Q. Consider the following statements: Assertion (A): India’s maritime security architecture has been strengthened by setting up the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR). Reason (R): The IFC-IOR enables the exchange of information exclusively with Quad countries to counter China's presence.
Answer: A is true, R is false
Notes:

Assertion (A): True.
India's maritime security has indeed been strengthened with the establishment of the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) at Gurugram.
It aims to enhance maritime domain awareness by collecting, fusing, and disseminating information on maritime activities across the Indian Ocean Region.

Reason (R): False.
The IFC-IOR is not limited exclusively to Quad countries (India, USA, Japan, Australia).
It collaborates with multiple partner nations across the world (including countries like France, Seychelles, Singapore, etc.), not solely to counter China, but to promote collective maritime security, counter piracy, smuggling, and ensure safe shipping lanes.