UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — India’s Iran stance does fuel a foreign policy debate

Q1. With reference to the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), consider the following countries: 1. India 2. Iran 3. Russia 4. Azerbaijan Which of the above are correctly identified as the original founding signatories of the INSTC inter-governmental agreement signed at St. Petersburg?

  1. India
  2. Iran
  3. Russia
  4. Azerbaijan
  • A. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • B. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • C. 1 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q2. Under the long-term main contract signed in May 2024, which terminal of the Chabahar Port has India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) been entrusted to equip and operate?

  • A. Shahid Kalantari Terminal
  • B. Shahid Beheshti Terminal
  • C. Bandar Abbas Container Terminal
  • D. Bandar-e-Anzali Terminal

Q3. In the context of India's foreign policy debate over its Iran stance, the term 'strategic autonomy' is best understood as:

  • A. A treaty-based commitment under the Non-Aligned Movement charter requiring India to abstain on UN Security Council resolutions involving great-power conflicts
  • B. A constitutional directive under Article 51 prohibiting India from entering any military alliance with a foreign power
  • C. A doctrine of preserving independent decision-making on issues of national interest while engaging multiple major powers on an issue-by-issue basis
  • D. A bilateral assurance given to Iran and Russia barring India from participating in any US-led security grouping in the Indo-Pacific

Q4. What is the duration (in years) of the long-term main contract signed in May 2024 between India Ports Global Limited and the Ports and Maritime Organization of Iran for the operation of the Shahid Beheshti Terminal at Chabahar?

  • A. 5 years
  • B. 10 years
  • C. 15 years
  • D. 25 years

Q5. With reference to the membership of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), consider the following statements: 1. Armenia is a full member State of the INSTC. 2. Oman is a full member State of the INSTC. 3. Pakistan is a full member State of the INSTC. 4. Azerbaijan is a full member State of the INSTC. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. Armenia is a full member State of the INSTC.
  2. Oman is a full member State of the INSTC.
  3. Pakistan is a full member State of the INSTC.
  4. Azerbaijan is a full member State of the INSTC.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 3 only
  • C. 3 and 4 only
  • D. 2 and 4 only
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