Correct option is B
India and Sri Lanka are both members of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation), SACEP (South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme), and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation). They share regional interests and collaborate in various multilateral platforms aimed at fostering economic development, environmental protection, and regional integration.
Explanation of Options:
1. (a) SAARC, SACEP, SCO:
· Incorrect because Sri Lanka is not a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). India is a member of the SCO, but Sri Lanka holds only observer status.
2. (b) SAARC, SACEP, BIMSTEC:
· Correct. Both countries are active members of these organizations:
· SAARC: Promotes regional cooperation in South Asia.
· SACEP: Focuses on environmental protection in South Asia.
· BIMSTEC: Enhances regional economic cooperation among countries in the Bay of Bengal region.
3. (c) SCO, SACEP, BIMSTEC:
· Incorrect because Sri Lanka is not a member of SCO, only an observer.
4. (d) SCO, SAARC, BIMSTEC:
· Incorrect for the same reason as above—Sri Lanka is not an SCO member.
Information Booster:
1. SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation):
· Members: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.
· Established in 1985 to promote regional cooperation.
2. SACEP (South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme):
· Focuses on environmental sustainability and regional cooperation.
· Members include all South Asian nations.
3. BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation):
· Members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand.
· Established in 1997 to foster economic and technical cooperation.