Which petroleum product is the primary export through the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline?
- Natural gas
- Crude oil
- High speed diesel
- Aviation fuel
Explanation: The 131.5 km pipeline connects Numaligarh Refinery in Assam to Parbatipur in Bangladesh.
The historic 1996 Ganga Water Treaty between India and Bangladesh is valid for a period of:
- Ten years
- Fifty years
- Thirty years
- Twenty years
Explanation: Signed by HD Deve Gowda and Sheikh Hasina, the treaty has a 30-year validity and is due for renewal or review in 2026.
India’s 'Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project' is a bilateral agreement involving the development of which river?
- Mahakali River
- Gandak River
- Kosi River
- Teesta River
Explanation: The Pancheshwar project is a centerpiece of the 1996 Mahakali Treaty between India and Nepal.
The 'BBIN' initiative primarily focuses on regional integration through which specific sector?
- Space research
- Military alliances
- Motor vehicles
- Nuclear energy
Explanation: The BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA) aims to facilitate the seamless movement of passenger and cargo traffic across borders.
In maritime diplomacy, the 'CORPAT' exercise involves coordinated patrols between the Indian Navy and:
- Landlocked states
- Central Asian
- European Union
- Coastal neighbors
Explanation: India conducts CORPATs with neighbors like Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand to ensure maritime security and safety.
The 'Palali Airport', which India helped renovate to improve connectivity with the Jaffna region, is in:
- Myanmar
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Sri Lanka
Explanation: The airport is vital for connecting the Tamil-majority Northern Province of Sri Lanka with India.
The 'Sagarmatha Friendship' is a joint military exercise between China and which Indian neighbor?
- Bhutan
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
Explanation: Increasing military ties between Nepal and China are monitored closely under India's Neighborhood First security calculus.
In 2021, India launched 'Operation Devi Shakti' to evacuate its citizens and Afghan partners from:
- Kandahar City
- Herat Province
- Mazar Sharif
- Kabul City
Explanation: The operation was necessitated by the rapid takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban in August 2021.
The 'South Asia Satellite' (GSAT-9) was launched by India as a gift specifically for:
- G20 members
- SAARC nations
- ASEAN partners
- BIMSTEC members
Explanation: Pakistan was the only SAARC member that opted out of the project, leading it to be renamed from 'SAARC Satellite' to 'South Asia Satellite'.
In 2022, India and Bangladesh signed an interim agreement for water sharing of which river?
- Teesta River
- Kushiyara River
- Meghna River
- Feni River
Explanation: This was the first such water-sharing agreement signed between the two countries since the 1996 Ganga Treaty.
Which Indian island territory serves as the primary base for the 'Security and Growth for All' vision in the Indian Ocean?
- Lakshadweep
- Majuli
- Agalega Island
- Great Nicobar
Explanation: The Great Nicobar Holistic Development Project is seen as vital for India’s power projection toward the Malacca Strait.
The prestigious Brunel Medal was awarded to which Indian-assisted hydroelectric project in Bhutan?
- Tala Project
- Kurichhu Project
- Mangdechhu Project
- Chukha Project
Explanation: The 720 MW Mangdechhu project was awarded the Brunel Medal by the Institution of Civil Engineers (London) for its excellence in civil engineering.
The 'Millennium Challenge Corporation' (MCC) compact sparked massive domestic political debate in which neighbor?
- Maldives
- Sri Lanka
- Nepal
- Bangladesh
Explanation: The $500 million US grant was debated over concerns of it being part of the Indo-Pacific Strategy and infringing on sovereignty.
India provided a massive $4 billion economic assistance package in 2022-23 to which neighbor facing a debt crisis?
- Pakistan
- Maldives
- Afghanistan
- Sri Lanka
Explanation: India was the first responder to Sri Lanka's economic meltdown, providing credit lines for fuel, food, and medicines.
The 'S' in India’s maritime vision 'SAGAR' stands for which core objective?
- Sovereignty
- Stability
- Security
- Sustainability
Explanation: SAGAR stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region, focusing on maritime cooperation with neighbors.
