India-USA Relations — Set 5
International Relations · भारत-USA संबंध · Questions 41–50 of 160
Which US President first visited India and declared a 'strategic partnership' with India?
Correct Answer: A. Bill Clinton in 2000
US President Bill Clinton visited India in March 2000, the first visit by a US President in 22 years, marking a turning point in India-USA relations. Clinton's visit produced a joint statement on 'India-US Relations: A Vision for the 21st Century.' This visit helped normalise relations after the strain caused by India's 1998 nuclear tests and subsequent US sanctions.
The MH-60 Romeo helicopter deal between India and USA was signed for equipping which Indian force?
Correct Answer: C. Indian Navy
India signed a deal with the USA for 24 MH-60 Romeo multi-role naval helicopters for the Indian Navy in 2020. The MH-60 Romeo is the world's most advanced multi-mission naval helicopter used for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and maritime operations. This was one of the largest foreign military sales between India and the USA.
Artemis Accords, signed by India in 2023, relate to cooperation in:
Correct Answer: B. Space exploration
India signed the Artemis Accords in June 2023 during PM Modi's state visit to Washington, joining over 25 nations in this US-led framework for civil space exploration cooperation. The Artemis Accords establish norms for peaceful, transparent, and sustainable space exploration, particularly related to lunar exploration. India's signing was announced as a major achievement of the Modi-Biden summit.
The US-India relationship was described as one of the 'defining partnerships of the 21st century' by which US President?
Correct Answer: B. Barack Obama
President Barack Obama described the US-India relationship as one of the 'defining partnerships of the 21st century' during his visits to India in 2010 and 2015. Obama was the first US President to be a chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations in January 2015. His presidency saw significant deepening of the US-India strategic partnership across defence, nuclear, and people-to-people dimensions.
Under which US President did India-USA relations suffer due to nuclear tests sanctions in 1998?
Correct Answer: B. Bill Clinton
Following India's Pokhran-II nuclear tests in May 1998, the Clinton administration imposed economic and military sanctions on India under the Glenn Amendment. These sanctions included restrictions on US government assistance, loans, and defence transfers to India. The sanctions were progressively waived after 2001 and relations improved substantially under President George W. Bush.
The India-USA relationship during the Cold War was characterised primarily by:
Correct Answer: C. India's non-alignment and tensions due to Pakistan-US ties
During the Cold War, India's policy of non-alignment and its proximity to the Soviet Union created tensions with the USA. The US-Pakistan alliance, particularly through SEATO and CENTO, was a major source of friction as Pakistan was perceived by India as receiving American military support for use against India. The USA tilted toward Pakistan during the 1971 Bangladesh war, further straining relations.
The Next Steps in Strategic Partnership (NSSP) initiative between India and USA was launched in:
Correct Answer: C. 2004
The Next Steps in Strategic Partnership (NSSP) was launched in January 2004 by President Bush and PM Vajpayee to expand cooperation in civilian nuclear, civilian space, high technology trade, and missile defence. NSSP was significant as it was the first explicit acknowledgement by the USA of India's status as a responsible nuclear state. It paved the way for the full civil nuclear deal announced in 2005.
USISPF (US-India Strategic Partnership Forum) is a prominent advocacy organisation. What is its primary function?
Correct Answer: B. Non-profit advocacy for US-India partnership
USISPF (US-India Strategic Partnership Forum) is a non-profit organisation that advocates for strengthening the US-India strategic and economic partnership. It works with both governments and the private sector to advance trade, technology, and policy cooperation. The Forum organises high-level events and facilitates dialogue between Indian and US business and government leaders.
Which agreement enables US military personnel to use Indian military facilities for logistics support?
Correct Answer: C. LEMOA
LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement) signed in 2016 enables the militaries of India and the USA to use each other's facilities for logistics support including refuelling, replenishment, and repair. This is crucial for operational sustenance during bilateral exercises and humanitarian missions. LEMOA does not provide permanent basing rights but enables mutual access on a case-by-case request basis.
India-USA bilateral trade in goods and services is approximately how much annually as of recent years?
Correct Answer: C. About $200 billion
India-USA bilateral trade in goods and services has crossed $200 billion annually, making the USA India's largest trading partner. The USA is India's largest export destination, while India is one of the major sources of IT services for the USA. Despite this, both countries have had trade disputes over market access, tariffs, and intellectual property issues.