Civil Services Examination - International relations: bilateral relations and regional groupings Question Bank with Options

1. Which regional grouping, of which India is a dialogue partner, aims to promote economic cooperation and development in the Black Sea and Caspian Sea regions?

A) GUAM (Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Moldova)

B) ECO (Economic Cooperation Organization)

C) BSEC (Black Sea Economic Cooperation)

D) CACM (Central American Common Market)

2. India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy places a special emphasis on improving connectivity and cooperation with which country, despite historical complexities?

A) Pakistan

B) Afghanistan

C) Myanmar

D) Maldives

3. The 'International North-South Transport Corridor' (INSTC) is a multi-modal corridor connecting India with which region via Russia?

A) Europe

B) Central Asia

C) East Asia

D) Africa

4. Which of the following is a key challenge in India-China bilateral relations, apart from the border dispute?

A) Competition for influence in South Asia and the Indian Ocean

B) Disputes over water resources in the Brahmaputra River

C) Trade imbalances and intellectual property rights

D) All of the above

5. India's strategic partnership with Israel is characterized by significant cooperation in which sector?

A) Defense technology and agriculture

B) Space exploration and nuclear energy

C) Cybersecurity and artificial intelligence

D) All of the above

6. The 'Project Mausam' initiative, launched by India, aims to connect countries across the Indian Ocean region by exploring shared cultural and historical ties. Which of these is a key element of the project?

A) Re-establishing ancient maritime trade routes

B) Developing a common Indian Ocean currency

C) Creating a unified defense pact for the region

D) Promoting a common language for the Indian Ocean nations

7. Which regional organization aims to promote economic cooperation and integration among countries in the Americas?

A) OAS (Organization of American States)

B) Mercosur

C) Pacific Alliance

D) All of the above

8. India's bilateral relations with the UAE have strengthened significantly, particularly in which areas?

A) Energy security, trade, and investment

B) Joint space exploration and satellite launches

C) Cultural exchange and tourism promotion

D) Military alliances and defense pacts

9. Which of the following is a major objective of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)?

A) To counter China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region

B) To promote economic development in Central Asia

C) To establish a unified military command for South Asia

D) To facilitate a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict

10. India's strategic partnership with which country includes cooperation on counter-terrorism, cyber security, and disaster management?

A) Australia

B) United Kingdom

C) Canada

D) New Zealand

11. The 'Act East Policy' emphasizes enhanced connectivity with Southeast Asian nations. Which of these is a key mechanism for this connectivity?

A) The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway

B) The Trans-Asian Railway Network

C) The Pan-Asian Highway Network

D) All of the above

12. Which South Asian regional grouping has faced significant challenges in achieving its objectives due to political tensions among its member states?

A) SAARC

B) BIMSTEC

C) ASEAN

D) SASEC

13. India's relationship with which country has seen significant growth in defense ties, including joint exercises and technology transfer, particularly in the context of the Indo-Pacific?

A) South Africa

B) Argentina

C) France

D) Egypt

14. The 'Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment' (PGII), a G7 initiative, is seen by some as a response to China's 'Belt and Road Initiative' (BRI). Which country is a key partner for India in countering the influence of BRI?

A) Pakistan

B) Russia

C) United States

D) Iran

15. Which bilateral agreement between India and a neighboring country focuses on promoting cross-border trade and connectivity, particularly through riverine routes?

A) Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship

B) Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) with Bangladesh

C) Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Sri Lanka

D) Treaty of Bhutan

16. The 'Sagar' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative by India focuses on enhancing maritime security and cooperation in which area?

A) The Mediterranean Sea

B) The Indian Ocean Region

C) The Atlantic Ocean

D) The Arctic Ocean

17. Which country is a key partner for India in its 'Indo-Pacific' strategy, with shared interests in maritime security and democratic values?

A) North Korea

B) Saudi Arabia

C) Australia

D) Iran

18. The 'ASEAN Regional Forum' (ARF) is a platform for security dialogue in which region?

A) South Asia

B) East Asia and the Pacific

C) Central Asia

D) Middle East

19. India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy aims to build stronger ties with its immediate neighbours. Which country is NOT considered part of India's immediate neighbourhood in this policy context?

A) Afghanistan

B) Myanmar

C) Malaysia

D) Bhutan

20. Which of the following is a major challenge in India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations?

A) Fishermen issues and the dispute over Kachchativu island

B) Border demarcation in the Palk Strait

C) Competition for influence in the Maldives

D) Disputes over water sharing of the Mahaweli River

21. The 'Agni' series of ballistic missiles are primarily developed by India for which purpose?

A) To deter potential adversaries and ensure national security

B) To support space launch missions

C) To conduct joint military exercises with allies

D) To provide humanitarian aid in disaster zones

22. India's relationship with Russia has been historically strong, particularly in which sector?

A) Defense and energy cooperation

B) Joint space exploration missions

C) Cultural exchange and tourism

D) Cybersecurity collaboration

23. Which regional organization focuses on promoting cooperation in the fields of energy, environment, and disaster management among countries surrounding the Bay of Bengal?

