India-Russia & Israel Relations — Set 9

Correct Answer: B. Indo-Pacific security architecture and maritime cooperation

The India-France trilateral groupings (with UAE, Australia, and others) are primarily motivated by Indo-Pacific security architecture building and maritime cooperation. France, as the only EU country with a significant Indo-Pacific presence (through its overseas territories), sees India as a natural partner for maritime security, freedom of navigation, and rules-based order in the Indian Ocean and Pacific. These groupings complement the India-US-Australia-Japan Quad.

Correct Answer: B. Post-Pokhran-II (1998) when USA sanctioned India but Russia continued cooperation

Post-Pokhran-II (1998), when India conducted nuclear tests, the US, Japan, and many Western countries imposed sanctions on India. Russia continued military and nuclear cooperation with India despite these sanctions, reinforcing the 'special' character of the relationship. Russia's Rosatom continued work on Kudankulam and Russia delivered defence equipment even as Western sanctions tried to isolate India. This reliability during sanctions is a key reason India values the Russia relationship.

Correct Answer: B. Cross-border terrorism from neighbouring states with Islamic extremist groups

India and Israel share common security concerns about cross-border terrorism from neighbouring states harbouring Islamic extremist groups — India faces this from Pakistan-based groups, while Israel faces it from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran-backed groups. This convergence of threat perception is a key driver of the deep intelligence and security cooperation between the two countries. Both countries also share experience with counter-insurgency and asymmetric warfare.

Correct Answer: B. TRISHNA (Thermal Infrared Imaging Satellite)

TRISHNA (Thermal Infrared Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural resource Assessment) is a joint India-France Earth observation satellite mission being developed by ISRO and France's CNES. It will study land surface temperature, water stress, and urban heat islands using thermal infrared imagery. This follows the successful SARAL-AltiKa joint mission (2013) and represents deepening India-France space cooperation.

Correct Answer: B. Access to Northern Sea Route, energy resources, and Arctic governance

India-Russia Arctic cooperation involves India's interests in accessing the Northern Sea Route (NSR) which could significantly reduce shipping time between India and Europe, Arctic energy resources, and participation in Arctic governance forums. India became an observer state in the Arctic Council in 2013. Russia controls the majority of the Arctic coast and is India's natural partner for Arctic access. India's 'Arctic Policy 2022' formally outlines these interests.

Correct Answer: B. It is Israel's signals intelligence unit whose alumni often found cybersecurity startups that India cooperates with

Unit 8200 is Israel's equivalent of the US NSA — the signals intelligence (SIGINT) and cyber intelligence unit of the Israel Defense Forces. It is known for its technological excellence and its alumni often found major Israeli cybersecurity companies (like Check Point, CyberArk). India's cooperation with Israeli cybersecurity firms often has roots in Unit 8200 alumni's companies. This creates an indirect but significant India-Israel technology partnership.

Correct Answer: B. UK

After France (1998), India designated the United Kingdom as a strategic partner, formalised in the India-UK Strategic Partnership in 2004. Russia, while geographically spanning Europe and Asia, was already India's deepest partner since 1971. Among purely Western European countries, France (1998) was first, followed by UK, Germany, and later the EU collectively. The progressive strengthening of India's European partnerships reflects India's growing engagement with Western partners.

Correct Answer: B. India's dependence on Russian defence equipment (S-400, Su-30MKI, nuclear submarines, etc.)

The most critical factor maintaining India-Russia close ties post-2022 is India's substantial dependence on Russian defence equipment across all three services — Air Force (Su-30MKI, MiG-29), Navy (INS Vikramaditya, INS Chakra), Army (T-90 tanks, BMP vehicles, artillery) — and nuclear power (Kudankulam). Abruptly ending this relationship would leave India severely exposed in terms of military readiness. India is diversifying but this takes decades.

Correct Answer: C. Over 29 centres

Over 29 Centres of Excellence (CoE) in Agriculture have been established across India under the Indo-Israel Agricultural Cooperation programme, across multiple Indian states including Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and others. Each CoE focuses on specific areas like vegetables, fruits, potatoes, or floriculture, adapting Israeli agricultural technologies for Indian conditions. These centres have benefited millions of Indian farmers.

Correct Answer: B. Magnetic confinement nuclear fusion energy

ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) is the world's largest magnetic confinement nuclear fusion experiment being built in Cadarache, France, with participation from 35 countries including India. India is a full partner in ITER, contributing components worth about €850 million. Fusion energy, which could provide unlimited clean energy, represents the long-term frontier of energy cooperation between India and France.