International Relations MCQs for UPSC Prelims

Q1. State X, a member of the United Nations, suffers an armed attack by State Y. X responds militarily at once, before the Security Council has acted. With reference to Article 51 of the UN Charter, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. X's military response can be lawful even though the Security Council has not authorised it in advance.
2. X must immediately report the measures it takes in self-defence to the Security Council.
3. X's right of self-defence continues alongside, and independently of, any measures the Security Council later takes to restore international peace.
4. State Z, which has not itself been attacked, may lawfully assist X in exercising the right of collective self-defence.

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 1, 2 and 4 only
• C. 2, 3 and 4 only
• D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q2. Consider the following assertion: 'The India–Australia Mutual Logistics Support Agreement makes it easier for the two armies to scale up the complexity of exercises such as AUSTRAHIND.' Which of the statements given below support/supports the above assertion?

1. The agreement lets each side's forces use the other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies.
2. The agreement was signed at the same 2020 summit at which the two countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
3. AUSTRAHIND is held alternately in India and Australia, so in every edition one contingent operates far from its home bases.

• A. 1 and 3 only
• B. 2 only
• C. 1, 2 and 3
• D. 1 and 2 only

Q3. If the Security Council moves a UN mission from a traditional peacekeeping footing to a peace-enforcement mandate under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which one of the following changes would most directly follow?

• A. Its use of force becomes confined strictly to self-defence of its own personnel
• B. Its deployment no longer depends on the consent of the main parties to the conflict
• C. Its troops are thereafter recruited directly by the UN instead of by member states
• D. Its tasking turns into recommendations that member states are free to disregard

Q4. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. When dealing with a dispute under Chapter VI of the UN Charter, the Security Council's powers are recommendatory, and it cannot impose a settlement on the parties.
2. The UN Charter requires the parties to a dispute likely to endanger international peace first to seek a solution through peaceful means of their own choice, such as negotiation, mediation or arbitration.

• A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
• B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
• C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
• D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q5. With reference to the use of force under the UN Charter, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

1. The Charter's general prohibition covers the threat of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of a state, and not merely the actual use of force.
2. Military action authorised by the Security Council under Chapter VII is a lawful use of force that is distinct from a state's right of self-defence.
3. The Charter allows a Member to use force in self-defence whenever it judges that the Security Council has failed to act against a threat to the peace, even if no armed attack has occurred.

• A. 1 only
• B. 1 and 2 only
• C. 3 only
• D. 2 and 3 only

Q6. With reference to United Nations peace operations, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. Impartiality of UN peacekeepers means that they remain neutral in carrying out their mandate as well as in their dealings with the parties.
2. Traditional peacekeeping is deployed with the consent of the main parties to the conflict, whereas peace enforcement under Chapter VII does not require such consent.
3. UN peacekeepers may use force at the tactical level not only in self-defence but also in defence of the mandate, with Security Council authorisation.

• A. 1 only
• B. 1 and 3 only
• C. 1, 2 and 3
• D. 2 and 3 only

Q7. With reference to the enforcement powers of the UN Security Council under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. Before ordering sanctions or military action under this Chapter, the Council must first determine that a threat to the peace, a breach of the peace or an act of aggression exists.
2. The Council may authorise military action only after non-military measures such as sanctions have actually been imposed and have been shown to fail.
3. To stop a situation from getting worse, the Council may call on the parties to comply with provisional measures that do not prejudice their rights, claims or position.

• A. 1 and 3 only
• B. 1 and 2 only
• C. 2 and 3 only
• D. 1, 2 and 3

Q8. The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement contains most-favoured-nation (MFN) commitments by New Zealand in about 139 services sub-sectors. Suppose that after the agreement enters into force, New Zealand gives a third country more favourable access in one of these sub-sectors through a later trade agreement. Consider the following consequences: Which of the consequences given above would follow?

1. New Zealand would have to extend the same more favourable treatment to Indian service suppliers in that sub-sector.
2. India would have to extend to that third country the same treatment it gives New Zealand in that sub-sector.
3. Indian suppliers would also become entitled to that third country's treatment in sub-sectors where New Zealand made no MFN commitment to India.

• A. 1 and 3 only
• B. 2 only
• C. 2 and 3 only
• D. 1 only

Q9. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Once India and New Zealand signed their Free Trade Agreement in April 2026, both countries were bound to apply its preferential tariffs from that date.
2. In India, the Union executive exercises the power to enter into treaties, and parliamentary legislation is needed only where implementing a treaty requires a change in domestic law.

