India-Russia & Israel Relations — Set 7
International Relations · भारत-रूस और इजरायल संबंध · Questions 61–70 of 140
France and India cooperated on the SARAL-AltiKa satellite. What does this satellite primarily study?
Correct Answer: B. Ocean surface topography and sea level
SARAL-AltiKa (Satellite with ARgos and ALtiKa) is a joint India-France oceanography satellite launched in 2013 that studies ocean surface topography and sea level changes. ISRO and France's CNES collaborated on this mission, with France providing the AltiKa altimeter payload. The satellite contributes to understanding sea level rise, ocean circulation, and climate change impacts on oceans.
Israel's population is approximately 9 million but it is a leading defence exporter. Approximately what is Israel's annual defence export value?
Correct Answer: C. $12-13 billion
Israel's annual defence export value is approximately $12-13 billion, making it one of the world's top 10 defence exporters despite its small population and size. Israel exports to over 100 countries including India, USA, Germany, and many Asian nations. India is one of Israel's largest single customers for defence equipment, accounting for a significant portion of Israeli arms exports.
The 'Make in India' initiative in defence has involved partnerships with Russia, Israel, and France. In which programme is France's Safran partnering with HAL?
Correct Answer: C. Shakti helicopter engine
France's Safran is partnering with India's HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) for the Shakti helicopter engine, used in the ALH Dhruv (Advanced Light Helicopter) and LCH (Light Combat Helicopter). The Shakti is a jointly developed turboshaft engine and represents successful defence technology collaboration under India's self-reliance policy. This partnership began in 2006 and the Shakti engine is now produced in India.
Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and India's response was:
Correct Answer: C. India abstained in the UN General Assembly vote condemning the annexation
India abstained in the UN General Assembly vote in March 2014 on a resolution declaring the Crimea referendum invalid. This abstention reflected India's unwillingness to publicly condemn Russia, a key strategic and defence partner, while also not endorsing an action that violated principles of territorial integrity that India itself champions in its own disputes. It was an early example of India's careful balancing act on Russia-related votes.
The India-France relationship in the Indo-Pacific involves what specific strategic arrangement?
Correct Answer: B. India-France agreement on mutual logistical support (MLSA/LEMOA equivalent)
India and France signed a mutual logistics support agreement that allows their naval forces to use each other's facilities and ports in the Indo-Pacific region. France has territories in the Indian Ocean (La Réunion, Mayotte) and the Pacific (New Caledonia, French Polynesia), giving this arrangement strategic significance. France is deeply invested in the Indo-Pacific with its EEZ in the region, and India-France naval cooperation includes joint exercises and patrol coordination.
India's oil minister stated that Russia is India's 'friend in need.' How much has Russia's share in India's oil imports grown post-2022?
Correct Answer: B. From 2% to over 30%
Russia's share in India's crude oil imports grew dramatically from less than 2% before 2022 to over 30% by 2023, making Russia India's single largest supplier of crude oil. India's state-owned refiners (IOC, BPCL, HPCL) and private refiner Reliance Industries were major buyers of Russian Urals crude at discounted prices. This energy trade has partially offset Western sanctions pressure on Russia and deepened India-Russia economic ties.
Israel's agricultural cooperation with India focuses on water-efficient farming. What percentage of Israeli food is produced domestically despite Israel having mostly desert?
Correct Answer: D. 95%
Israel produces approximately 95% of its own food despite having mostly arid and semi-arid land, largely due to innovations in drip irrigation, desalination, precision agriculture, and biotechnology. This agricultural miracle is what Israel shares with India through the Centres of Excellence. Israeli expertise in turning deserts productive has particular relevance for India's drought-prone states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
India and Russia cooperate in the space domain. Which Russian space launch vehicle has ISRO used in the past to launch satellites?
Correct Answer: B. Proton
ISRO has used Russia's Proton launch vehicle to launch several Indian satellites including GSAT communication satellites that required heavy-lift capabilities beyond ISRO's own GSLV. ISRO also used Russian Soyuz rockets for some launches. Russia's Roscosmos and ISRO have cooperation agreements on space exploration, satellite technology, and human spaceflight (the Gaganyaan mission involved Russian training for Indian astronauts at an earlier stage).
The France-India Year of Innovation has been held to promote bilateral cooperation in:
Correct Answer: B. Science, technology, innovation, and start-ups
The France-India Year of Innovation was held to promote cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and start-up ecosystems between the two countries. France and India have been working on innovation partnerships through programs like Station F (Paris start-up hub) and India's startup ecosystem, technology transfer agreements, and joint research. Both countries see innovation as a key pillar of their strategic partnership.
India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) in defence has affected procurement from Russia and Israel. What does this policy primarily aim at?
Correct Answer: B. Progressive indigenisation of defence production with reduced import dependence
Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) in defence aims at progressive indigenisation of defence production, with specific targets for domestic defence production value and reduction of import dependence. India has set targets under this policy including 68-70% domestic procurement share in defence expenditure. While this policy affects Russia and Israel as major suppliers, it also leads to joint production agreements (like AK-203 in Amethi and Spike co-production discussions) rather than complete exclusion.