Logical Reasoning Questions for CLAT | QB Set 63

In 2022, Russia pivoted its economic ties from Europe to Asia, marking a significant geopolitical shift. The decision was driven by the unraveling of neoliberal interdependence between Russia and Europe, compounded by global economic challenges. Russia’s focus turned towards its eastern and southern neighbors, particularly China and India. The geopolitical and economic implications of this shift are immense, with Russia and India now engaging more deeply in trade, technology, and diplomatic relations.

Russia’s $240 billion trade relationship with China was significant, but the growing dynamism of India-Russia ties has added a new dimension to this pivot. India’s non-involvement in the European conflict and its neutral stance have allowed Russia to see India as a reliable partner for future collaboration. Russia’s focus on trade with Asia reflects its intent to mitigate the impact of Western sanctions while forging stronger ties in other parts of the world.

Several factors motivated this shift, including the need for political stability and economic diversification. Russia, isolated from its previous reliance on Western markets, saw Asia, and especially India, as a promising avenue for trade, energy collaboration, and technological advancement. The Ukraine conflict and sanctions regime added urgency to this pivot.

The India-Russia trade partnership has strengthened significantly, with trade volumes surging to $7.5 billion by 2024. Both countries are exploring new opportunities, including a bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2030. However, hurdles remain. The lack of economic complementarity and the complexity of regulatory and sanctions issues pose challenges. Russia’s focus on promoting industrial production and technological advancements through its “Make in India” strategy aligns well with India’s priorities, but both nations face issues in scaling their cooperation across various sectors.

Despite these hurdles, India-Russia relations offer immense potential, especially in science, technology, defence, and energy cooperation. As both countries continue to navigate this new chapter, their partnership is poised to play a crucial role in shaping future geopolitical and economic landscapes.

1. What is the most likely reason behind Russia’s pivot to Asia, particularly towards India and China, as discussed in the passage?

A) To expand its military presence in Asia
B) To counter Western influence and sanctions
C) To decrease reliance on global technology
D) To limit its trade with Europe

2. Which of the following can be inferred about the future of India-Russia relations, based on the passage?

A) Russia sees India as a temporary ally due to its strategic location
B) India and Russia’s trade relations are expected to stagnate due to economic challenges
C) The economic ties between India and Russia have potential but face hurdles such as sanctions and regulatory complexities
D) India will replace China as Russia’s primary trading partner in Asia

3. Which of the following is a valid assumption based on the information provided in the passage?

A) Russia’s shift towards Asia is driven purely by economic interests without any political motivations
B) Western sanctions alone are responsible for Russia’s decision to focus on India and China
C) India’s neutral stance on the European conflict has made it a reliable partner for Russia
D) Russia’s “Make in India” strategy will guarantee the resolution of all trade hurdles between the two countries

4. Which of the following best strengthens the argument that India and Russia will deepen their technological collaboration in the future?

A) India’s technological sector is rapidly growing, and Russia has been investing heavily in industrial production
B) Russia and India have previously collaborated on several military technologies
C) Russia has a strong presence in European markets but is looking to diversify
D) Western countries are also interested in forming trade partnerships with India

5. What is the most significant challenge that may hinder the growth of India-Russia trade relations, according to the passage?

A) The lack of direct political alignment between India and Russia
B) The complexity of regulatory and sanctions issues
C) India’s increasing focus on trade relations with Europe
D) Russia’s decreasing technological capacity to meet India’s needs

Answers and Explanations:

1. Answer: B) To counter Western influence and sanctions
   Explanation: The passage highlights that Russia’s pivot to Asia was motivated by global economic challenges and the need to mitigate the effects of Western sanctions.
2. Answer: C) The economic ties between India and Russia have potential but face hurdles such as sanctions and regulatory complexities
   Explanation: The passage discusses the growing dynamism of India-Russia ties, but also mentions challenges like the lack of economic complementarity and regulatory issues.
3. Answer: C) India’s neutral stance on the European conflict has made it a reliable partner for Russia
   Explanation: The passage clearly states that India’s non-involvement in the European conflict has positioned it as a trustworthy partner for Russia.
4. Answer: A) India’s technological sector is rapidly growing, and Russia has been investing heavily in industrial production
   Explanation: The passage emphasizes Russia’s focus on industrial production and its alignment with India’s priorities, which suggests potential for deepened technological collaboration.
5. Answer: B) The complexity of regulatory and sanctions issues
   Explanation: The passage notes that while the two countries have made strides in trade, regulatory issues and sanctions pose significant challenges to further growth.