India-Russia & Israel Relations — Set 13

Correct Answer: B. Transfer of Technology (ToT) under Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP)

India's Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) mandates Transfer of Technology (ToT) from foreign suppliers above certain contract thresholds, particularly for 'Buy and Make' (Indian) category procurements. This requirement applies to purchases from Russia (like T-90 tanks, Su-30MKI), Israel (MRSAM, Spike), and France (Scorpène, Rafale engines). ToT is central to India's self-reliance in defence manufacturing and ensures domestic production capabilities are built over time.

Correct Answer: C. Philippines

India has been in discussions about exporting MRSAM (developed jointly with Israel) to third countries including the Philippines, which is also buying BrahMos from India. This would make India an exporter of not just the purely Indian BrahMos but also the India-Israel co-developed MRSAM, leveraging the joint development for export earnings. India's defence exports include both indigenous and jointly developed systems.

Correct Answer: B. India accelerated defence diversification while maintaining existing Russian ties

Russia's war in Ukraine in 2022 accelerated India's existing strategy of defence diversification (increasing procurement from France, USA, Israel) while maintaining existing Russian ties (S-400, Su-30MKI support, nuclear cooperation at Kudankulam). India also increased Russian oil imports to take advantage of discounted prices. The strategic calculation was that abruptly abandoning Russia would be costly and unnecessary given India's own interests, but reducing long-term dependence was prudent.

Correct Answer: B. Very high resolution earth observation imagery used commercially and for defence

Israel's EROS (Earth Remote Observation System) satellites, built by IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries), provide very high resolution earth observation imagery (50 cm resolution and better) used both commercially and for defence/intelligence purposes. India has purchased EROS imagery and cooperated with IAI on earth observation. High-resolution satellite imagery from Israeli satellites has been used by India for border monitoring, military planning, and disaster management.

Correct Answer: A. French Revolution and storming of the Bastille prison (1789)

Bastille Day (Fête Nationale) on July 14 commemorates the Storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789, which marked the beginning of the French Revolution. The Bastille was a symbol of royal tyranny, and its storming by Paris citizens became the symbol of revolutionary France. India's participation as guest of honour at the 2023 Bastille Day parade with an Indian military contingent was therefore India marching at France's most symbolically important national celebration.

Correct Answer: C. France (Reunion Island)

France's overseas territory of Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean provides a strategic location for India-France naval exercises and logistical support under the bilateral mutual logistics support agreement. France's Indian Ocean territories (Réunion, Mayotte, Scattered Islands) give France legitimate strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region and make India-France naval cooperation in the Indian Ocean particularly relevant. Joint exercises in these waters have increased significantly.

Correct Answer: C. 160-170 warheads

As per estimates by organisations like SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute), India's nuclear arsenal is estimated at approximately 160-170 warheads as of 2023. India maintains a policy of No First Use (NFU) and credible minimum deterrence. India's nuclear capability is relevant to its relations with Russia (Kudankulam fuel), France (Jaitapur, NSG waiver), and Israel (suspected security intelligence sharing on Pakistan's nuclear programme).

Correct Answer: B. SCO provides a multilateral forum where India and Russia engage alongside China and Central Asian states

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) provides a multilateral forum where India and Russia engage alongside China, Pakistan, and Central Asian states on security, economic, and connectivity issues. India became a full SCO member in 2017. While the SCO has limitations due to India-China and India-Pakistan tensions within it, it allows India and Russia to coordinate positions on Central Asian security, counter-terrorism, and connectivity matters in a multilateral setting.

Correct Answer: C. Up to 25-32 km

SPIKE NLOS (Non-Line-of-Sight) is the longest-range variant of the Spike family, with a range of up to 25-32 km, allowing it to be fired from behind cover or high altitude and engage targets well beyond the horizon. India was considering its procurement for precision long-range strike capability, particularly for the LAC with China. If procured, SPIKE NLOS would be among the most capable anti-armour and precision strike systems in the Indian Army.

Correct Answer: C. 2004

The India-EU Strategic Partnership was established at the first India-EU Summit held in Lisbon, Portugal in 2000, but was formalized as a 'Strategic Partnership' at the 5th India-EU Summit in 2004. France played a key role as a leading EU member in championing India's strategic importance for Europe. The partnership covers trade, political dialogue, climate change, development cooperation, and security — making the EU India's most comprehensive multilateral partner relationship.