Which of the following statements about India's foreign policy are true?
A. India has signed the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) with Bangladesh in 2015
B. India has agreed to build Hambantota port in Sri Lanka in 2017
C. India has signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) with Afghanistan in 2011
D. The regime of Abdulla Yameen (2013-2018) of Maldives was friendly with India
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is C

· A. India has signed the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) with Bangladesh in 2015: This is correct. The LBA was a landmark agreement between India and Bangladesh to resolve long-standing border disputes. The agreement allowed for the exchange of enclaves and the redrawing of boundaries, which significantly improved relations between the two neighbors.
· C. India has signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) with Afghanistan in 2011: This is also correct. The SPA was signed to strengthen ties between India and Afghanistan in various areas, including security, economic cooperation, and capacity building, emphasizing India's role in Afghanistan's reconstruction.
Options B and D are incorrect:
· B. India has agreed to build Hambantota port in Sri Lanka in 2017: This is incorrect. The Hambantota port project was undertaken by China, not India. It became a key part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, and its control by China has raised concerns for India regarding China's strategic influence in the Indian Ocean.
· D. The regime of Abdulla Yameen (2013-2018) of Maldives was friendly with India: This is incorrect. Abdulla Yameen's government leaned towards China and had strained relations with India, particularly due to his preference for closer ties with China and the crackdown on political opposition in the Maldives, which India criticized.
Information Booster:
1. Land Boundary Agreement (LBA), 2015: Resolved the issue of enclaves between India and Bangladesh, involving the exchange of territories and bringing clarity to border demarcation.
2. Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) with Afghanistan, 2011: Focused on security cooperation, economic assistance, and political support, with India playing a crucial role in Afghanistan’s development post-Taliban.
3. Hambantota Port: This project was developed by China, not India, leading to concerns about China’s influence in Sri Lanka and the broader Indian Ocean region.
4. India-Maldives Relations under Abdulla Yameen: Relations were strained due to Yameen’s tilt towards China and suppression of democratic institutions, which India criticized.
5. India’s Neighborhood First Policy: A key aspect of India’s foreign policy, focusing on building strong relationships with neighboring countries, with Bangladesh being a prime example through the LBA.
6. China’s Role in South Asia: India remains cautious of China's increasing economic and strategic involvement in its neighborhood, particularly in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Additional Information:
· A (LBA with Bangladesh, 2015): A historic agreement that resolved border disputes, improving bilateral relations.
· B (Hambantota port, Sri Lanka): This port is associated with China, not India, as part of China's Belt and Road Initiative.
· C (SPA with Afghanistan, 2011): This agreement solidified India’s role as a key partner in Afghanistan’s reconstruction and development efforts.
· D (Regime of Abdulla Yameen in Maldives): Yameen's regime was unfriendly towards India, preferring closer ties with China. His presidency marked a period of tensions in India-Maldives relations.