India signed an Open Skies air services agreement with which of the following countries, allowing designated airlines of both sides to operate more freely between the two nations?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your awareness of India international aviation agreements and strategic partnerships. Open Skies agreements relax restrictions on routes, capacity, and pricing, and they encourage tourism and business travel. Identifying the partner country in such an agreement shows knowledge of foreign relations and economic cooperation.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question refers to an Open Skies air services agreement signed by India with a specific country.
- The purpose is to allow designated airlines of both countries to operate more freely on certain routes.
- Options list major partner countries of India in Asia and Europe.
- We assume the agreement mentioned is the one that received wide coverage in relation to improved aviation ties and strategic partnership.

Concept / Approach:
India and Japan have developed a strong strategic and economic partnership. As part of this relationship, the two countries agreed to liberalise air services and signed an Open Skies agreement, especially for routes involving major cities. Such agreements are often announced during high level bilateral summits. While India also has air service agreements with other countries, the notable Open Skies liberalisation referred to in many general knowledge sources is with Japan.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall which countries are highlighted frequently in news with India for advanced aviation and strategic partnerships. Japan stands out in this list. Step 2: Consider Singapore, Russia, France, and Germany. India has strong relations with them but the specific phrase Open Skies in many exam oriented materials is most commonly associated with India Japan discussions. Step 3: Remember that during India Japan summits, announcements included liberalisation of air services that allow designated carriers more rights on certain routes. Step 4: Based on these associations, select Japan as the most appropriate answer.

Verification / Alternative Check:
A verification approach involves linking Open Skies agreements with the idea of strategic partners in Asia who share interests in connectivity and economic corridors with India. Japan has worked closely with India in infrastructure projects such as high speed rail and industrial corridors. Open Skies in aviation complements this wider partnership. While detailed treaty texts can be complex, exam oriented summaries typically highlight the India Japan Open Skies understanding on designated sectors.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Singapore has close aviation ties with India, but the specific Open Skies question in many basic general knowledge sets is not commonly framed around India and Singapore in this form.
Russia has defence and energy cooperation with India but is not usually cited in entry level exam questions as the country in an Open Skies agreement with India.
France and Germany have strong aviation industries and defence partnerships with India but exam focused summaries seldom emphasise them as the Open Skies counterpart in this basic question format.

Common Pitfalls:
One pitfall is guessing Singapore because of its role as a regional aviation hub. Another is over associating France with aviation due to companies like Airbus, even though that is about aircraft manufacturing, not air services treaties. To avoid confusion, it helps to maintain a short list of key countries linked with specific high profile agreements such as high speed rail and Open Skies, where Japan appears prominently with India.

Final Answer:
India signed the Open Skies air services agreement in this context with Japan.