UPSC(2026) MCQs — IMEC + I2U2 + CEPA & Strategic Cooperation
Q1. The IMEC corridor aims to link India to Europe through a multimodal network. Which of the following components are part of IMEC’s planned infrastructure?
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Maritime routes connecting Indian ports with Gulf ports
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High-speed rail link from Gulf region to Mediterranean ports via Israel/Jordan
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Clean hydrogen pipeline and undersea data cable
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Common currency union among participating countries
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only ✔
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
Correct Answer: (b)
Explanation: IMEC envisages a network combining sea shipping (India → Gulf), rail (Gulf → Mediterranean via Israel/Jordan), and additional infrastructure such as clean-energy pipelines and digital cables. A common currency union is not part of its design.
Q2. The I2U2 Group brings together which of the following countries/regions?
(a) India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, USA
(b) India, UAE, Israel, USA ✔
(c) India, UAE, Israel, Saudi Arabia
(d) India, UAE, Israel, EU
Correct Answer: (b)
Explanation: The I2U2 Group is comprised of India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and the United States as its core members.
Q3. Consider these aims associated with both IMEC and I2U2 frameworks:
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Enhancing supply-chain resilience across Asia–Middle East–Europe route
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Promoting clean energy and digital connectivity alongside transport
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Creating a common fiscal and monetary union among member states
Which of these are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only ✔
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: (b)
Explanation: Both IMEC and I2U2 envisage strengthening trade & supply-chain resilience and supporting infrastructure including energy (e.g. green hydrogen pipelines) and digital connectivity (e.g. undersea data cables). A fiscal or monetary union is not part of the agenda.
Q4. How does the India–UAE CEPA complement IMEC and I2U2 in India's broader West Asia strategy?
(a) CEPA provides tariff liberalisation and trade facilitation with UAE, which acts as a hub for IMEC connectivity ✔
(b) CEPA mandates common currency usage between India and UAE
(c) CEPA restricts non-oil trade to reduce depletion of Gulf resources
(d) CEPA transfers defence supply chains from India to the Gulf
Correct Answer: (a)
Explanation: CEPA facilitates tariff liberalisation, easier trade, and cooperation with UAE. Since UAE is a key node in IMEC’s connectivity network and I2U2 cooperation framework, CEPA strengthens India’s ability to export/import through that hub and leverage regional connectivity.
Q5. Which of the following is a major strategic advantage of IMEC over traditional India–Europe shipping routes via Suez Canal?
(a) It bypasses traditional chokepoints and may reduce transit times under stable conditions ✔
(b) It guarantees zero transit cost for all participating countries
(c) It avoids all geopolitical risk in West Asia permanently
(d) It mandates military protection of all shipments
Correct Answer: (a)
Explanation: IMEC is envisaged as a multimodal corridor (sea + rail + pipelines + digital cables), which — if implemented — provides an alternate route to the Suez Canal, potentially reducing transit times and offering supply-chain redundancy. However, cost-free transit, immunity from geopolitical risk, or mandated military protection are not guaranteed.
Q6. Which of the following challenges could delay or hinder the realisation of IMEC?
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Geopolitical instability in West Asia
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Need for coordination among multiple countries across different regions
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Absence of any digital or energy infrastructure in corridor plan
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Potential environmental and social concerns along corridor routes
Select the correct combination:
(a) 1 and 2 only ✔
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) All 1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Answer: (c)
Explanation: Geopolitical instability and the complexity of coordination among many participants are well-known obstacles. Also, large infrastructure corridors often raise environmental and social concerns (land acquisition, eco-impact). The corridor plan does include digital and energy infrastructure — so (3) is incorrect.
Q7. Which of the following best describes the strategic significance of I2U2 for India’s foreign policy?
(a) It exclusively focuses on defence cooperation in West Asia
(b) It is a multilateral economic cooperation platform emphasising food, energy, trade, and technology collaboration ✔
(c) It binds India into a military alliance with USA and UAE
(d) It replaces all existing bilateral agreements between India and Gulf countries
Correct Answer: (b)
Explanation: I2U2 is an inter-governmental economic forum focused on collaboration in water, energy, transport, health, food security, and technology. It is not a defence alliance, nor does it nullify existing bilateral ties.
Q8. If IMEC becomes fully operational, which of the following are likely long-term benefits for India?
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Reduced logistics and freight cost for exports to Europe
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Enhanced diversification of supply-chain routes away from reliance on Red Sea–Suez route
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Increased dependence on Gulf energy supplies, compromising energy security
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Strengthening India’s geo-economic influence in West Asia–Europe region
Choose the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only ✔
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) All 1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Answer: (b)
Explanation: IMEC reduces trade costs & route dependence (points 1 & 2) and strengthens India’s connectivity and geo-economic influence (4). Point 3 misinterprets: while Gulf energy could continue, energy security doesn’t weaken; in fact, supply-channel diversification can potentially improve energy resilience.
Q9. Under the combined framework of CEPA + IMEC + I2U2, which of the following sectors in India could see maximum benefit over next decade?
(a) Traditional heavy industries only
(b) Agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food processing, MSMEs ✔
(c) Only defence manufacturing
(d) Mining and fossil fuel exports
Correct Answer: (b)
Explanation: CEPA liberalises trade and reduces tariff/regulatory barriers — beneficial to agriculture, food processing, pharma, MSMEs. IMEC ensures connectivity and logistics, I2U2 fosters investments in energy, technology, trade — all which support these sectors.
Q10. Which of the following statements regarding IMEC is correct?
(a) It was launched at the G20 Summit in 2023 in New Delhi ✔
(b) It envisages a land corridor bypassing the Arabian Peninsula entirely
(c) It limits participation to only Asian countries
(d) It excludes digital and energy infrastructure — only focuses on rail and maritime trade
Correct Answer: (a)
Explanation: IMEC was formally announced during the 2023 G20 Summit in New Delhi. It envisages maritime + rail + energy + digital infrastructure, and is a trans-regional corridor beyond Asia alone.
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