India-Russia & Israel Relations — Set 2
International Relations · भारत-रूस और इजरायल संबंध · Questions 11–20 of 140
The Rouble-Rupee trade mechanism between India and Russia was established to:
Correct Answer: B. Conduct bilateral trade in national currencies, avoiding dollar dependency
The Rouble-Rupee trade mechanism was established to conduct bilateral trade between India and Russia using their national currencies (Rouble and Rupee), reducing dependence on the US dollar and helping both countries circumvent potential dollar-based sanctions. The mechanism gained renewed importance after 2022 Western sanctions on Russia. However, accumulation of large Rupee surpluses by Russia has created challenges in implementation.
The S-400 system purchased by India from Russia is primarily a:
Correct Answer: B. Long-range surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft system
The S-400 Triumf is a long-range surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft system designed to intercept and destroy aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles at ranges up to 400 km and altitudes up to 30 km. India signed a $5.43 billion deal in 2018 and received the first deliveries in 2021. It significantly enhances India's air defence capabilities, particularly against adversaries with advanced air forces.
India established formal diplomatic relations with Israel in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 1992
India established full diplomatic relations with Israel only in January 1992, despite having recognised Israel as a state in 1950. For decades, India's policy of support for the Palestinian cause and Arab unity prevented formal diplomatic ties. The end of the Cold War and India's economic liberalisation in 1991 created conditions for normalisation of ties, which was cemented during the tenure of PM P.V. Narasimha Rao.
The Barak missile system used by the Indian Navy and Air Force was supplied by which country?
Correct Answer: D. Israel
The Barak missile system is an Israeli close-in naval air defence system supplied to the Indian Navy for point defence of warships against missiles and aircraft. Israel has been India's second-largest defence supplier after Russia, providing systems like Barak, Phalcon Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS), Heron and Hermes UAVs, and Spike anti-tank missiles. Defence cooperation has been a cornerstone of India-Israel ties since 1992.
The Hermes and Heron drones used by the Indian Army and Navy are manufactured by which Israeli company?
Correct Answer: A. Elbit Systems and IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries)
Heron drones are manufactured by IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries) while Hermes drones are manufactured by Elbit Systems, both major Israeli defence companies. Both drone variants are in service with the Indian armed forces for surveillance, reconnaissance, and border monitoring. India has been one of the largest buyers of Israeli UAVs, and the two countries are also exploring joint production of next-generation drones.
The Spike anti-tank guided missile supplied by Israel to India is of which generation?
Correct Answer: B. Third generation (fire-and-forget)
The Spike ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missile) supplied by Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is a third-generation, fire-and-forget missile with an imaging infrared seeker. It can be fired and the launcher moved, with the missile autonomously guiding itself to the target. India has procured Spike missiles for its infantry units, replacing older Soviet-era anti-tank missiles.
Israel's drip irrigation technology has been widely adopted in India. This water-efficient agriculture cooperation is particularly prominent in which Indian states?
Correct Answer: D. All of the above including Maharashtra
Israeli drip irrigation and agricultural technologies have been adopted across India including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, and many other states through the Centre of Excellence for Agriculture programmes established under Indo-Israel cooperation. Israel's expertise in making arid lands productive has been particularly valuable for water-stressed regions of India. Over 29 Centres of Excellence have been established in India through Israel-India agricultural cooperation.
In 2023, the Israel-Hamas conflict began with a Hamas attack on Israel. India's official response was:
Correct Answer: C. Condemned terrorism and supported Israel's right to self-defence while calling for humanitarian protection
India's official response to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel condemned terrorism and expressed solidarity with Israel's right to self-defence. India also called for protection of civilian lives and humanitarian access to Gaza as the conflict intensified. This position reflected India's traditional condemnation of terrorism as well as its long-standing support for Palestinian rights, requiring a careful balancing act.
India abstained on a UN General Assembly resolution in 2023 calling for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. Earlier, India has voted differently on Palestine-related UN resolutions. Which statement best describes India's UN voting pattern?
Correct Answer: C. India has historically voted for Palestinian statehood but condemns terrorism, showing a nuanced position
India has historically supported Palestinian statehood and a two-state solution at the UN, having recognised Palestine in 1988. However, since establishing diplomatic ties with Israel in 1992, India has adopted more nuanced positions, sometimes abstaining on resolutions that it feels are one-sided. India's condemnation of terrorism while supporting Palestinian rights and calling for a two-state solution reflects this balancing approach.
Operation Ajay was launched by India in 2023 to evacuate its citizens from:
Correct Answer: B. Israel during Hamas conflict
Operation Ajay was launched by India in October 2023 to evacuate Indian nationals from Israel following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, 2023. The operation was conducted by Indian Air Force transport aircraft and commercial flights. India evacuated over 1,200 Indian nationals, primarily workers and students, who were in Israel when the conflict broke out.