Question 1

Consider the following factors:
1. Geography
2. Military strength
3. Public opinion
4. International milieu
How many of the above are mentioned as determinants of India's foreign policy?

Accepted Answer

All four. The formulation of a country's foreign policy is influenced by a wide range of factors. These include its geographical location and features, its military capabilities, the prevailing public opinion within the country, and the broader international environment or milieu. All four listed factors are considered key determinants.

Question 2

Statement I: The fundamental purpose of India's foreign policy is to advance its national interests in its interactions with other countries.
Statement II: The determinants of India's foreign policy, such as its economic position and the international milieu, are dynamic and subject to change.

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I.. Statement I correctly identifies the promotion of national interests as the core objective of foreign policy. Statement II is also correct, as factors like economic strength and the global situation are not static. However, the dynamic nature of these factors (Statement II) does not explain why the promotion of national interest is the primary goal (Statement I); they are two separate, correct facts about foreign policy.

Question 3

Consider the following statements regarding the determinants of Indian foreign policy:
1. India's foreign policy is shaped by its historical experiences and traditional values.
2. The country's internal social structure and political organisation are not considered in the determination of its foreign policy.
3. The foreign policy of India operates independently of domestic factors like public opinion and leadership.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

2 and 3 only. Statement 1 is correct; history and tradition are key determinants. Statement 2 is incorrect because a nation's social structure and political system are explicitly mentioned as factors influencing foreign policy. Statement 3 is also incorrect as public opinion and leadership are crucial domestic determinants. Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are not correct.

Question 4

With reference to the determinants of Indian foreign policy, consider the following statements:
1. Both internal factors like social structure and external factors like the international milieu shape the policy.
2. The economic position and military strength of the nation are key determinants.
3. The policy is solely determined by the leadership and public opinion, excluding geographical considerations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 2 only. Statements 1 and 2 are correct as foreign policy is a product of both domestic (social structure, economy) and international (milieu) factors, with military strength being a significant component. Statement 3 is incorrect because it presents a narrow view; foreign policy is not 'solely' determined by any single factor and explicitly includes geography among its many determinants.

Question 5

Consider the following factors:
1. Political organisation
2. Economic position
3. Leadership
4. Religious ideology
5. Judicial pronouncements
How many of the above are explicitly mentioned as determinants of India's foreign policy in standard analysis?

Accepted Answer

Only three. The standard determinants of foreign policy include a nation's political organisation, its economic position, and the quality of its leadership. While factors like religious ideology or judicial pronouncements might have an indirect influence, they are not typically listed as primary, direct determinants in the same category as the first three. Therefore, only three of the listed factors are explicitly mentioned.

Question 6

Consider the following statements regarding the foundational principles of Indian Foreign Policy:
1. Article 51 of the Constitution, which is a Fundamental Right, directs the state to promote international peace.
2. As a protest against the policy of apartheid, India severed diplomatic relations with South Africa in 1954.
3. India's foreign policy opposes both historical colonialism and present-day neo-colonialism.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

1 only. Statement 1 is incorrect because Article 51 is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), not the Fundamental Rights. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct as per India's stated foreign policy principles and historical actions.

Question 7

Statement I: India's foreign policy has consistently supported liberation movements in various Afro-Asian countries.
Statement II: India holds the view that colonialism and imperialism lead to the exploitation of weaker nations and are an impediment to international peace.

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.. Statement I is a historical fact about India's foreign policy actions. Statement II provides the ideological and philosophical reason for those actions. India's support for liberation movements stems directly from its principled opposition to colonialism, which it views as exploitative and a threat to world peace.

Question 8

Consider the following stated objectives of Indian Foreign Policy:
1. To work towards the goal of global nuclear disarmament within a timebound framework.
2. To reform and restructure the UN Security Council and espouse multi-polarity.
3. To intensify and strengthen ties with neighbours through mutually beneficial cooperation.
4. To leverage economic growth through support to activities of regional organisations like BIMSTEC and IOR-ARC.
How many of the above are correct?

Accepted Answer

All four. All four statements are explicitly mentioned as objectives and strategic goals of Indian foreign policy. These include pursuing time-bound nuclear disarmament, seeking UNSC reform for a multi-polar world, strengthening neighbourly ties, and leveraging regional economic bodies like BIMSTEC.

