India-USA Relations — Set 8
International Relations · भारत-USA संबंध · Questions 71–80 of 160
India became a member of the Wassenaar Arrangement in 2017. Wassenaar Arrangement controls exports of:
Correct Answer: B. Conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies
The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies was established in 1996. India joined the Wassenaar Arrangement in December 2017, which eased US export controls on advanced technologies to India. Membership in Wassenaar, along with MTCR and Australia Group, was part of India's integration into the global non-proliferation architecture.
The India-USA science and technology cooperation is formalised under which agreement?
Correct Answer: B. S&T Agreement of 2005
India and the USA have a bilateral Science and Technology Agreement that was updated in 2005 providing the framework for S&T cooperation. The two countries also have the Joint Commission on Science and Technology that oversees collaborative research. Under iCET, this cooperation has been further deepened in emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors.
How many Indians are estimated to be in the USA's Indian-American diaspora?
Correct Answer: C. 4 million
The Indian-American diaspora numbers approximately 4 million people, making it one of the largest, most educated, and most affluent immigrant communities in the USA. Indian-Americans hold prominent positions in US technology, medicine, academia, and government. The diaspora serves as a powerful bridge between India and the USA, influencing bilateral relations through advocacy and economic linkages.
PM Modi's 2023 state visit to USA was described as a state visit (as opposed to official visit). What is the significance?
Correct Answer: A. It indicates higher level of formality and closer relations
A state visit is the highest level of official visit in diplomatic protocol, accorded only to heads of state or government whom the host country wishes to honour with the greatest distinction. PM Modi's state visit in June 2023 was only the second state visit by an Indian PM to the USA (the first was PM Manmohan Singh in 2009). It signified the elevated importance of India in US foreign policy and the strong personal rapport between Modi and Biden.
The 'Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology' (iCET) is co-led by which officials from India and USA?
Correct Answer: C. National Security Advisors
The iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology) is co-led by the National Security Advisors (NSAs) of India and the USA — Ajit Doval and Jake Sullivan (later replaced by subsequent NSAs). NSA-level oversight ensures the initiative receives strategic direction and top-level government commitment. The NSA-led structure helps cut through bureaucratic barriers in defence and technology cooperation.
India received approval to purchase MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones from the USA in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 2023
During PM Modi's state visit to the USA in June 2023, India received approval to purchase 31 MQ-9B SeaGuardian/SkyGuardian armed drones from General Atomics. The deal, worth approximately $3 billion, was formally approved by the US administration. These high-altitude long-endurance drones would significantly enhance India's maritime domain awareness and ISR capabilities.
The US-India Technology and Defence Accelerator (INDUS-X) network involves which types of organisations?
Correct Answer: B. Government, defence startups, and academic institutions
INDUS-X connects government agencies, defence startups, academic institutions, and industry from both India and the USA to co-develop advanced defence technologies. It operates as an ecosystem bringing together DARPA and DRDO with private sector innovators. INDUS-X challenges are designed to spur joint development of specific technologies identified as priorities by both governments.
India abstained on the UN Security Council resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. What was the US reaction?
Correct Answer: B. The USA accepted India's position while engaging in dialogue
India's abstention from UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February-March 2022 was noted with disappointment by the USA but did not fundamentally damage the relationship. The US acknowledged India's historical ties with Russia and continued to engage India in dialogue on the situation. India maintained its position of calling for diplomacy and respecting sovereignty while not explicitly condemning Russia.
India-USA Cyber Framework Agreement focuses on:
Correct Answer: B. Cooperation on cybersecurity threats, critical infrastructure protection, and cyber norms
India and the USA have a Cyber Framework that covers cooperation on cybersecurity threats, protection of critical information infrastructure, and development of international norms for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. Under iCET, this cooperation has been deepened to include collaboration on 5G/6G security and semiconductor supply chain security. CISA (US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) works closely with India's Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In).
India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative has what effect on USA-India defence relations?
Correct Answer: B. It encourages US companies to produce defence goods in India as per Make in India
India's Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives encourage foreign defence companies, including US ones, to manufacture defence equipment in India rather than simply exporting finished products. This has led to co-production arrangements like the GE F414 engine deal. The USA views Make in India positively as it deepens US-India defence industrial integration and reduces India's dependence on Russian defence imports.