The Hindu Analysis 13 January 2026 The Hindu News Paper Today With Practice Questions

Our Questions will help the students clear UPSC exam. Questions based on The Hindu article “India, Germany agree to shore up defence cooperation” (13 January 2026). Q 1 With reference to India–Germany defence cooperation, consider the following statements: Defence cooperation between India and Germany reflects India’s strategy of diversifying defence partnerships beyond traditional suppliers. Germany’s defence engagement with India is primarily driven by its obligations under NATO. Such cooperation aligns with India’s objective of reducing import dependence in defence manufacturing. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 1 and 3 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 ✅ Correct Answer: B Explanation: Statement 1 – Correct: India seeks diversified defence partners. Statement 2 – Incorrect: Germany’s cooperation with India is guided by its national and EU strategic interests, not NATO obligations. Statement 3 – Correct: Defence partnerships support indigenisation goals. Q 2 India–Germany defence cooperation most directly supports which broader foreign policy objective of India? A. Formal military alliance-building B. Strategic autonomy through multi-alignment C. Containment of a specific regional power D. Replacement of existing defence partners ✅ Correct Answer: B Explanation: India avoids formal alliances and instead strengthens multiple partnerships to preserve strategic autonomy. Q 3 Consider the following areas where India–Germany defence cooperation is most likely to expand: Joint research and development Co-production of defence equipment Deployment of joint combat troops Which of the above are realistic components of such cooperation? A. 1 only B. 1 and 2 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 ✅ Correct Answer: B Explanation: 1 & 2 – Likely: R&D and co-production align with policy goals. 3 – Unlikely: India avoids permanent joint troop deployment. Q 4 From a geopolitical perspective, strengthening India–Germany defence ties also indicates: A. Militarisation of India–EU relations B. Europe’s increasing strategic engagement with the Indo-Pacific C. Germany’s withdrawal from transatlantic security arrangements D. Formation of a new military bloc ✅ Correct Answer: B Explanation: European powers, including Germany, are engaging more actively with the Indo-Pacific for stability and economic security. Q 5 Which of the following principles best explains India’s willingness to deepen defence cooperation with Germany? A. Balance of power politics B. Collective security doctrine C. Non-alignment in its classical form D. Strategic convergence without alliance ✅ Correct Answer: D Explanation: India prefers strategic convergence on shared interests without entering formal alliances. Q 6 Consider the following potential benefits of India–Germany defence cooperation: Technology transfer and skill development Strengthening India’s defence industrial base Immediate parity with major military powers Which of the above are valid outcomes? A. 1 only B. 1 and 2 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 ✅ Correct Answer: B Explanation: 1 & 2 – Valid: These are realistic benefits. 3 – Invalid: Defence cooperation does not ensure immediate military parity. Q 7 (Ethics + Governance Dimension) Deepening defence cooperation with democratic partners like Germany most closely reflects which normative value in India’s foreign policy? A. Strategic isolation B. Ideological alignment C. Rule-based international order D. Interventionism ✅ Correct Answer: C Explanation: India emphasizes cooperation with countries supporting a rules-based international order, without formal alliances. Q 8 (Advanced Conceptual) Which underlying global trend provides the strongest context for India–Germany defence cooperation? A. Decline of multilateral institutions B. Fragmentation of global supply chains C. Shift from unipolarity to multipolarity D. End of conventional warfare ✅ Correct Answer: C Explanation: In a multipolar world, middle and major powers seek flexible partnerships rather than rigid blocs. Whatsapp 9996366139