Question

Directions: Fill in the blanks with the words that best fit the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
A ______ relationship with Moscow will help New Delhi to ______ its ties with both Washington and Beijing.

• A. robust … leverage
• B. healthy … enhance
• C. mutual … lose
• D. perfect … ally
• E. vigorous … cement

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To solve this fill-in-the-blanks question effectively, let's evaluate each option carefully to understand the best fit for the sentence contextually.

The sentence reads: "A ______ relationship with Moscow will help New Delhi to ______ its ties with both Washington and Beijing."

1. We first need to determine what kind of relationship New Delhi should have with Moscow to positively influence its ties with Washington and Beijing. A positive and strong relationship is usually the best approach in diplomacy, so we need terms that support this idea.
2. Let's examine each option:
   • robust … leverage: "A robust relationship with Moscow will help New Delhi to leverage its ties with both Washington and Beijing." – 'Robust' implies a strong and sturdy relationship, and 'leverage' suggests using this relationship to New Delhi's advantage in dealings with Washington and Beijing. This option makes logical sense.
   • healthy … enhance: 'Healthy' implies a good and mutually beneficial relationship, while 'enhance' means to improve. This option is viable, but 'robust…leverage' feels strategically stronger concerning diplomatic ties.
   • mutual … lose: "Mutual" generally means held in common by two or more parties, while "lose" contradicts the goal of strengthening ties. This option does not fit the context.
   • perfect … ally: 'Perfect' is absolute and seldom used in diplomatic contexts because it implies flawlessness. 'Ally' means to unite or associate, but does not convey the ongoing benefit implied by "leverage" or "enhance".
   • vigorous … cement: 'Vigorous' implies full of energy and activity, while 'cement' suggests making something permanent. While not incorrect, it does not convey the tactical advantage implied by 'leverage'.
3. Thus, the best choice is robust … leverage because a "robust relationship" indicates a strong and resilient partnership, and "leverage" implies using that relationship strategically to improve ties with other countries.
4. Therefore, the sentence with the correct option is: "A robust relationship with Moscow will help New Delhi to leverage its ties with both Washington and Beijing."

Conclusively, the option "robust … leverage" best fits the context of the sentence, concerning diplomatic strategies and relationships.