The 'Motihari-Amlekhgunj' pipeline is South Asia’s first cross-border petroleum pipeline between:
- India-Bangladesh
- India-Nepal
- India-Bhutan
- India-Myanmar
Explanation: It ensures a stable and cost-effective supply of fuel from IOCL to Nepal Oil Corporation.
Which Indian state shares the longest land border with Bangladesh, making it a key player in 'Neighborhood First'?
- Tripura
- West Bengal
- Assam
- Meghalaya
Explanation: West Bengal shares 2,217 km of the total 4,096 km border with Bangladesh.
Which Bhutanese mega-project, recently emphasized in 2024-2026, aims to create a 'Mindfulness City' near the Indian border?
- Chukha Project
- Punakha Project
- Gelephu Project
- Thimphu Project
Explanation: The Gelephu Strategic Location/SAR (Special Administrative Region) is a massive project designed to link Bhutan’s economy with Assam and the Northeast.
Which city hosted the first-ever formal SAARC summit in 1985?
- Islamabad
- Dhaka
- Colombo
- New Delhi
Explanation: The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was formally established in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
The 'Project Mausam' was launched by the Indian government primarily to strengthen ties through:
- Naval drills
- Trade tariffs
- Climate research
- Cultural heritage
Explanation: It aims to reconnect and re-establish communications between countries of the Indian Ocean world based on historical monsoon trade routes.
The 'Greater Male Connectivity Project' (GMCP), the largest infra project in Maldives, is funded by:
- IMF funds
- Chinese loans
- Indian grants
- World Bank
Explanation: India provided a $100 million grant and a $400 million Line of Credit for this project connecting Male to three islands.
Which Indian project in Afghanistan, inaugurated in 2016, is known as the 'Afghan-India Friendship Dam'?
- Salma Dam
- Helmand Dam
- Kabul Dam
- Shahtoot Dam
Explanation: Built on the Hari River in Herat Province, it was one of India's largest infrastructure projects in the country.
India’s 'Vaccine Maitri' initiative saw the first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines delivered to which country?
- Bhutan
- Nepal
- Maldives
- Mauritius
Explanation: Bhutan was the first country to receive 1.5 lakh doses of Covishield as a gift from India in January 2021.
Which strategically significant Sri Lankan port city is the subject of a joint oil tank farm redevelopment project?
- Trincomalee
- Galle
- Colombo
- Hambantota
Explanation: The Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm deal is a major strategic win for India, balancing the energy security of the region.
The permanent secretariat of the 'BIMSTEC' grouping is located in:
- New Delhi
- Kathmandu
- Dhaka
- Bangkok
Explanation: BIMSTEC provides a crucial alternative to SAARC for regional integration, with its headquarters in Bangladesh.
Which military exercise is conducted annually between the armies of India and Nepal?
- Mitra Shakti
- Hand-in-Hand
- Sampriti
- Surya Kiran
Explanation: Surya Kiran is an annual exercise focusing on counter-insurgency and disaster relief.
The 'India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway' is designed to connect Moreh in Manipur to:
- Phuket
- Bangkok
- Chiang Mai
- Mae Sot
Explanation: The highway is a critical component of India’s Act East policy, providing land connectivity to Southeast Asia.
The 'Maitri Super Thermal Power Project' is a joint venture between India and which other nation?
- Bangladesh
- Nepal
- Mauritius
- Sri Lanka
Explanation: The project is located at Rampal, Bangladesh, and was developed by the Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company.
The 'Neighbourhood First' policy primarily prioritizes engagement within which geographical sub-region?
- South Asia
- West Asia
- Southeast Asia
- Central Asia
Explanation: While it extends to the Indian Ocean Region, its core focus is India’s immediate neighbors in the South Asian landmass.
The 'Hambantota' port in Sri Lanka is often cited as a challenge to this policy due to its lease to:
- Japan
- China
- India
- United States
Explanation: Sri Lanka leased the port to China for 99 years in 2017, raising concerns about 'Debt Trap Diplomacy' and regional security.
The 'Mitali Express' is the third passenger train service launched between India and:
- Pakistan
- Nepal
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
Explanation: Mitali Express connects New Jalpaiguri in India to Dhaka in Bangladesh.
