Logical Reasoning Questions for CLAT | QB Set 40

Propelling the U.K. and India story

Two democracies, two elections and two path-breaking results. In June this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the second leader in Indian history to win a third consecutive term. In July, the Labour Party under Sir Keir Starmer achieved a landslide victory in the United Kingdom. This is a new chapter of the U.K.-India partnership.

There are positive signals in the U.K. Government’s engagement with India. The Labour Party has pledged to pursue a “new strategic partnership” with India. As part of this, we are eager to see a swift conclusion of the U.K.-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and deeper cooperation on security, technology, climate change, and education. It is good to see the U.K.’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Lammy, visit India within a month of taking office.

The ‘2030 Roadmap’ has delivered. Bilateral trade stood at £39 billion in 2023. Both countries are investing significantly in each other’s economies, employing around eight lakh people between the two.
However, much work remains for both governments to agree on a new roadmap to 2047 to unlock the full benefits of this partnership.

India matters and it matters now
India’s global position is undisputed. Its immensely successful G-20 presidency in 2023, rising FDI, economic growth, and status as the world’s most populous nation make it central to the world’s economic and strategic order. India’s ambition is matched. I see the U.K. India Business Council, as an honest broker that helps UK and Indian companies trade and invest. The U.K. and India are a natural fit for each other – and in not simply a strategic alignment but a practical partnership in strengthening supply chain, encouraging innovation and technology collaboration. We must prioritise India and act on this with new approaches to strengthen partnership, creating jobs and prosperity in both countries. A swift FTA would be a game changer – it is the foundation of a new structure we can build, and central to that structure is technology and R&D collaboration. India has the best return on investment (ROI) per dollar of R&D spend in the world – look at what the Indian Space Research Organisation has achieved. Equally, Indian firms are eager to work with U.K. companies and our world-class universities.

We can think big here. The two countries have a longstanding health-care partnership, successfully developing the life-saving malaria vaccines to address a global challenge. Can we enhance more U.K. clinical trials in India, share health-care research and support knowledge transfer?
The U.K. is investing to support innovative sustainability technology and British banks provide billions in climate financing to India. Our university members are collaborating with Indian higher education, faculty and R&D from India and the world. And part of this partnership would be through innovative Transnational Education routes, new channels for world-class higher education in India.

Key areas in alignment
Last year’s landmark G2G agreement to collaborate on science and innovation points the way.
The U.K. and India are natural partners in defence and security.
Climate change is at the front of India’s defence priorities, as there is a mere 2.5% market share of electric vehicles despite a growing population rising international oil prices. There is a need for affordable, sustainable mobility.
Mobility is an important area where the two countries seamlessly align. Getting this right for students and skilled professionals is vital. It will impart trust and mutual confidence, sending a strong message to Indian investors that the U.K. is welcoming. The U.K. has a positive story to tell on mobility. Over the last year, about 3,50,000 visas have been issued to Indian nationals for work, education or as dependents. We need to further champion this ‘living bridge’.

Unlocking full potential
The ideas above are just the tip of the iceberg. The potential for a deeper U.K.-India economic partnership is vast – this will require work from both countries in all areas, from more reforms to further business environment reforms.
British and Indian firms need more policies that help manufacturing and growth and more opportunities to link into their supply chains collaboratively. A predictable and facilitative tariff and standards regime would help a large scale of investments.
Regulatory certainty would ensure parity and regularity in fields across all service and product industries.

We must get the basics right
One of the biggest areas to improve FDI in India is efficiency and transparency – which means shorter timelines for approvals and a more efficient process for business applications, such as environmental permits, customs and regulators for clearances, and efficiency.

We welcome the positive signals
G7 governments are debating whether bilateral partnerships that improve lives should be championed through trade agreements.

India is at the arc beginning of economic story globally. We must act at the right time! The evidence of robust economic engagement is clear.
As the government sets out reforms, such as the new trade policy, the next government must answer a critical question: what will the roadmap to 2047 look like?

As I have often written, “The more your interests are aligned, the more you trade, the more prosperity accrues to both”, sets the tone for a shared future.

Question -1) What is the primary purpose of the passage?

A. To criticize the current state of U.K.-India relations.
B. To highlight the importance and potential of a U.K.-India partnership.
C. To explain the failures of the U.K.-India Free Trade Agreement.
D. To provide a historical overview of U.K.-India economic relations.

Question -2) According to the passage, what is a significant outcome of the ‘2030 Roadmap’?

A. The reduction of bilateral trade between the U.K. and India.
B. The increase in investments by both countries in each other’s economies.
C. The cessation of cooperation on security and technology.
D. The decline in employment opportunities in both countries.

Question -3) Why does the author emphasize the need for a new Roadmap to 2047?

A. To continue the progress made by the ‘2030 Roadmap’ and unlock full benefits.
B. To reduce the economic ties between the U.K. and India.
C. To end the strategic partnership between the two countries.
D. To shift the focus away from technology and R&D collaboration.

Question -4) What is highlighted as a critical component of the new structure for the U.K.-India partnership?

A. Increased tariffs on trade.
B. Technology and R&D collaboration.
C. Decreased investment in each other’s economies.
D. Reduced focus on education.

Question -5) Which area is NOT mentioned as a potential focus for U.K.-India collaboration in the passage?

A. Health-care partnership.
B. Climate change and sustainability technology.
C. Defence and security.
D. Space exploration missions.

Question -6) What does the author suggest is essential for improving the ease of doing business in India?

A. Increasing tariffs and regulatory hurdles.
B. Shorter timelines for approvals and transparent government processes.
C. Reducing investments in technology and R&D.
D. Limiting the issuance of visas to Indian nationals.