India-USA Relations — Set 9
International Relations · भारत-USA संबंध · Questions 81–90 of 160
The USA-India Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship programme promotes:
Correct Answer: B. Academic and cultural exchange
The Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship programme is one of the largest bilateral academic exchange programmes, facilitating study, research, and teaching exchanges between India and the USA. Named after Senator J. William Fulbright and India's first PM Jawaharlal Nehru, the programme has sent thousands of Indian scholars to the USA and US scholars to India. It operates under the aegis of the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF).
The US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) headquarters is located in:
Correct Answer: B. Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) is headquartered at Camp H.M. Smith in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. INDOPACOM is the largest US combatant command responsible for US military activities from the US West Coast to India's western border. India falls within INDOPACOM's area of responsibility, and the command has extensive engagement with Indian military counterparts.
India-USA cooperation in space involves which primary Indian agency?
Correct Answer: B. ISRO
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) is the primary Indian agency cooperating with NASA and other US space agencies. India and the USA have signed the Artemis Accords (2023) and are collaborating on the NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite mission. The NISAR satellite, a joint NASA-ISRO project, will provide global observations of Earth's ecosystem changes and disaster management.
The Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna represents which state in the US Congress?
Correct Answer: C. California
Ro Khanna is an Indian-American Congressman representing California's 17th congressional district (Silicon Valley) and is a prominent voice in the US House of Representatives. He is known for his work on technology policy, US manufacturing revival, and progressive foreign policy. Khanna has been a vocal advocate for stronger US-India ties and has engaged extensively with Indian government officials.
What was 'Operation Cyclone' and its relevance to India-USA relations?
Correct Answer: B. US support for Afghan mujahideen through Pakistan which supplied weapons against India's interests
Operation Cyclone was the covert CIA programme to arm, train, and finance Afghan mujahideen fighting the Soviet Union in Afghanistan during the 1980s. Conducted through Pakistan's ISI, it significantly strengthened Pakistan's military and intelligence capabilities. India viewed this US-Pakistan alliance with concern as weapons and trained personnel later fuelled militancy in Kashmir and across the region.
India-USA relations in 1971 Bangladesh war were strained because:
Correct Answer: B. USA tilted toward Pakistan sending USS Enterprise to Bay of Bengal
During the 1971 India-Pakistan war over Bangladesh liberation, the Nixon administration tilted strongly toward Pakistan. The USA sent the USS Enterprise carrier group to the Bay of Bengal in what Nixon and Kissinger described as a show of force against India. India interpreted this as a nuclear threat and it deepened India's decision to pursue nuclear capability. India and the Soviet Union signed the Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation in August 1971 as a counterbalance.
The San Francisco System of alliances in the Asia-Pacific does not include India. This means India:
Correct Answer: B. Is not a formal treaty ally of the USA but a partner
The San Francisco System refers to the network of US bilateral defence alliances in the Asia-Pacific (with Japan, South Korea, Australia, Philippines, Thailand). India is not part of this formal alliance network but has evolved as a major defence partner. India's strategic autonomy and non-alignment tradition means it prefers a partnership model over a formal treaty alliance relationship with the USA.
India-USA educational cooperation is also promoted through 'EducationUSA' which is managed by:
Correct Answer: B. US Department of State
EducationUSA is a US Department of State network of student advising centres supporting international students seeking to study in the USA. India is one of the largest sources of international students in the USA, with over 200,000 Indian students enrolled in American universities annually. The USA is the top destination for Indian students abroad, contributing significantly to bilateral people-to-people ties.
In the context of India-USA relations, 'CAATSA waiver' for India's S-400 purchase is significant because:
Correct Answer: B. It recognises India's strategic importance and unique defence history with Russia
The CAATSA waiver for India's S-400 purchase is significant because it would acknowledge India's longstanding and unique defence relationship with Russia and recognise India's strategic importance to the USA. India has historically relied on Russia for over 60% of its defence imports and cannot abruptly shift all procurement to other suppliers. Granting the waiver would demonstrate US flexibility in dealing with India as a major partner rather than applying a one-size-fits-all sanctions approach.
PM Modi's 2023 state visit to the USA saw a significant announcement in semiconductor cooperation with which company?
Correct Answer: C. Micron Technology
During PM Modi's June 2023 state visit, Micron Technology announced a $825 million investment to set up a semiconductor assembly and testing facility in India with government support. The US government also committed to supporting the initiative under the iCET framework. This was seen as a landmark step toward establishing India as a significant player in the global semiconductor supply chain.