India & Neighbours (Nepal, BD, SL) — Set 3
International Relations · भारत और पड़ोसी देश · Questions 21–30 of 140
During Sri Lanka's economic crisis in 2022, India provided approximately how much financial assistance?
Correct Answer: C. $4 billion
India provided approximately $4 billion in financial assistance to Sri Lanka during its severe economic crisis in 2022, which included credit lines for fuel, food, and medicines. The assistance was critical as Sri Lanka faced its worst economic crisis since independence, with shortages of essential goods and foreign exchange reserves nearly depleted. India's aid came much faster than IMF or World Bank support, underscoring its role as Sri Lanka's key partner during the crisis.
China built the Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka on which type of financial arrangement that critics call a 'debt trap'?
Correct Answer: B. High-interest loans leading to a 99-year lease
China financed the construction of Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka through high-interest commercial loans, and when Sri Lanka was unable to service the debt, it was forced to lease the port to a Chinese state-owned company for 99 years in 2017. Critics described this as a 'debt-trap diplomacy' strategy that China uses to gain strategic assets. The port is strategically located near major Indian Ocean shipping lanes, raising concerns in India and the West.
The 'India First' foreign policy was a principle officially adopted under which Maldivian leader?
Correct Answer: C. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
The 'India First' foreign policy was prominently associated with Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who assumed office in 2018 after defeating the pro-China Abdulla Yameen. Under Solih, Maldives reaffirmed India as its closest partner and accepted greater development assistance and military cooperation from India. This policy was a reversal from Yameen's pro-China tilt that had alarmed India.
The 'India Out' campaign in Maldives was associated with which political leader?
Correct Answer: D. Abdulla Yameen
The 'India Out' campaign in Maldives was primarily associated with former President Abdulla Yameen and later taken up by Mohamed Muizzu's political grouping. The campaign demanded withdrawal of Indian military personnel and opposed India's perceived influence over Maldivian affairs. When Muizzu won the 2023 presidential election, he sought removal of Indian military personnel from Maldives, causing a temporary downturn in India-Maldives relations.
Mohamed Muizzu became President of Maldives in which year and was known for his pro-China stance?
Correct Answer: C. 2023
Mohamed Muizzu was elected President of Maldives in September 2023, defeating the incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Muizzu was perceived as pro-China during his campaign and demanded the removal of Indian military personnel from Maldives after taking office. However, he also maintained pragmatic ties with India, as India remains the dominant economic partner and the closest neighbour of Maldives.
India and Maldives are connected through SAARC. SAARC was founded in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 1985
SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) was founded in 1985 at the first SAARC Summit held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The founding members were Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, with Afghanistan joining later in 2007. SAARC aims to promote regional cooperation in economic, social, cultural, and technical fields among South Asian nations.
The India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty of 2007 replaced an earlier treaty from which year?
Correct Answer: B. 1949
The India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty of 2007 replaced the earlier treaty of 1949, which had stipulated that Bhutan would be guided by India in its foreign policy. The 2007 treaty removed this clause and granted Bhutan full sovereignty in its external affairs, though it retained provisions for close cooperation between the two countries. The revised treaty reflected Bhutan's evolving international status while maintaining the special relationship with India.
The Doklam standoff of 2017 was primarily between:
Correct Answer: B. China and Bhutan, with India intervening
The Doklam standoff of 2017 was triggered when China began constructing a road in the Doklam plateau, an area disputed between China and Bhutan. India intervened militarily on Bhutan's behalf, as per treaty obligations, since Doklam is close to India's strategically sensitive Chicken's Neck (Siliguri Corridor). The standoff lasted 73 days before both India and China agreed to disengage in August 2017.
The Chukha Hydropower Project, a major India-Bhutan cooperation project, is located on which river?
Correct Answer: B. Wang Chu (Raidak) River
The Chukha Hydropower Project (336 MW), one of the earliest and most significant bilateral projects between India and Bhutan, is located on the Wang Chu (also known as Raidak) River in western Bhutan. Commissioned in phases between 1986 and 1988, it was built with Indian financial and technical assistance. The electricity generated is shared between Bhutan and India, and has been the foundation of the two countries' energy cooperation.
Which hydropower project in Bhutan has the highest installed capacity among India-Bhutan joint projects?
Correct Answer: B. Tala
The Tala Hydropower Project (1020 MW) in Bhutan has been one of the highest-capacity hydropower projects built under India-Bhutan cooperation. Commissioned in 2006 on the Wang Chu River, it is a run-of-the-river project and sells the majority of its power to India. Bhutan earns significant revenue from electricity exports to India, making hydropower the backbone of the Bhutan-India economic relationship.