Correct Option
The correct option is 2 and 3.
[as per provisional answerkey]
Explanation
The geographical positioning of Indian States is determined by their administrative boundaries and international borders as defined by the Survey of India.
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Statement 1 is Correct: Uttar Pradesh shares its borders with the maximum number of Indian States. It is bordered by 8 States (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar) and 1 Union Territory (Delhi).
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Statement 2 is Incorrect: West Bengal shares the longest international border among all Indian States. The international border of West Bengal with Bangladesh is approximately 2,217 km. While Rajasthan shares a significant border with Pakistan (approx. 1,037 km), it is not the longest.
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Statement 3 is Incorrect: Sikkim is not the only State to share its boundary with just one other Indian State. Sikkim shares its boundary only with West Bengal. However, Meghalaya also shares its land boundary with only one Indian State, which is Assam.
Key Takeaway: Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of state neighbors (8), while both Sikkim and Meghalaya share boundaries with only one other Indian State. West Bengal holds the longest international land border.