India-Pakistan Relations — Set 15
International Relations · भारत-पाकिस्तान संबंध · Questions 141–150 of 160
Pakistan's first military dictator was which General?
Correct Answer: C. Ayub Khan
General Ayub Khan became Pakistan's first military dictator through a coup in October 1958. He was President from 1958 to 1969. His government signed the Indus Waters Treaty (1960) and fought the 1965 war against India.
Bangladesh's independence was formally recognized by Pakistan in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 1974
Pakistan formally recognized Bangladesh on 22 February 1974, at the Islamic Summit Conference in Lahore. This came nearly 3 years after Bangladesh's independence. Bangladesh demanded Pakistan recognize the 1971 war crimes before diplomatic relations could be fully normalized.
India's IB (Intelligence Bureau) and Pakistan's ISI both have what role in Kashmir?
Correct Answer: B. Both conduct counter-intelligence operations against each other in J&K
India's Intelligence Bureau (IB) conducts counter-intelligence operations against Pakistan's ISI networks in J&K. Pakistan's ISI runs covert operations supporting militancy in J&K. The spy-vs-spy conflict in J&K involves both agencies running assets, double agents, and disinformation campaigns against each other.
India and Pakistan's nuclear arsenals are estimated at approximately how many warheads each (2024)?
Correct Answer: C. India 170, Pakistan 170
As of 2024 estimates, India has approximately 160–170 nuclear warheads and Pakistan approximately 170 nuclear warheads. Pakistan is believed to have a slightly larger arsenal due to its tactical nuclear weapons (TNWs). Both are growing their arsenals; SIPRI estimates suggest India at ~172 and Pakistan at ~170 warheads.
The India-Pakistan bilateral trade has been consistently how much annually (pre-2019)?
Correct Answer: B. $2–3 billion
Formal bilateral trade between India and Pakistan was approximately $2–3 billion annually before the 2019 suspension following Pulwama. Informal/third-country trade was estimated at an additional $3–5 billion. Economists suggest full normalization could increase bilateral trade to $30–40 billion.
Pakistan's nuclear 'first use' doctrine (vs India's No First Use) means Pakistan would use nuclear weapons if?
Correct Answer: B. India makes significant conventional military gains threatening Pakistan's existence
Pakistan's nuclear doctrine (not publicly declared but analyzed by experts) is based on 'first use' if India makes significant conventional military gains that threaten Pakistan's territorial integrity or survival. Pakistan's 'Full Spectrum Deterrence' includes tactical nuclear weapons to counter India's Cold Start Doctrine. This creates dangerous escalation risks.
The 'Ghost of 1971' — the Indian military's memory of the decisive 1971 victory — influences India's strategic planning how?
Correct Answer: A. India prepares for another Bangladesh-like operation against Pakistan
India's strategic planners draw lessons from 1971's decisive victory — India created a new state (Bangladesh) in 13 days through combined arms operations. The 1971 success reinforced India's confidence in conventional superiority over Pakistan. However, Pakistan's nuclear arsenal since 1998 has changed the calculus by creating nuclear thresholds.
Pakistan's PM Imran Khan was removed from power through a no-confidence vote in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 2022
Pakistan PM Imran Khan was removed through a no-confidence vote in April 2022 — the first Pakistani PM to be removed this way. He claimed US conspiracy for his removal. His removal and subsequent political turmoil (his arrest, election controversies) complicated Pakistan's foreign policy including India relations.
India's foreign policy towards Pakistan is coordinated through which ministry?
Correct Answer: B. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
India's foreign policy toward Pakistan is primarily the domain of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), under the Pakistan Division and the Joint Secretary (Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran) desk. However, given J&K's security dimensions, the Ministry of Home Affairs and NSA office play significant roles. The PM's office also oversees major Pakistan decisions.
India officially refers to the disputed border with Pakistan in J&K as 'Line of Control' but Pakistan and some international bodies call it?
Correct Answer: B. Ceasefire Line
Pakistan and some international bodies (including UN observers) still refer to the LoC as the 'Ceasefire Line' — its original designation from the 1949 Karachi Agreement. The Simla Agreement 1972 renamed it the Line of Control (LoC). India insists on 'LoC' to emphasize it is governed by the bilateral Simla Agreement, not the UN.