India-USA Relations — Set 1
International Relations · भारत-USA संबंध · Questions 1–10 of 160
In which year did India and the USA sign the historic Civil Nuclear Deal?
Correct Answer: C. 2008
The India-USA Civil Nuclear Deal was formally signed in 2008, marking a watershed moment in bilateral relations. It allowed India to access civilian nuclear technology and fuel from the USA despite not being a signatory to the NPT. The deal ended India's nuclear isolation that had persisted since the 1974 Pokhran test.
What does LEMOA stand for in the context of India-USA defence agreements?
Correct Answer: A. Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement
LEMOA stands for Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement, signed between India and the USA in August 2016. It allows both countries' militaries to use each other's land, air, and naval bases for refuelling and replenishment. LEMOA was the first of the three foundational defence agreements signed between India and the USA.
COMCASA signed between India and USA in 2018 enables sharing of:
Correct Answer: B. Encrypted communications equipment
COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) was signed in September 2018 during the inaugural 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. It enables India to access encrypted communications equipment from the USA for interoperability between the two militaries. The agreement replaces the earlier CISMOA framework and ensures secure communications between Indian and US forces.
BECA, signed between India and USA in October 2020, relates to:
Correct Answer: B. Geospatial intelligence sharing
BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement on Geospatial Intelligence) was signed in October 2020 during the third 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. It allows India to access high-end US geospatial data, topographical maps, and navigation charts critical for military targeting. BECA completes the set of three foundational defence agreements between India and the USA.
India was designated as a 'Major Defence Partner' by the USA in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 2016
The USA designated India as a 'Major Defence Partner' in June 2016, a unique status not given to any other country. This designation facilitates technology transfer and defence cooperation at a level comparable to US allies. It paved the way for India to purchase advanced US military equipment and participate in co-production arrangements.
The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between India and USA involves which ministries?
Correct Answer: B. Defence and External Affairs
The India-USA 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue involves the Defence and External Affairs (Foreign) ministers from both countries. The first such dialogue was held in September 2018 in New Delhi. This format was established to comprehensively discuss security, defence, and strategic issues between the two countries.
Which agreement preceded COMCASA as the framework for communications security between India and USA?
Correct Answer: B. CISMOA
CISMOA (Communications and Information Security Memorandum of Agreement) was the predecessor framework before COMCASA. India had long resisted signing CISMOA due to sovereignty concerns about US monitoring. COMCASA was adapted to address Indian concerns while still enabling secure communications interoperability.
The Hyde Act of 2006 was passed by the US Congress to enable:
Correct Answer: B. India-USA Civil Nuclear cooperation
The Henry J. Hyde United States-India Peaceful Atomic Energy Cooperation Act of 2006 (Hyde Act) amended the US Atomic Energy Act to allow nuclear cooperation with India. It laid the legislative foundation for the India-USA Civil Nuclear Deal signed in 2008. The Act required India to separate civilian and military nuclear facilities and accept IAEA safeguards on civilian facilities.
What is the '123 Agreement' in the context of India-USA relations?
Correct Answer: B. A bilateral nuclear cooperation agreement under US Atomic Energy Act Section 123
The '123 Agreement' is named after Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act, which requires such agreements for any nuclear cooperation. The India-USA 123 Agreement was signed in October 2008 enabling civilian nuclear trade. It allows India to purchase nuclear reactors, fuel, and technology from the USA for civilian energy purposes.
The Quad grouping consists of which four countries?
Correct Answer: B. India, USA, Japan, Australia
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) consists of India, USA, Japan, and Australia. Originally conceived in 2007 by Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, it was revived in 2017 and elevated to leaders' summit level in 2021. The Quad focuses on a free and open Indo-Pacific, maritime security, vaccine distribution, and emerging technology cooperation.