UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — India, Cyprus elevate bilateral ties to strategic partnership; ink pact for defence cooperation

Q1. In the evolution of India-Cyprus defence ties, which one of the following was the first formal instrument establishing bilateral defence cooperation, later operationalised through annual programmes?

  • A. The MoU on Defence Cooperation signed on 29 December 2022
  • B. The Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme (BDCP) for 2025
  • C. The Joint Declaration on the Implementation of the Comprehensive Partnership
  • D. The Roadmap for Bilateral Defence Cooperation, 2026-2031

Q2. With reference to the evolution of the India-Cyprus relationship, consider the following statements: 1. The May 2026 state visit upgraded the relationship from a 'Comprehensive Partnership' to a 'Strategic Partnership'. 2. The elevation followed PM Modi's visit to Cyprus in June 2025, which had laid the foundation for the strategic partnership. 3. The Joint Declaration on the Implementation of the Comprehensive Partnership was signed in 2022. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The May 2026 state visit upgraded the relationship from a 'Comprehensive Partnership' to a 'Strategic Partnership'.
  2. The elevation followed PM Modi's visit to Cyprus in June 2025, which had laid the foundation for the strategic partnership.
  3. The Joint Declaration on the Implementation of the Comprehensive Partnership was signed in 2022.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. With reference to the India-Cyprus defence cooperation architecture as reflected in the 2026 outcomes, consider the following: 1. The Roadmap for Bilateral Defence Cooperation covers the period 2026-2031. 2. A Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme (BDCP) for 2026 was signed at Nicosia. 3. The defence framework was described as building on the India-EU Defence and Security Partnership signed in January 2026. 4. The original MoU on Defence Cooperation between India and Cyprus was signed in 2018. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. The Roadmap for Bilateral Defence Cooperation covers the period 2026-2031.
  2. A Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme (BDCP) for 2026 was signed at Nicosia.
  3. The defence framework was described as building on the India-EU Defence and Security Partnership signed in January 2026.
  4. The original MoU on Defence Cooperation between India and Cyprus was signed in 2018.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1 and 4 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 3 and 4

Q4. During the May 2026 state visit of the Cypriot President to India, how many Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed alongside the announcement of the defence cooperation roadmap?

  • A. Four
  • B. Five
  • C. Six
  • D. Eight

Q5. In which year did the Republic of Cyprus become a member of the European Union?

  • A. 2004
  • B. 2008
  • C. 2011
  • D. 2013

Q6. With reference to Cyprus, consider the following statements: 1. It is an island situated in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. 2. Its capital is Nicosia. 3. It is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. 4. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognised as a sovereign state by the United Nations. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. It is an island situated in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
  2. Its capital is Nicosia.
  3. It is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
  4. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognised as a sovereign state by the United Nations.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 3 and 4

Q7. Cyprus holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026. This is which occasion of Cyprus holding the office?

  • A. The first time
  • B. The second time
  • C. The third time
  • D. The fourth time

Q8. The rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, held by Cyprus in the first half of 2026, is best described as which of the following?

  • A. A six-month role in which the holding state chairs meetings of the Council of the EU and helps set its agenda
  • B. The permanent head of the EU's executive body that proposes legislation
  • C. The head-of-state-level office representing the EU externally at summits
  • D. The office presiding over the directly-elected European Parliament

Q9. During the 2026 India-Cyprus visit, an India Studies ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) Chair was established at which one of the following institutions?

  • A. The University of Nicosia
  • B. The Diplomatic Academy of Cyprus
  • C. The Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service
  • D. The University of Cyprus

Q10. The 'Joint Task Force' established during the 2026 India-Cyprus visit was mandated primarily to advance cooperation in which of the following sectors?

  • A. Infrastructure and shipping
  • B. Counter-terrorism intelligence sharing
  • C. Maritime search and rescue coordination
  • D. Cybersecurity and data protection

Q11. The peacekeeping force that supervises the ceasefire lines and maintains the buffer zone across Cyprus operates under the authority of which of the following?

  • A. The United Nations Security Council
  • B. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
  • C. The European Union
  • D. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)