A) SAARC

B) ASEAN

C) BIMSTEC

D) IORP

24. The 'Malabar' exercise, initially a bilateral naval exercise between India and the US, has expanded to include which other country?

A) Australia

B) South Korea

C) Vietnam

D) Singapore

25. Which of the following is a key objective of India's bilateral relations with Japan?

A) Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and defense modernization

B) Joint efforts to counter China's influence in Southeast Asia

C) Collaboration on developing a common currency

D) Establishing a military pact against North Korea

26. The 'Surya Kiran' joint military exercise is conducted between India and which neighboring country?

A) Bangladesh

B) Sri Lanka

C) Nepal

D) Bhutan

27. India's engagement with the African continent is primarily driven by economic opportunities and shared developmental goals. Which of these is a significant African nation with which India has strong ties?

A) Egypt

B) Nigeria

C) South Africa

D) All of the above

28. Which regional grouping aims to foster economic integration and facilitate free trade among its member countries in North America?

A) Mercosur

B) NAFTA (now USMCA)

C) ASEAN

D) SADC

29. The 'East Asia Summit' is a forum for dialogue on political, security, and economic issues. India is a participant. Which country hosts the ASEAN Secretariat and is a founding member of ASEAN?

A) Singapore

B) Malaysia

C) Indonesia

D) Philippines

30. India's relationship with the United States has evolved significantly, with cooperation in which of the following strategic areas?

A) Joint space missions and defense technology sharing

B) Collaborative efforts to contain Russia

C) Unified approach to climate change negotiations

D) Joint development of artificial intelligence for warfare

31. Which of the following bilateral issues has historically been a significant point of contention between India and China?

A) Maritime boundary disputes in the South China Sea

B) The unresolved border dispute in the Himalayas

C) Competition for influence in African nations

D) Trade imbalances in agricultural products

32. The 'Sampriti' joint military exercise is conducted between India and which nation?

A) Myanmar

B) Bangladesh

C) Nepal

D) Bhutan

33. India's 'Act East' policy has led to increased engagement with ASEAN. Which of these is a prominent member of ASEAN?

A) India

B) Pakistan

C) Indonesia

D) Fiji

34. Which regional organization, of which India is a dialogue partner, focuses on economic integration and promoting peace and stability in Central Asia?

A) CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States)

B) EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union)

C) CICA (Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia)

D) Turkic Council

35. The 'Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project' aims to connect India with which country via a river and road network?

A) Thailand

B) Myanmar

C) Vietnam

D) Laos

36. Which of the following is a key area of cooperation between India and the European Union?

A) Climate change mitigation and renewable energy

B) Joint military expeditions

C) Space debris management

D) Arctic exploration

37. The 'Maithri' exercise is a joint military exercise between India and which country?

A) Sri Lanka

B) Maldives

C) Thailand

D) Singapore

38. India's relationship with which country has been significantly shaped by historical and cultural ties, as well as economic interdependence?

A) Brazil

B) South Africa

C) Bangladesh

D) Mexico

39. Which of the following regional groupings focuses on maritime security and economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region?

A) IMCS (Indian Ocean Coastal States)

B) IORP (Indian Ocean Rim Association)

C) IOC (Indian Ocean Commission)

D) OAS (Organization of American States)

40. The Chabahar Port, strategically important for India, is located in which country?

A) Oman

B) Iran

C) UAE

D) Yemen

41. What is the primary aim of the BRICS grouping?

A) To counter Western military alliances

B) To promote economic cooperation among emerging economies

C) To establish a common currency for member nations

D) To create a unified foreign policy for its members

42. India's strategic partnership with which country includes cooperation in defense, civil nuclear energy, and space exploration?

A) France

B) Germany

C) United Kingdom

D) Canada

43. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance. Which of these is NOT a full member state?

A) Russia

B) China

C) Iran

D) Vietnam

44. Which bilateral agreement between India and a neighboring country focuses on trade, transit, and hydropower projects?

A) Treaty of Peace and Friendship with Nepal

B) Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Sri Lanka

C) Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation with Bhutan

D) Indo-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement

45. The BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) includes countries from South and Southeast Asia. Which of these is NOT a member?

A) Bangladesh

B) Myanmar

C) Nepal

D) Sri Lanka

46. India's 'Neighborhood First' policy prioritizes relations with which group of countries?

A) Countries of the Indian Ocean Rim

B) Neighboring countries in South Asia

C) East Asian economic powerhouses

D) African nations with historical ties

47. Which of the following is a major challenge in India-Pakistan bilateral relations?

A) Disputes over water sharing of the Indus River

B) Border disputes, particularly concerning Kashmir

C) Competition for influence in Afghanistan

D) All of the above

48. The 'Look East' policy, later evolved into 'Act East', was initiated by India primarily to engage with which region?

A) West Asia

B) Central Asia

C) Southeast Asia and East Asia

D) Africa

49. Which regional grouping aims to promote economic cooperation and integration among South Asian countries?

A) ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)

B) SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation)

C) APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation)

D) EU (European Union)

50. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) primarily involves which four countries?

A) India, Japan, Australia, and the United States

B) China, Russia, India, and Pakistan

C) South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and the United States

D) Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand

International relations: bilateral relations and regional groupings - Question Bank