UPSC Prelims 2003 · General Studies

Question 35: International Relations and Current Affairs

Consider the following statements regarding the relations between India and Pakistan:

1.During Shimla Agreement, Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Bhutto agreed to maintain the sanctity of LoC
2.Lahore Summit took place in the year 1997
3.Islamabad Summit was held between Rajiv Gandhi and Nawaz Sharif

Which of these statements is/are correct?

a1, 2 and 3

b1 and 3

cOnly 2

dOnly 1

AnswerThe answer is (d).

Only statement 1 is correct. The Shimla Agreement of 1972 was signed by Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and both sides agreed to respect the Line of Control arising from the ceasefire of 17 December 1971. The Lahore Summit took place in February 1999 (Vajpayee and Nawaz Sharif), not 1997. The 1988 Islamabad SAARC summit involved Rajiv Gandhi and Benazir Bhutto, not Nawaz Sharif.

1. At Shimla, Indira Gandhi and Bhutto agreed to respect the Line of Control.
2. The Lahore Summit was held in 1999, not 1997.
3. At Islamabad in 1988 Rajiv Gandhi met Benazir Bhutto, not Nawaz Sharif.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Statements 2 and 3 are false.
(b) Statement 3 is false: Rajiv Gandhi met Benazir Bhutto at Islamabad in 1988.
(c) Statement 2 is false: the Lahore Summit was in 1999.
(d) Correct: only statement 1 holds.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2003, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.