Question 9

With reference to Article 51 of the Constitution of India, consider the following statements:
1. It is a constitutional directive for the Indian State to promote international peace and security.
2. It encourages the settlement of international disputes by means of arbitration.
3. It forms a part of the Directive Principles of State Policy.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3. Article 51, which is a Directive Principle of State Policy, explicitly directs the state to promote international peace and security, maintain just relations between nations, foster respect for international law, and encourage the settlement of international disputes by arbitration. All three statements are correct.

Question 10

Consider the following pairs regarding India's foreign policy objectives and associated international groupings:
1. Act East Policy : Substantive progress with ASEAN
2. P-5 Countries : Building strategic ties
3. SAARC : Realisation as an economically integrated region
4. G-20 : Furthering India's interests in the international arena
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

All four pairs. All pairs are correctly matched. India's foreign policy objectives explicitly link the Act East Policy with ASEAN, building strategic ties with P-5 countries, achieving economic integration within SAARC, and using platforms like the G-20 to advance its international interests.

Question 11

Consider the following statements regarding the origins of Panchsheel:
1. The principles of Panchsheel were formally articulated in the Preamble of the Indo-China Treaty on Tibet.
2. This treaty was signed in 1954 by Jawaharlal Nehru and Chou-En-Lai.
3. Besides India, countries like Burma, Yugoslavia, and Indonesia also adopted the principles of Panchsheel.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3. All three statements are factually correct based on the historical context provided. The principles were part of the 1954 Indo-China Treaty on Tibet, signed by Nehru and Chou-En-Lai. The text also explicitly mentions that other countries like Burma, Yugoslavia, and Indonesia adopted these principles.

Question 12

With reference to India's policy of non-alignment,
which of the following statements is NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

It implies that India must adopt a policy of isolationism from world affairs.. The policy of non-alignment does not mean isolationism. The text states that India attempts to 'maintain friendly relations with all countries' and play an 'effective part in helping to avoid war,' which is contrary to isolationism. The other options are correct descriptions of the policy.

Question 13

The Panchsheel framework outlines several principles of conduct in international relations.
How many of the following are among these five principles?
1. Non-aggression
2. Equality and mutual benefit
3. Collective defence against external threats
4. Peaceful co-existence

Accepted Answer

Only three. The five principles of Panchsheel are: (i) mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty; (ii) non-aggression; (iii) non-interference in each other's internal affairs; (iv) equality and mutual benefit; and (v) peaceful co-existence. 'Collective defence' is a feature of military alliances, which non-alignment and Panchsheel sought to avoid. Therefore, three of the listed items are correct principles.

Question 14

Consider the following statements:
Statement I: India's policy of non-alignment was a refusal to join either of the two ideological blocs during the Cold War.
Statement II: Jawaharlal Nehru believed that by staying out of power politics, India could play a more effective role in preventing large-scale conflict.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.. Statement I correctly defines the context of non-alignment. Statement II provides the rationale behind this policy, as articulated by Jawaharlal Nehru. His observation that India could 'play a big part... in helping to avoid war' by keeping 'away from the power politics of groups' directly explains the motivation for the policy described in Statement I.

Question 15

Consider the following pairs:
Concept : Associated Idea
1. Panchsheel : Balance of terror
2. Non-Alignment : Independent foreign policy
3. Cold War Tensions : Universalism
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only one pair. Pair 1 is incorrect; Panchsheel was seen as an alternative to the 'balance of terror'. Pair 2 is correct; non-alignment explicitly includes having an 'independent approach to foreign policy'. Pair 3 is incorrect; the text associates Cold War tensions with the 'balance of power', while Panchsheel is based on 'universalism'. Therefore, only one pair is correctly matched.

Question 16

Consider the following statements:
Statement I: India's decision in 1949 to continue its full membership in the Commonwealth of Nations was guided by pragmatic reasons, anticipating benefits in economic, political, and cultural spheres.
Statement II: This membership fundamentally altered India's republican character by requiring final allegiance to the British Crown.

Accepted Answer

Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.. Statement I is correct as India's continued membership was for pragmatic reasons. Statement II is incorrect because the text explicitly states that the membership does not affect India's republican character and India does not pay final allegiance to the British Crown.

Question 17

Consider the following pairs:
International Grouping : Year of Formation
1. Group of 77 : 1964
2. SAARC : 1985
3. Group of 15 : 1995
4. Indian Ocean Rim Association : 1997
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only two pairs. The correct pairings are: Group of 77 (1964), SAARC (1985), Group of 15 (1990), and Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (1995). Therefore, only the first two pairs are correctly matched.

