UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Colby’s mid-term report card, what it means for India

Q1. With reference to the difference between a United States treaty ally and India's status as a US 'Major Defence Partner', consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. India's designation as a Major Defence Partner obliges the United States to treat an armed attack on India as an attack on itself.
  2. The ANZUS treaty provides for mutual aid among its parties in the event of aggression.
  3. The Major Defence Partner designation is mainly a vehicle for easier defence trade and access to technology, not a guarantee of defence.
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1 and 2 only

Q2. Consider the following assertion: 'The 2026 US National Defense Strategy moves from a model in which the US supplies most allied military strength to one in which the US keeps leadership while regional partners carry more of the load.' Which of the following statements support the above assertion?

  1. Europe is asked to take the lead in its own defence.
  2. South Korea is asked to do more for security on the Korean Peninsula.
  3. The US keeps advanced capabilities, strategic coordination and extended deterrence for itself.
  4. Deterring China is listed among the strategy's goals.
  • A. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • B. 1, 2, 3 and 4
  • C. 1 and 2 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3 only

Q3. With reference to the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) between India and the United States, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. It sets terms and procedures for the armed forces of the two countries to provide logistic support, supplies and services to each other.
  2. It obliges each party to take part in joint military activities when the other requests it.
  3. It provides for basing arrangements that allow US forces to station themselves on Indian territory.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q4. A country signs a long-term defence framework with a major power that covers technology cooperation and information sharing. It declines a mutual-defence treaty with that power and keeps defence dealings with that power's rivals. Which principle best describes this conduct?

  • A. Collective defence through a formal alliance with a mutual-defence clause
  • B. Strategic autonomy pursued through issue-based ties with several powers
  • C. Bandwagoning, by aligning wholly with the strongest power in the system
  • D. Neutrality, by keeping equal distance from all major military powers