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 :
- (a) 1 and 2 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) 2 and 3
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) 2 only
Why the answer is (a)
• The ASEAN members bordering India's North-east are Myanmar and, beyond it, Thailand; connectivity projects with them count as India–ASEAN cooperation.
• The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project links Kolkata by sea to Sittwe port in Myanmar, then by the Kaladan river and road to Mizoram — an India–Myanmar (ASEAN) project; statement 1 is correct.
• The India–Myanmar–Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway runs from Moreh in Manipur through Myanmar to Mae Sot in Thailand, connecting India with two ASEAN members; statement 2 is correct.
• The Agartala–Akhaura rail link connects Tripura with Bangladesh; Bangladesh is a SAARC and BIMSTEC partner but not an ASEAN member, so statement 3 is wrong.
• Hence 1 and 2, option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) 2 and 3
- Statement 3 is wrong: Bangladesh is not an ASEAN member.
- (c) 1 and 3
- Statement 3 involves Bangladesh, not ASEAN; statement 2 is correct.
- (d) 2 only
- Statement 1 (Kaladan, with Myanmar) is also an India-ASEAN project.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, held on 24 May 2026. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.