Explanation:

Secodn option is correct.

In the above mentioned article the idea of ‘2 plus 1 formula’ was proposed to further enhance the overall regional prosperity 2 plus 1 in the formula stands for China & India and another country.

The idea was proposed by China when it found that Nepal was hitting sweet spot to benefit from rivalry of India and China. As per the formula, Beijing and New Delhi could engage with any third country in the region and even beyond where unruly competition between the two is to be avoided.