Question 18

With reference to India's foreign policy initiatives, consider the following statements:
1. India convened the first Asian Relations Conference in New Delhi in 1947.
2. India played an active role in the 1955 Afro-Asian Conference at Bandung.
3. In 1983, India hosted the 24th Commonwealth Summit at New Delhi.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT a demonstration of India's special bias towards Afro-Asian nations?

Accepted Answer

3 only. The Asian Relations Conference (1947) and the Bandung Conference (1955) were key events showcasing India's focus on Afro-Asian unity. The Commonwealth Summit, while a significant diplomatic event hosted by India, relates to its role in the Commonwealth of Nations, which is a separate aspect of its foreign policy discussed in the text.

Question 19

With reference to India's membership in the Commonwealth of Nations, consider the following statements:
1. India's membership is based on an extra-constitutional declaration.
2. The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of independent nations, and membership does not compromise India's sovereignty.
3. The British Crown has specific functions to discharge in relation to India as the head of the Commonwealth.
How many of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only two. Statements 1 and 2 are correct. India's declaration to remain in the Commonwealth was extra-constitutional, and the association is voluntary, not affecting sovereignty. Statement 3 is incorrect as the text clearly states the British Crown has no functions to discharge in relation to India.

Question 20

Consider the following diplomatic events involving India:
1. The Asian Relations Conference in New Delhi
2. A conference on the issue of Indonesian freedom
3. The Afro-Asian Conference at Bandung
4. The 24th Commonwealth Summit
According to the provided text, in
which of the above did India play an important role before the year 1960?

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3 only. The text mentions the Asian Relations Conference (1947), the conference on Indonesian freedom (1949), and the Bandung Conference (1955), all of which occurred before 1960. The 24th Commonwealth Summit was hosted by India in 1983, which is after 1960.

Question 21

Statement I: India has consistently refused to sign the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) of 1968 and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) of 1996.
Statement II: India's foreign policy perceives these treaties as perpetuating a discriminatory international system that legitimizes nuclear weapons for only a handful of nations.

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.. India has not signed the NPT and CTBT. The primary reason for this policy is the belief that these treaties are discriminatory, as they create a division between nuclear 'haves' (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council) and 'have-nots', thereby undermining the principle of sovereign equality. Statement II correctly provides the rationale for the action described in Statement I.

Question 22

Consider the following statements regarding India's engagement with the United Nations:
1. India was a founding member of the UNO, joining in 1945.
2. Vijay Lakshmi Pandit of India was elected as the President of the UN Security Council in 1953.
3. India has actively participated in UN Peace-keeping missions in various countries, including Korea and Somalia.
4. India's foreign policy advocates for disarmament of only nuclear weapons, not conventional ones.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 3 only. Statement 1 is correct as India joined the UNO in 1945. Statement 3 is correct as the text lists Korea and Somalia among the countries where India participated in peacekeeping. Statement 2 is incorrect; Vijay Lakshmi Pandit was elected President of the UN General Assembly, not the Security Council. Statement 4 is incorrect; India's policy advocates for disarmament of 'both conventional and nuclear' weapons.

Question 23

With reference to India's role in the United Nations, consider the following statements:
1. India has served as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council on multiple occasions.
2. India was the sole chairman of the working group on the strengthening of the UN that submitted its report in 1997.
3. India's primary platform for fighting against colonialism and imperialism has been outside the UNO framework.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

2 and 3 only. Statement 1 is correct; India has been a non-permanent member of the UNSC several times. Statement 2 is incorrect; India was the 'Co-chairman', not the sole chairman, of the working group. Statement 3 is incorrect; the text explicitly states that 'It is through the UNO that India embarked on the policy of fighting against the colonialism, imperialism...'. Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are not correct.

Question 24

Consider the following pairs related to India's foreign policy on disarmament:
1. Six-nation summit (1985) : An initiative to check the conventional arms race.
2. Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) : Opposed by India due to its discriminatory nature.
3. Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) : Signed by India in 1996 to promote global peace.
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only one pair. Pair 1 is incorrectly matched; the six-nation summit of 1985 made proposals for nuclear disarmament, not just conventional arms. Pair 2 is correctly matched; India opposes the NPT because it is considered discriminatory. Pair 3 is incorrectly matched; India did not sign the CTBT in 1996, opposing it for being hegemonistic. Thus, only one pair is correct.

