Through which routes is the majority of India’s international trade carried out?

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Accepted Answer

Step 1: Identify major transport modes for international trade.

- Seaborne trade carries the bulk of India’s imports and exports by volume and a large share by value: typically $>90\%$ by volume and roughly $70\%-75\%$ by value.

Step 2: Role of air and rail.

- Air transport carries a small share by volume but a significant share by high-value and time-sensitive goods (electronics, pharmaceuticals, perishables). 
- Rail transport contributes only a minor portion to India’s international trade (limited cross-border rail freight compared with seaborne and air routes).

Step 3: Combine the above to choose the correct pair.

- Since the majority of trade is handled by sea, and air handles the important high-value portion (whereas rail is minimal), the correct choice is Sea and air.

FINAL_ANSWER: b

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