Assumption Island, often mentioned in strategic discussions, is located in which country?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to the area of political geography and strategic affairs. Assumption Island has been in the news due to defence and maritime cooperation discussions, particularly involving India. Knowing where this island is located is important for understanding Indian Ocean geopolitics and is frequently tested in current affairs oriented examinations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The geographic feature in question is Assumption Island.
• We need to identify which country it belongs to.
• Options are Seychelles, Maldives, Mauritius and Sri Lanka.
• We assume standard international recognition of territorial jurisdiction.

Concept / Approach:
Assumption Island is a small island in the Indian Ocean that is part of the Republic of Seychelles. It has gained attention because of proposed agreements involving India for developing facilities there. The other countries listed are also island or coastal states in the region, but Assumption Island is not part of their territory. The strategy is to recall this association from news reports on India–Seychelles cooperation.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Assumption Island is mentioned in the context of an agreement between India and Seychelles for infrastructure development and strategic cooperation.Step 2: Seychelles is an island nation in the western Indian Ocean, consisting of many islands, including Assumption Island.Step 3: Maldives is another Indian Ocean island nation, but Assumption Island is not one of its atolls.Step 4: Mauritius is an island country further south and east, with its own set of islands, but not including Assumption Island.Step 5: Sri Lanka is a single large island nation near India and does not contain Assumption Island.Step 6: Therefore, the correct country is Seychelles.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard geography references and news articles about India–Seychelles defence cooperation describe Assumption Island as part of the Outer Islands of Seychelles. They explain that it is strategically located near sea lanes and that India was interested in developing facilities there. These consistent references confirm that Assumption Island belongs to Seychelles, not to Maldives, Mauritius or Sri Lanka.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Maldives: Known for its own chain of atolls and islands, but international maps do not list Assumption Island under Maldivian territory.

Mauritius: A separate island nation, sometimes confused due to similar regional context, but it does not include Assumption Island.

Sri Lanka: A single large island south of India, which does not have a separate island named Assumption Island within its jurisdiction.

Since none of these countries have sovereignty over Assumption Island, they are incorrect choices.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may guess based on the general idea that Assumption Island is in the Indian Ocean and then confuse it with better known tourist destinations like Maldives or Mauritius. Another pitfall is not paying attention to strategic news items and only focusing on domestic events. Keeping track of key places mentioned in India's external relations, such as Assumption Island or Chabahar Port, helps prevent such confusion.

Final Answer:
Assumption Island is located in Seychelles.