• A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
• B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
• C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
• D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q10. With reference to the making and implementation of international trade agreements by India, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. Because the executive power of the Union extends to matters on which Parliament can legislate, the Union Government can enter into a trade agreement without prior approval of Parliament.
2. Parliament can make a law to implement an international agreement even if the subject of that law falls in the State List.
3. A trade agreement signed by India binds it to apply the agreed preferential tariffs from the date of signature, whatever entry-into-force date the agreement itself specifies.

• A. 2 and 3 only
• B. 1, 2 and 3
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. 1 and 2 only

Q11. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. World Metrology Day is coordinated jointly by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) and the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML).
2. The OIML was established under the Metre Convention of 1875, the signing of which World Metrology Day commemorates.

• A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
• B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
• C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
• D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q12. In the context of India hosting the 61st meeting of the International Committee of Legal Metrology (CIML), consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. Scientific metrology is concerned with realising and maintaining units of measurement, whereas legal metrology is concerned with regulatory requirements for measurements and measuring instruments.
2. The International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM) is the principal governing committee of the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML).
3. Decisions and recommendations adopted by the CIML automatically become binding law in every OIML Member State, with no national legislation needed.

• A. 1 only
• B. 1, 2 and 3
• C. 2 and 3 only
• D. 1 and 2 only

Q13. Consider the following facts: Radio telescopes in Australia recorded emissions from the Starlink, OneWeb and China's Guowang constellations, which are operated from different countries, and part of the radiation came from onboard electronics rather than from the satellites' transmitters. Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the above?

1. Effective control of such interference requires coordination among the several countries under whose authority these satellites operate.
2. Australia could end the interference at its telescopes by refusing to license these broadband services within its territory.
3. Satellites can affect observatories in countries other than those from which the satellites are operated.

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 1, 2 and 3
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. 2 and 3 only

Q14. Until Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Middle East supplied over 60% of India's crude imports; Russia has since become India's largest supplier. Yet in September 2026, amid resurging conflict in West Asia, India's crude import bill rose about 47% while import volumes rose about 7%. Which of the following inferences can validly be drawn from the above?

1. India stopped importing crude from West Asian suppliers in September 2026.
2. Diversifying the geographic sources of crude does not by itself shield an importer from a rise in the global price of crude.
3. Crude purchased from Russia is priced independently of movements in global benchmark prices.

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 3 only
• C. 2 only
• D. 2 and 3 only

Q15. Consider the following assertion: Versatile multi-role vessels strengthen India's ability to respond to non-traditional maritime threats in the Indian Ocean Region. Which of the following statements support/supports the above assertion?

1. Non-traditional threats such as natural disasters and illegal activity at sea mostly call for surveillance, patrol and relief tasks rather than high-intensity combat capability.
2. A vessel equipped for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief can be sent quickly to help littoral states after cyclones or other disasters.
3. Multi-role vessels are designed primarily to carry long-range strike missiles for deterrence against a peer navy.
4. Maritime surveillance and offshore patrolling improve maritime domain awareness, which helps detect illegal fishing and trafficking early.

• A. 1, 2 and 4 only
• B. 1 and 3 only
• C. 1, 2, 3 and 4
• D. 2 and 4 only

Q16. With reference to supply-side influences on world oil prices, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. Russia has undertaken voluntary production cuts as part of OPEC+ arrangements.
2. Because OPEC+ production cuts apply to crude oil, they cannot influence the prices of diesel.
3. Voluntary production cuts by OPEC+ members are aimed at supporting prices, the reverse of the stated purpose of Russia's October 2026 diesel export relaxation.

• A. 2 and 3 only
• B. 1 and 2 only
• C. 3 only
• D. 1 and 3 only

Q17. With reference to the price cap imposed on Russian oil after 2022, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. It is enforced mainly by denying maritime services such as insurance to cargoes of Russian oil sold above the cap.
2. It legally prohibits countries outside the coalition, such as India, from purchasing Russian oil at prices above the cap.
3. It was imposed through a resolution of the United Nations Security Council and therefore binds all UN member states.

• A. 1 only
• B. 1 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 2 only
• D. 2 and 3 only

Q18. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Under GATT Article XI, an export duty on diesel is prohibited in the same way as an outright ban on diesel exports.
2. GATT Article XI permits export prohibitions or restrictions temporarily applied to prevent or relieve critical shortages of foodstuffs or other products essential to the exporting country.

• A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
• B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
• C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
• D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q19. With reference to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. It obliges every State Party to make illicit enrichment a criminal offence, regardless of its constitutional principles.
2. The illicit enrichment that States are asked to consider criminalising is limited to conduct committed intentionally.
3. India is a party to the Convention, having ratified it.