The 'Agalega Island' infrastructure project involves India’s strategic partnership with which nation?
- Seychelles
- Madagascar
- Mauritius
- Comoros
Explanation: The new airstrip and jetty at Agalega enhance Mauritius’ ability to monitor its EEZ with Indian assistance.
Which Indian neighbor recently became the first to utilize the Indian 'Unified Payments Interface' (UPI) for retail?
- Bhutan
- Maldives
- Sri Lanka
- Nepal
Explanation: Bhutan was the first country to adopt UPI standards for its QR deployment, followed later by Nepal and Sri Lanka.
The 'South Asian University' (SAU), established by SAARC member states, is located in:
- Dhaka
- Colombo
- New Delhi
- Kathmandu
Explanation: The university was established in 2010 to provide world-class education and foster a sense of South Asian community.
The 'Susta' and 'Kalapani' territorial disputes are significant hurdles in India's relations with:
- Bhutan
- China
- Pakistan
- Nepal
Explanation: These boundary disputes are often triggered by the shifting course of rivers like the Gandak (Susta) and Mahakali (Kalapani).
The 'Pali' and 'Sanskrit' languages were recently designated 'Classical Languages' partly to boost ties with:
- Islamic nations
- Arab nations
- African nations
- Buddhist nations
Explanation: The move strengthens cultural and religious diplomacy with neighbors like Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand.
The 'Look East' to 'Act East' policy shift in 2014 emphasized which additional dimension of engagement?
- Strategic security
- Economic trade
- Cultural links
- Space tech
Explanation: The 'Act' part of the policy focuses on active security partnerships and infrastructure beyond just economic ties.
The 1950 'Treaty of Peace and Friendship' is a foundational yet controversial document between India and:
- Bhutan
- Tibet
- Nepal
- Sikkim
Explanation: The treaty defines the 'special relationship' between the two nations, allowing open borders and national treatment for citizens.
Which sub-regional grouping is increasingly utilized to bypass the deadlocked SAARC in the neighborhood?
Explanation: BIMSTEC includes five South Asian and two Southeast Asian nations, excluding Pakistan, allowing for smoother functional cooperation.
India’s first 'Integrated Check Post' (ICP) with Nepal was established at which location?
- Birgunj-Raxaul
- Kakarbhitta-Panitanki
- Nepalgunj-Rupaidiha
- Bhairahawa-Sonauli
Explanation: ICPs are designed to streamline trade and migration by housing all regulatory agencies under one roof.
Which diplomatic doctrine serves as the conceptual precursor to the modern 'Neighborhood First' policy?
- Indira Doctrine
- Modi Doctrine
- Gujral Doctrine
- Nehruvian Policy
Explanation: The Gujral Doctrine (1996) emphasized non-reciprocity with smaller neighbors, a core pillar of the current Neighborhood First approach.
The 1974 'Katchatheevu' agreement involved India ceding a small uninhabited island to:
- Sri Lanka
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Maldives
Explanation: The agreement was signed to settle the maritime boundary in the Palk Strait but remains a sensitive issue for Tamil Nadu fishermen.
Which humanitarian operation was launched by India to provide drinking water to the Maldives during a 2014 crisis?
- Operation Maitri
- Operation Neer
- Operation Kaveri
- Operation Shakti
Explanation: Operation Neer was launched following a fire at Male’s water treatment plant, with India rushing bottled water and desalination plants via naval ships.
Which Indian leader's 1987 accord with Sri Lanka led to the induction of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF)?
- Narasimha Rao
- Indira Gandhi
- Atal Bihari
- Rajiv Gandhi
Explanation: The Indo-Sri Lanka Accord was signed to end the civil war and provide for the devolution of powers to the Tamil minority.
The 'Tin Bigha Corridor' was leased to Bangladesh in 1992 to provide access to which enclaves?
- Chhitmahal
- Dahagram Angarpota
- Pyrdiwah
- Berubari
Explanation: The corridor provides the only land link between the Dahagram-Angarpota enclaves and mainland Bangladesh.
Which rail link, operationalized recently, connects Jayanagar in Bihar to Kurtha in which country?
