UPSC Prelims 2026 · GS Paper 1 · Question 66
Which of the following connectivity projects is/are a part of cooperation between India and the ASEAN member countries ? 1. Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project 2. IMT Trilateral Highway 3. Agartala-Akhaura Rail Line Select the answer using the code given below :
Correct answer: Option A
International Relations
Options
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 2 and 3
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) 2 only
Detailed solution
Answer
Option (A) — (a) 1 and 2
Explanation
- India's Act East Policy emphasizes physical connectivity with ASEAN through road, rail, sea, and air links.
- Myanmar is the land bridge between India and ASEAN, hence most connectivity projects with ASEAN pass through Myanmar.
- Bangladesh is not a member of ASEAN, so India-Bangladesh connectivity projects fall outside India-ASEAN cooperation.
- ASEAN consists of 10 Southeast Asian nations including Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, etc.
Statement Analysis
- Statement 1. Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project: Correct. It connects Kolkata to Sittwe port in Myanmar and onward to Mizoram, linking India with ASEAN member Myanmar.
- Statement 2. IMT Trilateral Highway: Correct. The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway connects Moreh (India) to Mae Sot (Thailand) via Myanmar, both ASEAN members.
- Statement 3. Agartala-Akhaura Rail Line: Incorrect. It links Tripura with Bangladesh, which is not an ASEAN member country.