Question 25

How many of the following activities has India undertaken as part of its role in the UNO?
1. Advocating for disarmament of both conventional and nuclear weapons.
2. Participating in UN Peace-keeping missions in regions like Congo and Yugoslavia.
3. Demanding a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
4. Co-chairing a working group on the strengthening of the UN.

Accepted Answer

All four. All four statements are correct based on the provided text. India advocates for both conventional and nuclear disarmament, has participated in peacekeeping in Congo and Yugoslavia, is demanding a permanent UNSC seat, and co-chaired a working group on strengthening the UN.

Question 26

Consider the following statements:
Statement I: The Gujral Doctrine was based on the principle of non-reciprocity, where India would offer unilateral concessions to its smaller neighbours.
Statement II: The strategic rationale for this doctrine was to secure peace with immediate neighbours, thereby helping to contain the influence of hostile neighbours like Pakistan and China.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.. The Gujral Doctrine, initiated in 1996, proposed that India, as the larger nation, should provide unilateral concessions to its smaller neighbours without insisting on reciprocity. The explicit logic, as explained by I.K. Gujral himself, was to maintain peace on most of its borders to effectively manage the challenges posed by hostile relations with Pakistan and China. Therefore, Statement II provides the correct strategic context and explanation for the policy outlined in Statement I.

Question 27

Consider the following principles:
1. India should not ask for reciprocity from neighbours like Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.
2. No South Asian country should interfere in the internal affairs of another.
3. All South Asian countries should settle disputes through multilateral negotiations under a regional body.
4. All South Asian countries should respect each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
How many of the principles listed above are NOT part of the five-point Gujral Doctrine?

Accepted Answer

Only one. The five principles of the Gujral Doctrine are: 1) Non-reciprocity with smaller neighbours; 2) No country's territory to be used against another in the region; 3) Non-interference in internal affairs; 4) Respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty; 5) Settlement of all disputes through peaceful bilateral negotiations. The third statement in the list is incorrect because the doctrine specifies 'peaceful bilateral negotiations', not multilateral negotiations under a regional body.

Question 28

With reference to India's 'Connect Central Asia' Policy (2012), consider the following proposed initiatives:
1. Setting up a Central Asian University in Bishkek.
2. Establishing a Central Asian e-network with its hub in India for tele-education and tele-medicine.
3. Activating the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
4. Proposing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to integrate markets with the Eurasian space.
How many of the above are correctly mentioned as elements of the policy?

Accepted Answer

Only three. The 'Connect Central Asia' Policy includes several elements. Among the given options, setting up a university in Bishkek, creating an e-network with a hub in India, and reactivating the INSTC are explicitly mentioned as features of the policy. However, the policy proposed a 'Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA)', not a 'Free Trade Agreement (FTA)'. Therefore, only the first three statements are correct.

Question 29

Consider the following statements regarding India's 'Act East Policy':
1. It is an upgraded version of the 'Look East Policy' and focuses exclusively on economic initiatives with ASEAN countries.
2. A key objective is to provide enhanced connectivity between the North Eastern Region of India and the ASEAN region.
3. The policy places emphasis on India-ASEAN cooperation in domestic agendas like 'Make in India' and 'Smart Cities'.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

2 and 3 only. Statement 1 is incorrect; the 'Act East Policy' is not exclusively economic, it has gained political, strategic, and cultural dimensions. It also focuses on the extended Asia-Pacific region, not just ASEAN. Statements 2 and 3 are correct. The policy prioritizes connecting India's North East with the ASEAN region and aligns India-ASEAN cooperation with domestic initiatives like 'Make in India' and 'Smart Cities'.

Question 30

With reference to the institutional and strategic engagement under the 'Act East Policy', consider the following statements:
1. India has upgraded its relations to a strategic partnership with countries like Japan, Australia, and Vietnam.
2. India's engagement is limited to ASEAN-centric forums like the East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
3. A key strategic component involves promoting maritime security based on international norms and laws.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

2 only. Statement 1 is correct, as India has upgraded relations to strategic partnerships with several Asia-Pacific countries. Statement 3 is also correct, as promoting maritime security is a key strategic pursuit. Statement 2 is incorrect because India's engagement under the policy is not limited to ASEAN-centric forums; it also includes active participation in regional forums such as BIMSTEC, Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC), and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). The question asks for the incorrect statement.

