India-Russia & Israel Relations — Set 12

Correct Answer: C. Surat

Surat in Gujarat is the world's diamond polishing capital, processing over 90% of the world's diamonds by volume. The city has millions of diamond artisans and cutters who transform rough diamonds into polished gems. The India-Israel diamond trade connects Israeli companies that deal in rough diamonds from African sources with Surat's polishing industry, making diamonds one of the top commodities in India-Israel bilateral trade.

Correct Answer: A. Defence and Foreign Ministers (2+2 format)

The India-Russia 2+2 format (referred to as the 'Plus Two' Ministerial Dialogue) involves the Defence Ministers and Foreign Ministers of both countries meeting together, similar to India's 2+2 formats with the US, Japan, and Australia. This comprehensive ministerial dialogue addresses the full spectrum of strategic, defence, and diplomatic issues. The 2+2 format with Russia reflects the strategic depth of the India-Russia relationship beyond just routine diplomatic meetings.

Correct Answer: B. Pakistan-based terrorist networks and their global connections

The primary focus of India-Israel intelligence cooperation is on Pakistan-based terrorist networks (Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and their global connections) and jihadist threats that affect both countries. Israel has been a key intelligence partner for India's RAW in tracking terror financing, communication networks, and planned attacks. The two countries also cooperate on cybersecurity threats, but the counter-terrorism intelligence sharing on Pakistan-linked groups is the most operationally significant aspect.

Correct Answer: B. The depth of India-France strategic ties and Macron's strong personal engagement with Modi

French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India as the Republic Day chief guest in January 2024 reflected the depth of India-France strategic ties and Macron's strong personal diplomatic engagement with PM Modi. Macron has visited India multiple times and been a vocal supporter of India's UNSC permanent membership. The Republic Day chief guest honour is India's highest diplomatic gesture, typically offered to countries with deep and valued partnerships.

Correct Answer: B. Passive safety features, high capacity factor, and proven technology with Russian fuel supply guarantee

Russian VVER-1000 reactors at Kudankulam offer passive safety features (passive emergency core cooling), high capacity factor (typically 80-90%), and are proven technology with Russia's Rosatom guaranteeing fuel supply. The reactor design meets IAEA safety standards, and Russia also handles spent fuel removal, reducing India's nuclear waste management burden. These factors make Russian reactors commercially competitive and politically reliable for India's civilian nuclear programme.

Correct Answer: C. $5 billion

India set a defence exports target of $5 billion by 2025 under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. By 2022-23, India achieved defence exports of approximately $1.6 billion, with exports to over 75 countries. The Philippines BrahMos deal ($375 million) was a landmark export. India's main defence exports include ammunition, bulletproof jackets, patrol vessels, and electronics, with missiles being the newest and highest-value category.

Correct Answer: B. New Development Bank (NDB) financing and BRICS currency discussions

Through BRICS, India and Russia cooperate in the New Development Bank (NDB, headquartered in Shanghai) which provides financing for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging markets. BRICS discussions on reducing dollar dependence (including exploring a BRICS common currency or payment system) also resonate with India-Russia efforts to use national currencies for bilateral trade. BRICS provides a multilateral framework for India-Russia economic cooperation beyond the bilateral.

Correct Answer: C. Gurugram (near New Delhi), India

The International Solar Alliance (ISA), co-founded by India (PM Modi) and France (President Hollande) at the Paris Climate Conference (COP21) in 2015, has its headquarters in Gurugram (Haryana), India. The ISA aims to mobilise over $1 trillion in investment for solar energy by 2030 and facilitate deployment of solar energy in 121 member countries. India hosting the ISA headquarters reflects India's leadership in global solar energy promotion.

Correct Answer: B. India's world-class generic pharmaceutical industry produces cost-effective quality drugs accepted in Israel's regulated market

India's pharmaceutical industry, led by companies like Sun Pharma, Dr. Reddy's, Cipla, and Teva (Israel has its own Teva which is actually a global generics leader), exports generic drugs to Israel's regulated healthcare market. Israel maintains high healthcare standards but imports cost-effective Indian generics as part of managing healthcare costs. The India-Israel pharmaceutical trade is part of the broader bilateral trade in chemicals and pharmaceuticals which are among the top Indian exports to Israel.

Correct Answer: B. France actively supports BTIA as it would benefit French companies and strengthen India-EU strategic ties

France actively supports the India-EU BTIA (Broad-Based Trade and Investment Agreement) as it would benefit French companies (Airbus, Dassault, TotalEnergies, Safran, Naval Group all have significant business interests in India) and would strategically anchor India in a closer relationship with Europe. France has been an advocate for stronger India-EU relations at the EU level, using its EU Presidency to advance India engagement. The BTIA, if concluded, would be the largest bilateral trade deal for both India and the EU.