- Bangladesh
- Nepal
- Bhutan
- Myanmar
Explanation: The Jayanagar-Kurtha rail link is the first cross-border broad-gauge rail link between India and Nepal.
Which Atoll nation experienced an 'India Out' campaign in 2023-24 leading to a temporary diplomatic chill?
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Sri Lanka
- Seychelles
Explanation: The campaign was led by opposition figures and continued under President Muizzu, focusing on the presence of Indian military personnel.
Which regional security platform includes India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Mauritius as core members?
- IORA Forum
- Bay Bengal Init
- Colombo Security
- Quadrilateral Grp
Explanation: The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) focuses on maritime safety, counter-terrorism, and cyber security.
India has partnered with Bangladesh to provide 'Internet Bandwidth' to which Indian region through Cox's Bazar?
- Ladakh Region
- Southern India
- Andaman Islands
- Northeast India
Explanation: This project improves connectivity for Tripura and other NE states by leveraging Bangladesh’s undersea cable infrastructure.
In 2015, India and Bangladesh successfully resolved a decades-old territorial dispute through which agreement?
- Land Boundary
- Water Treaty
- Maritime Boundary
- Enclave Exchange
Explanation: The 100th Constitutional Amendment Act of India paved the way for the exchange of 162 enclaves between the two nations.
Which neighborhood country is currently governed by a 'Taliban' regime, necessitating a pragmatic 'humanitarian-only' engagement?
- Pakistan
- Myanmar
- Iran
- Afghanistan
Explanation: India operates a 'Technical Team' in Kabul to coordinate humanitarian aid, despite not officially recognizing the regime.
The 2015 'Economic Blockade' of Nepal was a period of high tension sparked by protests from the:
- Gurkha soldiers
- Sherpa community
- Madhesi community
- Newar people
Explanation: Protests against the newly adopted Nepalese Constitution led to the closure of border trade points with India.
Under the 'Neighborhood First' policy, which country is India's largest trading partner in South Asia?
- Bangladesh
- Pakistan
- Nepal
- Sri Lanka
Explanation: Bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh has grown significantly, exceeding $15 billion in recent years.
The 'Arun-III' hydroelectric project, a key component of India’s energy diplomacy, is located in which country?
- Kingdom Bhutan
- Republic Bangladesh
- State Myanmar
- Federal Nepal
Explanation: Arun-III is a 900 MW project being developed by India’s SJVN on the Arun River in eastern Nepal.
Which Indian-built port in Myanmar is a strategic counter to China’s Kyaukpyu port and a gateway for India's Northeast?
- Mongla Port
- Hambantota Port
- Chabahar Port
- Sittwe Port
Explanation: Sittwe Port is part of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, providing an alternative route to Mizoram.
The Kholongchhu Hydroelectric project was the first-ever 'Joint Venture' power project between India and:
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
Explanation: Unlike previous 'Inter-Governmental' projects, this 600 MW project was structured as a JV between SJVN and Druk Green Power.
Which river water sharing dispute remains a significant challenge for India-Bangladesh relations under this policy?
- Feni River
- Kushiyara River
- Teesta River
- Ganga River
Explanation: While the Ganga Treaty was signed in 1996, the Teesta water-sharing agreement remains stalled due to state-level objections in India.
In which year was the 'Neighborhood First' policy officially branded and prioritized during a prime ministerial inauguration?
- Year 2014
- Year 2019
- Year 2012
- Year 2004
Explanation: The policy gained official momentum in 2014 when leaders of all SAARC nations were invited to the Prime Minister's swearing-in ceremony.
Which Atoll in the Maldives is the site of a major Indian-funded development project involving a police academy and infrastructure?
- Ari Atoll
- Male Atoll
- Baa Atoll
- Addu Atoll
Explanation: Addu Atoll is the second-largest urban area in Maldives and a focus of Indian infrastructure grants.
The 'Agartala-Akhaura' rail link connects India’s Tripura state with which neighbor?
- Nepal
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Myanmar
Explanation: This rail link reduces travel time between Agartala and Kolkata significantly via Bangladesh territory.