Pitch Black is a large scale multilateral air combat exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force. In questions related to India defence cooperation, this exercise is often described as an air exercise between India and which country?

Introduction / Context:
This question checks your knowledge of defence exercises and military cooperation. Pitch Black is a well known air combat exercise that brings together aircraft and crews from several countries. For exam purposes, it is often simplified and described as an air exercise between India and the host country that organises it regularly.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The exercise name is Pitch Black.
- It is an air exercise involving fighter aircraft and air forces.
- The question focuses on which country, along with India, is mainly associated with this exercise as host or key partner.
- The options list several countries that have defence relations with India.

Concept / Approach:
Pitch Black is hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force and conducted in Australia. It has participation from many friendly air forces. India has taken part in this exercise, which is therefore described in exam material as an air exercise between India and Australia, highlighting the bilateral aspect even though the exercise itself is multilateral.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Pitch Black is regularly associated with Australian air bases such as those in Darwin. Step 2: Remember that the Royal Australian Air Force is the primary organiser and host for the exercise. Step 3: India has participated in the exercise with fighter aircraft, strengthening defence relations with Australia. Step 4: Among the options, only Australia matches this host role, while Japan, France, Nepal, and the United Kingdom are not the central hosts of the exercise. Step 5: Conclude that the exercise is mainly described as between India and Australia.

Verification / Alternative Check:
Another check is to think of other major air exercises in which India participates. For example, Garuda is associated with France, and Malabar is a naval exercise with the United States and Japan. Pitch Black is distinctively linked with Australia, as it is held in Australian airspace under the Royal Australian Air Force. Remembering these associations helps confirm the correct pairing.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Japan participates with India in other defence activities but is not the host of Pitch Black.
France has its own air exercise with India, but it is not the primary organiser of Pitch Black.
Nepal does not conduct such a large scale multilateral air combat exercise with India under this name.
The United Kingdom is not associated as the main host of Pitch Black in standard defence exam questions.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes mix up the names of defence exercises because many sound similar or involve the same partners. To avoid confusion, it is useful to memorise a small list of key exercises and their host countries or partner pairs. For example, Pitch Black is linked with Australia, Garuda with France, and Indra with Russia.

Final Answer:
Pitch Black is commonly described in exam questions as an air exercise between India and Australia.