The correct answer is option 4: Afghanistan. The `Partnership Council` was launched in May 2012 to implement the `Strategic Partnership Agreement` signed in the year 2011 between India and Afghanistan. This partnership agreement aimed to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries and enhance cooperation in various sectors such as trade, investment, education, and security.
Option 1: United States - This is not the correct answer. While India has a strategic partnership with the United States, the `Partnership Council` and the `Strategic Partnership Agreement` mentioned in the question are specific to India and Afghanistan.
Option 2: China - This is not the correct answer. There is no mention of China in the question or in relation to the `Partnership Council` or the `Strategic Partnership Agreement`.
Option 3: Maldives - This is not the correct answer. There is no mention of the Maldives in the question or in relation to the `Partnership Council` or the `Strategic Partnership Agreement`.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 4: Afghanistan.