Consider the following statements : 1. The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade. 2. "Textile and textile articles" constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh. 3. In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (b)
• Statement 2 is correct: cotton, yarn and textile articles are among the largest items in India–Bangladesh trade, feeding Bangladesh's garment industry.
• Statement 1 is wrong: India–Sri Lanka trade has fluctuated over the decade, falling in several years (e.g. 2015–17 and 2020), not consistently rising.
• Statement 3 is wrong: Bangladesh, not Nepal, has been India's largest trading partner in South Asia in recent years.
• Hence 2 only, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Statement 1 is wrong: Indo-Sri Lanka trade did not rise every year.
- (c) 3 only
- Statement 3 is wrong: Bangladesh is the largest South Asian partner.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Statements 1 and 3 are wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2020, held on 4 October 2020. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.