Which of the following connectivity projects is/are a part of cooperation between India and the ASEAN member countries?

International Relations ·Previously asked in Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination 2026

View the full solved paper: GS Paper I 2026

Question

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

  1. A. 1 and 2 (Correct answer)
  2. B. 2 and 3
  3. C. 1 and 3
  4. D. 2 only

Correct Answer

Option A — A

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Option A.

Key Points

  • ASEAN connectivity for India runs mainly through Myanmar and Thailand (both ASEAN members):
  • Project 1 — Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project: links Kolkata to Sittwe port in Myanmar, then by river and road to Mizoram — giving the North-East an alternative to the Siliguri corridor.
  • Project 2 — India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway: connects Moreh (India) through Myanmar to Mae Sot (Thailand) — a flagship of India's Act East policy.
  • Project 3 — Agartala-Akhaura Rail Line: connects India with Bangladesh, which is not an ASEAN member — so it is not India-ASEAN cooperation.
  • So only 1 and 2 qualify.
  • these projects anchor India's Act East Policy, improving land connectivity between the North-East and South-East Asia.

Exam Tip

  • the trap is Bangladesh — a SAARC/BIMSTEC partner, but not in ASEAN, so the Agartala-Akhaura line is excluded.