India-Russia & Israel Relations — Set 10
International Relations · भारत-रूस और इजरायल संबंध · Questions 91–100 of 140
The India-Israel 'Strategic Partnership' was announced during:
Correct Answer: D. Modi's 2017 visit to Israel
The India-Israel Strategic Partnership was announced during PM Modi's historic visit to Israel in July 2017 — the first visit ever by an Indian PM to Israel. The two countries also signed 9 MoUs covering space, agriculture, water, science and technology, and film. The elevation to 'Strategic Partnership' symbolised the transformation of ties from a low-key relationship to a high-profile strategic one, particularly in defence and technology.
Russia supplies India with the T-90 main battle tank. Under what arrangement are most T-90 tanks in Indian service built?
Correct Answer: B. Licenced production in India at Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi
The T-90 Bhishma (as India calls its T-90S variant) is produced in India under license at the Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi, Tamil Nadu, by India's Ordnance Factory Board (now under DPSUs). India has one of the largest T-90 fleets in the world, with over 1,650 tanks on order. Production in India reduces costs and supports India's defence industrial base, while also progressively increasing the Indian content in the tanks.
France and India have a bilateral year to promote cultural and linguistic ties. What institution promotes French language and culture in India?
Correct Answer: A. Alliance Française
Alliance Française (AF) promotes French language and culture in India and has numerous centres across Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, and Bengaluru. Alliance Française is part of a global network of 830+ centres in 133 countries, and India has one of the largest networks with over 25 Alliance Française centres. It conducts French language courses, cultural events, and promotes Franco-Indian cultural exchange.
The term 'Pivot to Asia' or 'Indo-Pacific' strategy is largely a US concept that France has also adopted. France calls its Indo-Pacific strategy:
Correct Answer: B. La France dans l'Indo-Pacifique (France in the Indo-Pacific)
France officially published its Indo-Pacific strategy titled 'La France dans l'Indo-Pacifique' (France in the Indo-Pacific) in 2019, one of the first European countries to do so. France's strategy is substantive due to its overseas territories in the Indian Ocean (La Réunion, Mayotte) and Pacific (New Caledonia, French Polynesia), which give it a genuine physical presence and strategic interests. India is a central partner in France's Indo-Pacific strategy.
India and Russia are co-developing a new-generation stealth fighter jet under which programme?
Correct Answer: A. FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft)
India and Russia were jointly developing the FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft), which was to be a twin-seat variant of Russia's Su-57 stealth fighter customised for India. However, India withdrew from the programme in 2018 citing concerns about performance specifications and high costs. India is now focusing on developing its indigenous AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) as its fifth-generation fighter programme.
Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science and India's leading institutions cooperate in basic research. The Indian government body that manages this relationship is:
Correct Answer: B. DST (Department of Science and Technology)
India's Department of Science and Technology (DST) primarily manages science and technology cooperation with Israel, including the joint I4F (India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund). DST partners with Israel's Innovation Authority (IIA) and maintains bilateral science cooperation agreements. Specific institutions like IIT, CSIR laboratories, and ICAR also have direct research partnerships with Israeli universities and research institutes.
India's diamond polishing industry, centred in Surat, has a special relationship with Israel because:
Correct Answer: C. Israel buys rough diamonds from Africa and sells to India for polishing, creating a triangular trade
There is a significant triangular trade relationship where Israeli diamond trading companies buy rough diamonds from African sources and sell them to Indian polishers in Surat, Gujarat, who cut and polish them and then export polished diamonds globally (including back to Israel and worldwide). India's diamond cutting and polishing industry, particularly in Surat, is the world's largest, handling over 90% of the world's polished diamonds. This trade makes diamonds a major component of India-Israel bilateral commerce.
Russia vetoed Western-sponsored UN Security Council resolutions on Syria for years. India's consistent voting pattern on Syria-related UNSC resolutions was:
Correct Answer: C. Mostly abstained, maintaining neutrality on sensitive issues
India's consistent approach on Syria-related UNSC resolutions was to mostly abstain, reflecting its traditional policy of non-interference in internal affairs of states and its reluctance to take sides in proxy conflicts. India abstained on multiple Syria resolutions, including those imposing sanctions or authorising interventions. This approach is consistent with India's broader strategic autonomy doctrine and its preference for dialogue and diplomatic solutions.
The MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones that India is procuring are from the USA, but India has also considered similar drones from Israel. Which Israeli drone serves a similar maritime surveillance role?
Correct Answer: C. Both Heron-TP and Hermes-900 serve maritime roles for India
Both the Heron-TP (built by IAI) and Hermes-900 (built by Elbit Systems) serve medium/high altitude long endurance (MALE/HALE) maritime surveillance roles and are operated by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard for maritime domain awareness. India is simultaneously procuring American MQ-9B SeaGuardians for enhanced maritime surveillance capability. This multi-source approach for UAVs reflects India's diversification of defence suppliers.
The India-Russia relationship is institutionalised through the Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC). How many sub-groups does this commission have?
Correct Answer: C. 10+ sub-groups across multiple sectors
The India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation has over 10 sub-groups covering areas including trade, energy, science and technology, defence, agriculture, health, and culture. The IGC meets regularly at ministerial level and serves as the main institutional mechanism for advancing bilateral cooperation across all non-defence sectors. This institutionalised cooperation distinguishes India-Russia ties from many other bilateral relationships.