India Israel Strategic Partnership and Prahaar Missile Capabilities
Source:Indian Express ↗
Why It Matters
Understanding India's foreign policy maneuvers with Middle Eastern partners (Israel) and Western nations (Canada) is critical for International Relations. Additionally, indigenous missile programs like PRAHAAR are essential for the Science and Technology (Defence) syllabus.
Summary
The article discusses three major current affairs topics for UPSC: the deepening of bilateral and strategic relations between India and Israel, the capabilities of India's indigenous PRAHAAR tactical ballistic missile developed by DRDO, and the ongoing diplomatic friction between India and Canada concerning diaspora politics and extremism.
Key Points
- India and Israel are exploring ways to elevate their bilateral strategic partnership, focusing on defence and technology cooperation.
- PRAHAAR is a solid-fuelled, surface-to-surface short-range tactical ballistic missile developed by the DRDO, designed to strike targets with high precision.
- India-Canada relations remain strained over issues regarding the Indian diaspora, rising extremism, and the handling of anti-India elements operating from Canadian soil.
Important Terms
PRAHAAR Missile
An indigenous, solid-fuel, surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile developed by DRDO. It has a 150 km range and provides highly accurate, quick-reaction battlefield support.
UPSC context
GS-3 (Defence Technology). Tests knowledge of indigenous missile systems, deterrence posture, and tactical 'gap filler' roles.
DRDO
India's premier R&D agency under the Ministry of Defence, established in 1958 to design and develop state-of-the-art weapon systems, platforms, and sensors.
UPSC context
GS-3 (Science & Technology). Central to 'Atmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in defence and frequently tested regarding indigenous innovations.
Special Strategic Partnership
An elevated bilateral status (e.g., India-Israel 2026) involving multi-dimensional cooperation in critical sectors like defence, technology, agriculture, and water management.
UPSC context
GS-2 (International Relations). Tests understanding of bilateral frameworks, strategic autonomy, and changing geopolitical alignments in West Asia.
Diaspora Politics
The political activities and influence of overseas communities on the domestic and foreign policies of both their home and host countries.
UPSC context
GS-2 (Bilateral Relations/Diaspora). Tests analysis of how immigrant populations impact diplomatic ties and internal security concerns.
Tactical Ballistic Missile (TBM)
A short-range ballistic missile designed for battlefield use to engage high-value targets like command centers with precision and high mobility.
UPSC context
GS-3 (Defence). Tests technical understanding of missile categories and their specific tactical versus strategic roles in warfare.
Extremism
Holding radical political or religious views that advocate for sweeping changes, sometimes through violence, posing internal and external security challenges.
UPSC context
GS-3 (Internal Security). Relevant for analyzing secessionist movements and the impact of overseas-based radicalization on national integrity.
Prelims Trap
"PRAHAAR is an indigenous short-range cruise missile replacing the Prithvi series."
PRAHAAR is a tactical *ballistic* missile, not a cruise missile. It follows a parabolic trajectory and is designed to bridge the gap between Pinaka and Prithvi, rather than replace Prithvi.
Static Concepts Connected
What is the primary difference between Ballistic and Cruise missiles?
- Trajectory: Ballistic missiles follow an unguided, parabolic path falling under gravity. Cruise missiles fly a guided, flatter trajectory within the atmosphere.
- Propulsion: Ballistic missiles use rocket engines carrying their own oxidizer. Cruise missiles use jet engines relying on atmospheric oxygen.
- Indian Examples: Prithvi, Agni, and PRAHAAR are ballistic missiles. BrahMos and Nirbhay are cruise missiles.
What does 'de-hyphenation' mean in India's West Asia policy?
- Independent Ties: India engages with Israel and Palestine independently, decoupling its strategic relationship with one from its historical stance on the other.
- Strategic Autonomy: This approach allows India to pursue advanced defence and tech partnerships with Israel without compromising its traditional support for the Palestinian cause.
- Minilateral Synergy: De-hyphenation, aided by the Abraham Accords, enabled India's participation in new minilateral economic forums like I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE, USA).
Cross-Topic Patterns
Abraham Accords to IMEC integration
Israel's integration into the Middle East (via Abraham Accords) enables forums like I2U2, which directly anchors the broader geoeconomic vision of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
Diaspora Dynamics: Asset vs Risk
While praised for remittances and soft power, the diaspora in Canada highlights how localized vote-bank politics can harbor extremism, creating severe strains on bilateral diplomatic relations.
Indigenous Defence Indigenization Drive
PRAHAAR mirrors India's broader push (alongside Pralay and Pinaka upgrades) to build a robust indigenous rocket and missile force, reducing reliance on foreign tactical weapons.
Expect a 2026 Prelims statement contrasting PRAHAAR's solid-fuel ballistic trajectory with the ramjet cruise mechanics of BrahMos.
Linked PYQs · 4
Linked PYQs · 4
- 2018MainsGS2
“India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss.
- 2020MainsGS2
Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries'. Comment with examples.
- 2023PrelimsGS1
Consider the following statements: 1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight. 2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 2014PrelimsGS1
With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a surface-to-surface missile. 2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only. 3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
