UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — India’s maritime policy: how it has evolved and what lies ahead

Q1. Consider the following as proposed pillars of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI): 1. Maritime Ecology 2. Maritime Security 3. Energy Security and Hydrocarbon Cooperation 4. Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. Maritime Ecology
  2. Maritime Security
  3. Energy Security and Hydrocarbon Cooperation
  4. Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
  • A. 1, 2 and 4 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1, 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q2. In the context of India's maritime outreach, the acronym 'MAHASAGAR', as articulated by the Prime Minister in March 2025, stands for which one of the following?

  • A. Maritime Alliance for Harmonised Activities, Security and Allied Growth Across Regions
  • B. Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions
  • C. Maritime and Humanitarian Action for Sustainable Growth in the Asia Region
  • D. Multilateral Architecture for Strategic Action, Growth and Resilience

Q3. The Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) was formally announced by the Prime Minister of India at which one of the following forums?

  • A. G20 Summit, Osaka, 2019
  • B. Shangri-La Dialogue, Singapore, 2018
  • C. 14th East Asia Summit, Bangkok, 2019
  • D. ASEAN–India Commemorative Summit, New Delhi, 2018

Q4. The 'Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047', which charts India's long-term port, shipping and waterways roadmap, is implemented by which one of the following ministries?

  • A. Ministry of External Affairs
  • B. Ministry of Defence (through Integrated Headquarters, Navy)
  • C. Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
  • D. Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Q5. How many central pillars constitute the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) as articulated by India?

  • A. Five
  • B. Six
  • C. Seven
  • D. Nine