposed pipeline route passes through the Afghan provinces of Herat and Kandahar, making Afghan security crucial for the project.
3. The project has been fully completed and currently supplies approximately 50% of India's annual natural gas needs.
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. TAPI is a major transnational energy project relying on Afghan stability. Statement 3 is incorrect; the TAPI project has faced severe delays due to security concerns in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and is far from being completed or operational.
With reference to Afghanistan's mineral resources and Indian investments, consider the following statements:
1. A consortium of Indian state-owned and private companies (AFISCO) won the rights to mine the Hajigak iron ore deposits in Afghanistan.
2. The Hajigak deposit, located in Bamyan province, is considered one of the largest untapped iron ore deposits in Asia.
3. India successfully completed the extraction infrastructure and imported 10 million tonnes of iron ore from Hajigak before the 2020 pandemic.
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. AFISCO won the bid for the massive Hajigak iron ore reserve. Statement 3 is incorrect; the project was completely stalled due to deteriorating security conditions and lack of infrastructure, resulting in no actual extraction or import of iron ore.
Regarding India's diplomatic stance following the 2021 Taliban takeover, consider the following statements:
1. India closed its embassy in Kabul immediately after the takeover but later deployed a "technical team" in 2022 to oversee humanitarian assistance.
2. The Government of India has not formally granted de jure recognition to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan established by the Taliban.
3. India completely halted all humanitarian aid, including medical supplies and wheat, in protest against the Taliban's return to power.
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 withdrew its diplomats but later sent a technical team and has withheld formal recognition of the regime. Statement 3 is incorrect; despite the regime change, India continued to send substantial humanitarian aid, including wheat and essential medicines, to the Afghan people.
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic history between India and Afghanistan:
1. The Treaty of Friendship between India and Afghanistan was formally signed in 1950.
2. India was the only South Asian nation to recognize the Soviet-backed Democratic Republic of Afghanistan in the 1980s.
3. India officially recognized the first Taliban regime (1996-2001) to protect its strategic and economic interests.
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 1950 Treaty of Friendship established early diplomatic ties, and India controversially recognized the Soviet-backed regime. Statement 3 is incorrect; India never recognized the first Taliban regime and instead actively supported the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance.
Regarding the trade and connectivity challenges between India and Afghanistan, consider the following statements:
1. The Wagah-Attari border crossing allows for the free, unhindered two-way transit of commercial trucks carrying Indian exports directly to Kabul.
2. The India-Afghanistan Air Freight Corridor was operationalized to bypass the severe logistical obstacles created by Pakistan's transit denial.
3. The Chabahar Port in Iran was strategically developed by India to ensure a reliable sea-land transit route to Afghanistan independent of Pakistan.
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 Air Freight Corridor and Chabahar port are workarounds to Pakistani blockades. Statement 1 is incorrect; Pakistan strictly prohibits Indian commercial trucks from crossing its territory to transport exports to Afghanistan.
Regarding Aviation and Military Support provided by India to the Afghan Republic (Pre-2021), consider the following statements:
1. India supplied Cheetal helicopters (a modified variant of the Cheetah) to the Afghan Air Force to enhance their high-altitude transport and reconnaissance capabilities.
2. India provided critical maintenance, spares, and transferred combat-ready Mi-35 attack helicopters to bolster the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces.
3. Squadrons of Indian Air Force fighter pilots were regularly deployed to fly frontline combat missions against Taliban strongholds in Kandahar and Helmand.
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 provided lethal aid (Mi-35s) and utility helicopters (Cheetals) to build Afghan capacity. Statement 3 is incorrect; India never deployed its own combat pilots or active military personnel to fight in the Afghan war.
Consider the following statements about India's cultural and capacity-building initiatives in Afghanistan:
1. Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, India provides specialized training to Afghan civil servants, police, and professionals.
2. India established the "Afghan-India Culture Trust" which strictly forbids the teaching of Indian classical music to adhere to local conservative norms.
3. The Self Employed Womenâs Association (SEWA) of India has actively trained Afghan women in vocational skills to promote economic independence.
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. ITEC and SEWA have been highly successful capacity-building tools. Statement 2 is incorrect; Indian cultural centers and trusts in Afghanistan actively promoted cultural exchange, including teaching Indian classical music, which was highly popular among Afghans before the 2021 regime change.
Consider the following statements about post-2021 geopolitics involving India, Afghanistan, and regional trade:
1. India has officially cited the lack of an internationally recognized government and highly volatile security conditions as major hurdles preventing the progression of the TAPI gas pipeline.
2. The volume of bilateral trade between India and Afghanistan exponentially grew by 500% in the immediate month following the Taliban takeover due to newly opened borders.
3. Despite withholding formal recognition, the practical necessity of ensuring regional stability and countering narcotics has driven India to participate in multilateral dialogues engaging Taliban representatives.
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. Security and recognition issues stall TAPI, while pragmatic security concerns force India to engage in back-channel talks. Statement 2 is incorrect; bilateral trade plummeted drastically immediately after the Taliban takeover due to banking freezes, border closures, and the collapse of the Afghan economy.
With reference to the Salma Dam project, consider the following statements:
1. The Salma Dam, officially renamed the Afghan-India Friendship Dam, is located on the Hari River in Herat province.
2. The project was completely funded by the Asian Development Bank with only technical assistance provided by India.
3. The dam, inaugurated in 2016, is a multipurpose project providing both irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.
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 Afghan-India Friendship Dam is a major multipurpose project on the Hari River. Statement 2 is incorrect; the project was entirely funded and executed by the Government of India, not the Asian Development Bank.
With reference to the Shahtoot Dam Project, consider the following statements:
1. The Shahtoot Dam is a proposed project on the Maidan River basin, a tributary of the Kabul River.
2. The dam is primarily intended to provide large-scale hydroelectric electricity exclusively to the Helmand province.
3. A Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of the Shahtoot Dam was signed between India and Afghanistan in early 2021.
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 Shahtoot Dam was a major commitment by India just before the Republic fell. Statement 2 is incorrect; the primary purpose of the Shahtoot Dam is to provide safe drinking water to over 2 million residents of Kabul city, along with some irrigation, not electricity for Helmand.
Regarding India's 'Soft Power' and economic aid in Afghanistan, consider the following statements:
1. India launched a dedicated "Air Freight Corridor" in 2017 to boost bilateral trade by bypassing Pakistani land routes.
2. Through the ICCR, India provided thousands of scholarships to Afghan students to build human capacity and institutional strength.
3. India emerged as the largest regional donor to Afghanistan since 2001, pledging over $3 billion in development assistance.
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 heavily leveraged soft power in Afghanistan through capacity building (scholarships), economic connectivity (Air Freight Corridor), and massive development aid, making it the largest regional donor.
Consider the following statements regarding the Heart of Asia - Istanbul Process:
1. The Heart of Asia process was launched in 2011 to encourage regional cooperation for a stable and prosperous Afghanistan.
2. India hosted the 6th Ministerial Conference of the Heart of Asia in Amritsar in 2016.
3. The United States and Russia are both full member countries of the Heart of Asia process.
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 initiative seeks regional solutions for Afghanistan, and India has been an active participant, hosting the 2016 summit. Statement 3 is incorrect; the US and Russia act as 'Supporting Countries' to the process, whereas full membership is reserved for regional countries.