• A. 3 only
• B. 1, 2 and 3
• C. 1 and 2 only
• D. 2 and 3 only

Q20. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. The recommendations of the 2026 Lancet Commission on interlinked catastrophic threats to health do not, by themselves, create legal obligations for any country.
2. The International Health Regulations (2005) are an instrument of international law that is legally binding on all WHO Member States.

• A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
• B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
• C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
• D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q21. With reference to global health governance, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. The World Health Assembly has the power to amend the International Health Regulations (2005).
2. The World Health Summit held in Berlin is a constitutional organ of the WHO whose resolutions guide its Member States.
3. A Lancet Commission is an expert panel convened by the WHO Director-General to draft the organisation's global health strategies.

• A. 2 and 3 only
• B. 1 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 2 only
• D. 1 only

Q22. With reference to the Defence Ministers' Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. It is a sectoral ministerial track separate from the Council of Heads of Government, whose focus is trade, economic cooperation and the budget.
2. It is hosted by the member state holding the SCO chairmanship, which is why India hosted it in the year India chaired the SCO.
3. The joint document of this meeting is the instrument through which the SCO's annual budget is adopted.

• A. 1 only
• B. 1, 2 and 3
• C. 1 and 2 only
• D. 2 and 3 only

Q23. With reference to the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. It approves the annual budget of the organisation.
2. It meets annually, at a place decided by the members of the Council.
3. Among the SCO's councils, only the Council of Heads of State ranks above it.

• A. 1 and 3 only
• B. 1, 2 and 3
• C. 1 and 2 only
• D. 2 and 3 only

Q24. India described a foreign lawmaker's remarks on its electoral roll revision as interference in its internal affairs. With reference to the principle of non-intervention in Article 2(7) of the UN Charter, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

1. The text of Article 2(7) restrains the United Nations itself from intervening in matters essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state.
2. Article 2(7) requires Members to submit matters essentially within their domestic jurisdiction for settlement under the Charter.
3. The domestic-jurisdiction bar in Article 2(7) does not prejudice the application of enforcement measures under Chapter VII.

• A. 2 only
• B. 1 only
• C. 2 and 3 only
• D. 1 and 2 only

Q25. With reference to the consequences of including a wetland, such as Chandigarh's Sukhna Wetland, in the Ramsar List, consider the following statements under the text of the Convention: Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. Inclusion in the List does not prejudice the exclusive sovereign rights of the Contracting Party in whose territory the wetland lies.
2. A Contracting Party may, because of its urgent national interests, delete or restrict the boundaries of a wetland it has already listed.
3. A Party that deletes or restricts a listed wetland should, as far as possible, compensate for the lost wetland resources, for example by creating additional nature reserves.
4. Responsibility for managing a listed wetland passes from the Contracting Party to the Ramsar Secretariat.

• A. 1, 2, 3 and 4
• B. 1 and 4 only
• C. 2 and 3 only
• D. 1, 2 and 3 only

Q26. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. UNESCO is the depositary of the Ramsar Convention but has no role in administering or implementing the treaty.
2. The Ramsar Convention forms part of the UN system of environmental agreements and is answerable to the governing body of UNEP.

• A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
• B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
• C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
• D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q27. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. India's admission to the Australia Group in 2018 required the agreement of all the then-existing participants of the Group.
2. The Australia Group coordinates export controls on chemical and biological items and related technologies among its participants.

• A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
• B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
• C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
• D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q28. Consider the following facts: India became a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime in June 2016, the Wassenaar Arrangement in December 2017 and the Australia Group in January 2018. India's national control list (SCOMET) is updated from time to time to harmonise it with the guidelines of these regimes and the Chemical Weapons Convention. Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the above?

1. India's national control list must cover missile-related items, conventional arms and dual-use goods, and chemical-biological items.
2. Admission to the Wassenaar Arrangement was a precondition for India's later admission to the Australia Group.
3. After harmonisation, individual SCOMET licensing decisions require the prior approval of the other participants of these regimes.

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 1 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. 1, 2 and 3

Q29. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. India's SCOMET list is updated from time to time to harmonise it with the guidelines of the Missile Technology Control Regime, the Wassenaar Arrangement and the Australia Group.
2. These three regimes are international treaties whose control lists become legally binding on India once ratified by Parliament.

• A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
• B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
• C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
• D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q30. With reference to the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. Its headquarters is in Bahrain, which also hosts the US Navy's Fifth Fleet.
2. Its operations are authorised by UN Security Council resolutions, in the same way as UN peacekeeping missions.
3. Command of its individual task forces is held by different member navies over time, rather than permanently by the lead nation.
4. Membership is restricted to States bordering the Persian Gulf.

• A. 1 and 3 only
• B. 2 and 4 only
• C. 1, 2 and 3 only
• D. 1, 3 and 4 only