Question 31

Consider the following statements regarding India's Nuclear Doctrine:
1. India commits to not using nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states under any circumstances.
2. The doctrine establishes a policy of 'No First Use' for nuclear weapons.
3. Nuclear retaliation is designed to be proportional to the initial attack to avoid escalation.
4. The doctrine includes a continued observance of the moratorium on nuclear tests.
How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only two statements. Statement 1 is incorrect because the doctrine allows for nuclear retaliation in the event of a major attack with biological or chemical weapons. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect as the doctrine specifies that retaliation will be 'massive' and designed to inflict 'unacceptable damage', not proportional. Statement 4 is correct. Therefore, only two statements (2 and 4) are correct.

Question 32

With reference to the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) of India, consider the following statements:
1. The NCA is composed of a Political Council and an Executive Council.
2. The National Security Advisor chairs the Political Council of the NCA.
3. The Executive Council is the sole body that can authorize the use of nuclear weapons.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 only. Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Prime Minister chairs the Political Council, while the National Security Advisor chairs the Executive Council. Statement 3 is incorrect; the Political Council is the sole body that can authorize the use of nuclear weapons, while the Executive Council provides inputs and executes directives.

Question 33

Statement I: The authority to authorize a nuclear retaliatory attack in India rests solely with the civilian political leadership.
Statement II: The Executive Council of the Nuclear Command Authority, chaired by the National Security Advisor, provides inputs for decision-making and executes the directives given to it by the Political Council.

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I.. Statement I is correct as the doctrine explicitly states that nuclear retaliatory attacks can only be authorized by the civilian political leadership through the Nuclear Command Authority. Statement II is also correct as it accurately describes the role of the Executive Council. Statement II explains the institutional mechanism through which civilian control is exercised, with the Political Council (led by the PM) making the ultimate decision and the Executive Council (led by the NSA) providing support and executing orders, thus making it the correct explanation for Statement I.

Question 34

With reference to India's Nuclear Doctrine, consider the following statements:
1. The doctrine advocates for building and maintaining a credible maximum deterrent.
2. India retains the option of nuclear retaliation in response to a major attack with biological or chemical weapons.
3. The Cabinet Committee on Security is the sole body which can authorize the use of nuclear weapons.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 3 only. Statement 1 is not correct; the doctrine specifies a 'credible minimum deterrent', not maximum. Statement 2 is correct as the doctrine explicitly states this exception. Statement 3 is not correct; the Political Council of the Nuclear Command Authority is the sole body that can authorize the use of nuclear weapons, not the Cabinet Committee on Security. Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are not correct.

Question 35

Consider the following pairs related to India's nuclear command structure:
1. Political Council : Chaired by the National Security Advisor
2. Executive Council : Executes directives from the Political Council
3. Cabinet Committee on Security : Approved the appointment of a Commander-in-Chief, Strategic Forces Command
4. Strategic Forces Command : Manages and administers all Strategic Forces
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only three pairs. Pair 1 is incorrectly matched; the Political Council is chaired by the Prime Minister. Pair 2 is correctly matched. Pair 3 is correctly matched as the CCS reviewed arrangements and approved this appointment. Pair 4 is correctly matched as this is the designated role of the Strategic Forces Command. Therefore, three pairs (2, 3, and 4) are correctly matched.

Question 36

Considering India's foreign policy principles and recent developments in its arbitration ecosystem, how many of the following statements are correct?

1. The constitutional mandate in Article 51 to 'encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration' directly underpins the legislative push to make India a global arbitration hub, as seen in the draft Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
2. The foreign policy objective of creating an international environment supportive of India's economic growth is directly addressed by strengthening arbitration, as it provides a reliable mechanism for resolving disputes arising from the surge in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
3. The adoption of the UNCITRAL Model Law for India's Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, exemplifies the foreign policy principle of fostering respect for international law and treaty obligations.
4. The challenge of 'judicial influence hampering arbitration efficiency', noted in the current affairs, runs counter to the foreign policy goal of preserving the autonomy of decision-making processes in specialized domains.

Accepted Answer

All four. All four statements correctly link India's foreign policy principles with the contemporary push to reform its arbitration system. Statement 1 correctly identifies Article 51 as the constitutional foundation. Statement 2 links the economic growth objective of foreign policy with the need for efficient dispute resolution to attract FDI. Statement 3 correctly identifies the adoption of the UNCITRAL model as an act of respecting international legal frameworks, a tenet of Indian foreign policy. Statement 4 correctly analyzes that excessive judicial intervention undermines the autonomy and efficiency that arbitration is meant to provide, which conflicts with the broader foreign policy goal of preserving autonomous decision-making.

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