India-Russia & Israel Relations — Set 5
International Relations · भारत-रूस और इजरायल संबंध · Questions 41–50 of 140
The India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership was officially designated as such in which year?
Correct Answer: B. 2010
The India-Russia relationship was elevated to a 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership' during the annual bilateral summit in 2010 when President Dmitry Medvedev visited New Delhi. This designation reflects the comprehensive and deep nature of India-Russia ties across defence, energy, trade, and diplomatic domains. The relationship predates this designation, rooted in Soviet-era cooperation that began in the 1950s.
France is a permanent member of the UN Security Council. India has sought French support for its bid for:
Correct Answer: B. UNSC permanent membership (P5+1)
France has been a consistent supporter of India's bid for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as part of Security Council reform. France supports India along with Germany, Japan, and Brazil (G4 countries) in their quest for permanent UNSC seats. India has also sought support from Russia, which has also endorsed India's UNSC permanent membership aspirations.
India was evacuated from conflict zones using the phrase 'Operation' as prefix — the operation to evacuate Indians from Israel in 2023 was called:
Correct Answer: C. Operation Ajay
Operation Ajay was launched to evacuate Indian nationals from Israel following the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023. Operation Kaveri (2023) evacuated Indians from Sudan, Operation Ganga (2022) evacuated Indians from Ukraine, and Operation Dost (2023) was India's earthquake relief operation in Turkey/Syria. These operations demonstrate India's growing evacuation capability and its commitment to protecting citizens abroad.
The India-France Space cooperation involves Arianespace and ISRO. India has also bought French technology for which Indian satellite programme?
Correct Answer: B. SPOT series (CARTOSAT technology input)
India-France space cooperation has been extensive since the 1970s when ISRO used Ariane rockets to launch Indian satellites. French company Airbus (and its predecessor EADS/SPOT) provided technology inputs for India's earth observation satellites. ISRO and France's CNES (National Centre for Space Studies) have cooperation agreements covering satellite technology, earth observation, and climate monitoring, including cooperation on SARAL-AltiKa, an ocean altimetry satellite.
India's import of Russian oil after 2022 was facilitated through which payment mechanism that bypassed the SWIFT system?
Correct Answer: C. Rupee-Rouble mechanism and UAE Dirham intermediary
India's payment for Russian oil after 2022 Western sanctions was facilitated through the Rupee-Rouble trade mechanism and in some cases through UAE Dirham as an intermediary currency. UAE emerged as a key financial intermediary in India-Russia transactions as Indian banks were cautious about direct exposure to sanctioned Russian entities. This workaround allowed India to continue energy imports from Russia at discounted prices.
Israel's defence export policy was restrictive for decades. When did Israel start selling weapons to India?
Correct Answer: C. 1992 (after diplomatic normalisation)
Israel began selling weapons openly to India after diplomatic normalisation in January 1992. However, some accounts suggest limited covert intelligence and technology sharing may have occurred earlier, particularly during the 1971 Bangladesh war when some reports indicate Israel provided intelligence assistance to India. The formal and open defence relationship commenced after 1992 and has grown exponentially since then.
The India-EU Connectivity Partnership, where France plays a key role, was announced in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 2021
The India-EU Connectivity Partnership was announced in May 2021 during the India-EU Leaders Summit, aiming to promote sustainable, rules-based, and comprehensive connectivity between India and Europe. France, as one of the EU's largest economies, plays a significant role in the partnership. The partnership covers digital, energy, transport, and people-to-people connectivity dimensions.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 strained India's traditional defence supply chain. Which of India's key Russian-origin equipment potentially faced spare parts shortages?
Correct Answer: B. Su-30MKI aircraft engines and components
India's Su-30MKI aircraft and other Russian-origin military equipment potentially faced spare parts supply disruptions after 2022 sanctions on Russia restricted Russian defence industry exports. India accelerated HAL's indigenisation of Su-30MKI components and diversification of suppliers to reduce this vulnerability. This situation reinforced India's drive to reduce dependence on Russian defence imports and increase indigenous production.
The Rafale deal of 2016 was subject to political controversy in India. The deal involved purchase of how many aircraft at what approximate cost?
Correct Answer: B. 36 aircraft for €7.87 billion
The Rafale deal, signed in September 2016 between the Indian and French governments, involved the purchase of 36 Rafale aircraft in fly-away condition for approximately €7.87 billion (around ₹59,000 crore). The deal came with technology transfer provisions and India-specific enhancements including Israeli helmet-mounted displays and Indian radar warning receivers. The deal became politically controversial in India over pricing and the choice of production partner.
India and Israel collaborate in counter-terrorism through intelligence sharing. Which Indian intelligence agency primarily works with Israeli intelligence (Mossad)?
Correct Answer: B. RAW (Research and Analysis Wing)
India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), the external intelligence agency, primarily works with Israel's Mossad on counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and security cooperation. The relationship between RAW and Mossad reportedly dates to the early 1960s, predating formal diplomatic ties. Both agencies share intelligence on terrorist networks, particularly those with connections to Pakistan-based groups and Middle Eastern organisations.