SSC Stenographer 2026 PYQ — Question 25

Solution: The correct answer is Indian Ocean sovereign states include countries from Africa, Asia, and Oceania; France and UK have territories.
Explanation:
☛ The Indian Ocean is the third-largest ocean in the world, bounded by Asia to the north, Africa to the west, and Australia (Oceania) to the east.
☛ Its littoral and island sovereign states span across these three continents: Asia (e.g., India, Indonesia), Africa (e.g., South Africa, Madagascar, Kenya), and Oceania (e.g., Australia).
☛ In addition, external nations like France (Réunion, Mayotte) and the United Kingdom (British Indian Ocean Territory) administer overseas territories within the Indian Ocean basin.
☛ More than 30 sovereign nations border the Indian Ocean, making statements limiting it to 10 countries or only two continents incorrect.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Russia: It is landlocked towards the south by the Asian landmass and does not border the Indian Ocean.
☛ Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA): Established in 1997, it is an intergovernmental organisation aimed at strengthening regional cooperation among littoral states, headquartered in Ebene, Mauritius.
☛ Madagascar: It is the largest island located in the Indian Ocean and the fourth-largest in the world.
☛ Strategic Chokepoints: Key maritime transit chokepoints in the Indian Ocean include the Strait of Malacca, Strait of Hormuz, and Bab-el-Mandeb.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ What is the deepest point in the Indian Ocean? → Java (Sunda) Trench
☛ Which major island nation is situated off the south-eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean? → Madagascar
☛ Where is the permanent secretariat of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) located? → Ebene, Mauritius
☛ Which strait connects the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea (Pacific Ocean)? → Strait of Malacca
☛ Which French overseas department is situated in the southwestern Indian Ocean near Mauritius? → Réunion