All of the environmental factors listed can pose significant threats to India, but drought (A) is often regarded as one of the biggest threats due to its widespread impact on agriculture, water supply, food security, and the livelihoods of millions. Drought conditions can lead to severe water shortages, crop failures, and economic distress, particularly in agrarian communities.
While monsoon winds (B) are essential for providing rainfall, erratic monsoon patterns can lead to both drought and flooding. Earthquakes (C) primarily affect specific regions in India and while they can be devastating, their impact is more localized compared to drought. River flooding (D) is a recurrent issue, particularly in the monsoon season, but drought's impact on the economy and society is often more long-lasting.
Overall, while each factor has its own significance, drought is a major and pervasive threat to India's well-being. Thus, the answer would be:
A. drought