UPSC Prelims 2025 PYQ on International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)
Q. India is one of the founding members of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect:
(a) India to Central Asia to Europe via Iran
(b) India to Central Asia via China
(c) India to South-East Asia through Bangladesh and Myanmar
(d) India to Europe through Azerbaijan
✅ Correct Answer: (a) India to Central Asia to Europe via Iran
Explanation:
The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is a 7,200 km multimodal transportation network (ship, rail, road) connecting India, Iran, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe.
Initiated by India, Iran, and Russia in 2000, it aims to reduce transport time and cost compared to the Suez Canal route.
The route starts in India, passes through Iran, moves to Russia and Europe via Azerbaijan and Central Asia.
As of now, 13 countries are members, including Belarus, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and Ukraine.
