India has signed a memorandum of understanding for the construction of a petroleum pipeline to export petroleum products to which neighbouring country?

Introduction / Context:
This question is based on India's regional cooperation and energy connectivity with its neighbours. Pipelines for petroleum products strengthen trade links, reduce transportation costs, and enhance energy security for importing countries. One significant project involves a cross border pipeline from India to a neighbouring country, which has been highlighted in news reports and current affairs material used for competitive exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:
The question asks which neighbouring country will receive petroleum products through a pipeline constructed under a memorandum of understanding with India. The options given are:
- Nepal
- Bhutan
- Bangladesh
- Sri Lanka
It is assumed that the learner has read about the cross border petroleum pipeline project initiated by Indian Oil Corporation in partnership with the neighbouring country's authorities.

Concept / Approach:
The key project in question is the Motihari to Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline, which connects India and Nepal. This pipeline allows Indian refineries to supply petroleum products more efficiently to Nepal. Although India has strong energy ties with Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka in other forms such as power trade or shipping of fuel, the specific petroleum pipeline mentioned in examination oriented current affairs refers to Nepal. Therefore, by identifying the country involved in this landmark pipeline, one can correctly select Nepal as the answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the cross border petroleum pipeline project frequently mentioned in news is the Motihari to Amlekhgunj pipeline. Step 2: Recognise that Motihari is a town in Bihar in India and Amlekhgunj lies in Nepal. Step 3: Understand that the memorandum of understanding covered construction of this pipeline to export petrol, diesel, and other products from India to the neighbouring country. Step 4: Compare this information with the given options of Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Step 5: Choose Nepal as the correct answer because it is the partner country for this specific petroleum pipeline project.

Verification / Alternative check:
An alternative way to verify is to note that Nepal is a landlocked country that depends heavily on India for access to sea ports and for fuel supplies. Setting up a pipeline from India to Nepal directly addresses Nepal's need for secure and efficient fuel transport. Bhutan primarily imports power from India or cooperates on hydropower projects, Bangladesh has energy ties including potential gas and power exchanges, and Sri Lanka is connected to India mainly through maritime routes rather than pipelines for petroleum products. This geopolitical and economic context reinforces that the pipeline memorandum relates to Nepal.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Bhutan: Cooperation with Bhutan focuses more on hydropower projects and electricity trade, not on petroleum product pipelines of this type.
Bangladesh: Although India and Bangladesh collaborate in energy trade, the well known pipeline for petroleum products to a neighbour is associated with Nepal, not Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka: As an island nation, Sri Lanka would require undersea pipelines or tanker based transport; the specific overland pipeline project does not involve it.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse various energy agreements between India and its neighbours and misattribute the petroleum pipeline to Bangladesh or Bhutan. Another pitfall is to think of Sri Lanka because it is frequently mentioned in shipping and port related discussions. To avoid such errors, clearly associate the Motihari to Amlekhgunj pipeline with India and Nepal, and remember that this project was often cited as the first cross border petroleum pipeline in South Asia for India.

Final Answer:
India has signed a memorandum of understanding to construct a petroleum pipeline to export petroleum products to Nepal.