UPSC Prelims 2004 Q81: Current Affairs – International Relations & Treaties
Consider the following statements:
1. P.
V. Narasimha Rao's Government established diplomatic relations between India and Israel.
2. Ariel Sharon is the second Prime Minister of Israel to have visited India.
Which of these statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation
India-Israel relations
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Narasimha Rao's Government established diplomatic relations with Israel | True — January 1992 |
| 2. Ariel Sharon is the second Israeli Prime Minister to visit India | False: Sharon, in September 2003, was the first Israeli Prime Minister to visit India |
Only statement 1 is correct.
Answer: (a) 1 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Only statement 1 is correct.
- (b) Incorrect. Sharon was the first Israeli PM to visit India.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is true.
Key point
India-Israel: full diplomatic ties 1992 under Narasimha Rao; Sharon visit 2003.
Remember
P. V. Narasimha Rao's government established ties with Israel in 1992.
Common mistakes
- Crediting the 1992 step to a later government.
- Saying Sharon was the second Israeli PM to visit.
- Mixing it with Israeli President Weizman's 1997 visit.
Exam tip
Sharon: first Israeli PM to visit India (September 2003).
Sources
- MEA — India-Israel relations
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Ariel Sharon