Consider the following statements about India-Japan cultural ties:
(i) Buddhism played a significant role in shaping early cultural exchange between India and Japan.

(ii) The first cultural agreement between India and Japan was signed in 1972.

(iii) The year 2017 was designated as the ‘Year of Friendly Exchanges’ between the two nations.

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) Only (i) and (iii) 
Explanation:
· (i) Buddhism played a significant role in shaping early cultural exchange between India and Japan: This statement is correct. Buddhism, originating in India, spread to Japan via China and Korea starting around the 6th century CE and profoundly influenced Japanese culture, art, thought, and ethics. Indian monks like Bodhisena are documented to have traveled to Japan, further solidifying this cultural exchange.
· (ii) The first cultural agreement between India and Japan was signed in 1972: This statement is incorrect. The first official Cultural Agreement between India and Japan was signed on October 29, 1956, and came into effect in 1957.
· (iii) The year 2017 was designated as the ‘Year of Friendly Exchanges’ between the two nations: This statement is correct. During the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Japan in November 2016, the two Prime Ministers declared the year 2017 as the ‘Year of Japan-India Friendly Exchanges’ to enhance people-to-people exchanges. This year also marked the 60th anniversary of the Cultural Agreement coming into force in 1957. 
Information Booster:
· The spread of Buddhism from India laid the foundation for many centuries of cultural relations between the two countries.
· The Cultural Agreement of 1956/1957 institutionalized cooperation in education, art, and spirituality.
· The "Year of Japan-India Friendly Exchanges" in 2017 included various events held in both countries to promote mutual understanding and further deepen bilateral relations.