The correct answer is: a) The rest of India.
Sikkim is a landlocked state in northeastern India. It is bordered by Bhutan to the north, China to the east, Nepal to the west, and West Bengal to the south. Sikkim is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty, including its mountains, forests, and lakes.
Sikkim’s economy is based on agriculture, tourism, and government services. The state’s main exports are tea, cardamom, and ginger. Sikkim’s main imports are food, fuel, and machinery.
Sikkim’s trade is mostly with the rest of India. In 2019, India accounted for 97% of Sikkim’s exports and 92% of its imports. Sikkim’s trade with neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan is relatively small. Sikkim’s trade with China is also relatively small, although it has been growing in recent years. Sikkim’s trade with overseas markets in Europe and North America is negligible.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- a) The rest of India. Sikkim is a part of India, and its economy is closely linked to the Indian economy. Sikkim’s main exports are sold to India, and its main imports are from India.
- b) Neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan. Sikkim’s trade with Nepal and Bhutan is relatively small. Nepal and Bhutan are both landlocked countries, and they have limited access to the sea. This makes it difficult for them to trade with other countries, and they often rely on India as a trading partner.
- c) China via border trade. Sikkim’s trade with China is also relatively small. China is a large and populous country, and it has a strong economy. However, Sikkim is a small state, and it does not have much to offer China in terms of trade.
- d) Overseas markets in Europe and North America. Sikkim’s trade with overseas markets in Europe and North America is negligible. Sikkim is a small state, and it is located far from the major markets in Europe and North America. This makes it difficult and expensive for Sikkim to export its goods to these markets.