The main function of the IMF is to

The IMF’s principal role is to promote international monetary cooperation and to assist member countries facing balance of payments (BOP) difficulties by providing short- and medium‑term financial support and policy advice. Textbooks and official summaries list IMF objectives such as ensuring exchange‑rate stability, facilitating payments transactions, and helping members overcome BOP problems, distinguishing it from the World Bank’s long‑term development lending role [1]. The IMF provides loans to governments to resolve temporary external payment shortfalls and conducts surveillance and policy advice to restore stability, rather than financing specific investment projects in developing countries [2]. Therefore option (2) correctly states the IMF’s main function.

Sources

1. [1] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > 13.14 International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank > p. 396
2. [2] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Transformative Carbon Asset Facility (TCAF) > p. 528