India-Russia & Israel Relations — Set 14
International Relations · भारत-रूस और इजरायल संबंध · Questions 131–140 of 140
India-Russia defence cooperation is formalised through which apex bilateral mechanism?
Correct Answer: A. IRIGC-M&MTC (Inter-Governmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation)
India-Russia defence cooperation is formalised through the IRIGC-M&MTC (India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation), which meets annually at the level of Defence Ministers. This body oversees all aspects of defence cooperation including ongoing supply programmes, new acquisitions, technology transfer, and joint production agreements. It is one of the most institutionalised bilateral defence mechanisms in India's international portfolio.
Israel's participation in India's defence exhibitions has grown. Which is India's major biennial defence exhibition where Israel is a significant exhibitor?
Correct Answer: C. Both Aero India and DefExpo
The correct answer is Both Aero India and DefExpo. Israel is a significant exhibitor at both India's major defence exhibitions — Aero India held in Bengaluru (focused on aerospace and air defence) and DefExpo (focused on land, naval, and homeland security systems) held at various locations. Israeli defence companies including IAI, Elbit Systems, Rafael, and ELTA Systems have large pavilions at these shows, reflecting the depth of India-Israel defence commercial ties and Israel's keen interest in the growing Indian defence market. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.
India and Russia both are space powers and cooperate through ISRO-Roscosmos. What was Russia's role in India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme?
Correct Answer: B. Russia provided cosmonaut training for Indian astronaut-trainees (Gaganauts)
Russia's Roscosmos and the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre (Star City) near Moscow provided training for India's astronaut trainees (called Gaganauts) for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. Four Indian Air Force pilots were trained in Russia in 2020 before the COVID pandemic slowed the programme. India's own ISRO is developing the spacecraft and GSLV Mk III rocket, but Russian expertise in cosmonaut training was leveraged as India lacks its own human spaceflight experience.
France's Airbus competes with Boeing for Indian commercial aviation contracts. In terms of defence, Airbus supplies India with:
Correct Answer: B. C-295 transport aircraft (CASA, now Airbus subsidiary)
Airbus Defence and Space (through its acquisition of CASA/Spain) supplies the C-295 tactical transport aircraft to India under a significant deal where 56 C-295 aircraft are being procured with 40 to be built in India by the Tata-Airbus consortium in Vadodara, Gujarat. This is a landmark Make-in-India defence aviation programme. Dassault (Rafale) and Airbus (C-295) are two separate French/European manufacturers involved in India's military aviation.
The India-Israel relationship has economic dimensions beyond defence. The two countries are negotiating which trade agreement?
Correct Answer: B. India-Israel CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement)
India and Israel are negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aimed at boosting bilateral trade beyond the current $7-8 billion (excluding defence). Talks have been ongoing but have faced challenges including Israel's desire for market access for high-tech goods and India's concerns about its pharmaceutical and diamond industries. CEPA would cover goods, services, and investment, potentially transforming the bilateral economic relationship.
Russia's 'Mir' space station was succeeded by the International Space Station (ISS). India is developing its own space station. Russia offered what to India in this context?
Correct Answer: B. Cooperation on India's Bharatiya Antariksha Station (Indian Space Station)
Russia has offered cooperation on India's planned Bharatiya Antariksha Station (Indian Space Station) expected to be launched by 2035. Roscosmos and ISRO have discussions on space station technology, life support systems, and human spaceflight cooperation. Russia's extensive experience with the Mir station and ISS makes it a valuable partner as India embarks on its human spaceflight and space station programme.
The India-France relationship in the nuclear domain includes which multilateral forum where both countries' positions align?
Correct Answer: D. Both ITER and ISA show India-France energy cooperation alignment
The correct answer is Both ITER and ISA show India-France energy cooperation alignment. India and France cooperate bilaterally and through multilateral frameworks on energy: ITER (nuclear fusion) where India contributes as a full partner with France being the host, and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) which India and France co-founded. Despite France being an NPT signatory and India not, and their different nuclear power situations, both countries cooperate extensively on civilian nuclear (Jaitapur EPR) and clean energy alternatives, demonstrating pragmatic energy diplomacy. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.
Israel and India's people-to-people ties include the Indian-Jewish community in Israel. How many Indians of Jewish origin (Bene Israel, Cochini Jews) are estimated to live in Israel?
Correct Answer: B. 20,000 to 60,000
There are an estimated 20,000 to 60,000 Indian Jews of various communities (Bene Israel from Maharashtra, Cochini Jews from Kerala, and Baghdadi Jews from Mumbai) living in Israel. These Indian-origin Jewish communities, who have maintained their Indian cultural heritage while being Israeli citizens, form an important bridge between the two nations. Despite this diaspora, India's formal diplomatic engagement with Israel has historically been driven more by strategic and commercial interests than by diaspora advocacy.
India-France 'Horizon 2047' partnership includes a target year (2047). What will India be celebrating in 2047 that gives this partnership added significance?
Correct Answer: B. 100th anniversary of India's independence
The 'Horizon 2047' partnership between India and France takes its name partly from 2047, which will be the centenary (100th anniversary) of India's independence. India itself has the 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) vision for 2047, targeting India becoming a developed nation by its centennial independence year. France positioning its strategic partnership roadmap within this framework acknowledges India's 2047 aspirations and France's desire to be a key partner in India's journey to becoming a developed economy.
Russia's relationship with India underwent its biggest test during which recent event, and how did India navigate it?
Correct Answer: B. 2022 Russia-Ukraine war — India maintained neutrality, continued ties, increased energy imports while also engaging Ukraine
The Russia-Ukraine war of 2022 was the biggest test of India-Russia relations in recent history. India navigated it through strategic neutrality — abstaining at UN votes, continuing defence and energy ties with Russia, increasing oil imports at discounted prices, while simultaneously engaging Ukraine (PM Modi visited Ukraine in August 2024) and Western partners. India's message was that it stands for peace and dialogue, wants the war to end, but will not damage its own strategic interests in the process.