India-EFTA Relations (2024-25) - UPSC Pattern MCQs
* 1. In March 2024, India signed a major Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with
EFTA. What was one of the key features of this agreement?
A. Elimination of all tariffs on fossil fuels
B. Visa-free travel to EFTA countries for Indian students
C. $100 billion investment commitment by EFTA in India over 15 years
D. India's membership in the European Economic Area
Answer: C
2. The EFTA bloc consists of how many countries as of 2025?
A. 27
B. 5
C. 4
D. 6
Answer: C
* 3. Which Indian ministry led the negotiations for the TEPA with EFTA in 2024?
A. Ministry of External Affairs
B. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
C. Ministry of Finance
D. NITI Aayog
Answer: B
4. Under the India-EFTA TEPA 2024, what major sectors in India are expected to benefit from the
agreement?
A. Nuclear energy and military aviation
B. Pharmaceuticals, IT services, and processed food exports
C. Mining and fossil fuel extraction
D. Traditional textiles only
Answer: B
* 5. Which of the following EFTA countries is NOT a member of the EU or Eurozone, but plays a key
role in bilateral investment with India?
A. Norway
B. Germany
C. Finland
D. Austria
Answer: A
6. As per TEPA 2024, EFTA nations committed to what key non-tariff objective in India?
A. Eradication of poverty
B. Skill development and technology transfer
C. Creation of new public banks
D. Censorship of digital media
Answer: B
* 7. Why was the India-EFTA TEPA hailed as a "first-of-its-kind" trade pact in 2024?
A. It replaced WTO obligations for India
B. It included a legal clause for space research
C. It linked investment commitments with market access guarantees
D. It guaranteed Indian citizenship to Swiss investors
Answer: C
8. The India-EFTA TEPA has a monitoring and review clause scheduled every:
A. 2 years
B. 3 years
C. 5 years
D. 10 years
Answer: B
* 9. Which sectoral concern was raised by Indian stakeholders during TEPA negotiations?
A. Influx of dairy products from EFTA countries
B. Data localization by Swiss firms
C. Language barriers in Liechtenstein
D. Subsidies for Ayurveda
Answer: A
10. What is the strategic value of India signing TEPA with EFTA in the current global context?
A. Reduction of trade dependence on China
B. Access to North Atlantic Treaty benefits
C. EFTA's support in UN Security Council membership
D. Revival of India's trade with Eastern Europe
Answer: A
* 11. Which Indian industry association was actively involved in consultations for TEPA?
A. TRAI
B. NASSCOM
C. FICCI
D. NITI Aayog
Answer: C
12. In terms of geopolitical implications, the India-EFTA deal enhances India's ties with:
A. Nordic countries and non-EU Europe
B. ASEAN trade network
C. OPEC bloc
D. BRICS+ economic zone
Answer: A
* 13. Which regulatory standard alignment is being considered post-TEPA for Indian exports to
EFTA countries?
A. WTO subsidies alignment
B. EU REACH chemical standards
C. G7 regulatory benchmarks
D. UNSC disarmament clauses
Answer: B
14. What is a key opportunity created by the India-EFTA agreement for Indian MSMEs?
A. Export tax exemption for Indian petroleum products
B. Direct access to EFTA's high-income consumer markets
C. Compulsory merger with European firms
D. Free advertising on EFTA media
Answer: B
* 15. As of early 2025, how is India planning to track and implement the investment promises made
under the EFTA agreement?
A. Through WTO Dispute Panels
B. Via a Joint India-EFTA Economic Forum
C. Under RBI's Capital Account Review
D. Through the BRICS Monitoring Cell
Answer: B
