UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — The parallel track that keeps U.S.-India ties going

Q1. With reference to the U.S.–India TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) initiative announced in February 2025, consider the following areas of cooperation: 1. Semiconductors 2. Critical minerals 3. Pharmaceuticals 4. Inland waterways navigation Which of the above is/are correctly identified as priority supply-chain areas under the TRUST initiative?

  1. Semiconductors
  2. Critical minerals
  3. Pharmaceuticals
  4. Inland waterways navigation
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 3 and 4 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q2. Which one of the following was the first of the four 'foundational' defence agreements signed between India and the United States?

  • A. BECA
  • B. LEMOA
  • C. COMCASA
  • D. ISA

Q3. With reference to the TRUST initiative (2025) and its predecessor, the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), consider the following statements: 1. TRUST was unveiled during the visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Washington in February 2025, whereas iCET was unveiled by the leaders of the two countries in May 2022. 2. Unlike iCET, TRUST explicitly extends cooperation to resilient supply chains in critical minerals and pharmaceuticals. 3. Both iCET and TRUST were formally unveiled on the sidelines of a Quad Leaders' Summit. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. TRUST was unveiled during the visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Washington in February 2025, whereas iCET was unveiled by the leaders of the two countries in May 2022.
  2. Unlike iCET, TRUST explicitly extends cooperation to resilient supply chains in critical minerals and pharmaceuticals.
  3. Both iCET and TRUST were formally unveiled on the sidelines of a Quad Leaders' Summit.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q4. In the context of the India–U.S. Joint Leaders' Statement of February 2025, what does the acronym 'COMPACT' stand for?

  • A. Cooperative Mechanism for Pacific Allied Commerce and Technology
  • B. Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology
  • C. Comprehensive Order for Multilateral Partnership in Asia-Pacific, Commerce & Trade
  • D. Coalition of Maritime Powers for Acceleration of Connectivity and Trade
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