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India-France Relations: A Comprehensive Exploration Of Bilateral Cooperation And Strategic Partnership

Satheesh

French President Emmanuel Macron landed in Jaipur on 25 January 24 for a two-day state visit to India and will be the guest of honor at this year’s Republic Day celebrations. After landing, he spent considerable time in Jaipur, exploring iconic landmarks like the Amber Palace in Rajasthan. Additionally, he participated in a joint road show with Prime Minister Narendra Modi starting from Jantar Mantar and ending at Hawa Mahal.

 

Macron’s visit holds significance as it marks the culmination of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the India-France Strategic Partnership forged in 1998. Notably, Macron’s official visit to India marks the sixth occasion of France being the distinguished chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations, reflecting the highest level of participation by any nation. This visit follows PM Modi’s trip to Paris on France’s Bastille Day on 14 July 2023, showcasing a unique and reciprocal exchange in national day celebrations. This gesture underscores the profound mutual trust and steadfast friendship underlying Indo-French ties.

Macron’s visit serves to strengthen the ambitious renewal of the France-India strategic partnership, which was charted out by the two leaders in Paris on 14 July through the “Horizon 2047 Roadmap.” This roadmap outlines shared objectives for the next 25 years, highlighting a commitment to common goals and a deepening of the Indo-French relationship.

During the Republic Day parade, a contingent from the French armed forces will join Indian troops and aviators in a flypast.

Key Areas Of Cooperation

Defense Partnership: France has solidified its position as a vital defense partner for India, accounting for 30%, and emerged as the second-largest defense supplier between 2018 and 2022. Notable joint endeavors include the induction of French P-75 Scorpene submarines and the acquisition of 36 Rafale fighter jets by the Indian Air Force. Expanding on this cooperation, the Tata group, based in Vadodara, Gujarat, collaborates with Airbus in the production of C-295 tactical transport aircraft. Another key aspect of defense collaboration is the Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL) manufacturing facility located in Mihan, Maharashtra. This facility represents a joint venture between India’s Reliance Group and the French aerospace company Dassault Aviation.

 

Military Collaboration: Regular joint military exercises between India and France, such as Shakti (Army), Varuna (Navy), and Garuda (Air Force), vividly showcase the depth of military cooperation between the two nations.

Economic Relations: France holds a prominent position as a crucial trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching USD 12.42 billion in the fiscal year 2021-22. Additionally, it stands as the 11th largest foreign investor in India, contributing a cumulative investment of USD 10.5 billion. France has emerged as a significant source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for India.

During the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi’s visit to France in May 2022, both nations solidified their economic ties through the signing of numerous Memoranda of Understanding and the issuance of Joint Statements. These documents underscored the deepening cooperation between the two countries and highlighted their commitment to initiatives such as the “Make In India” program. 

It is noteworthy that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited France in 2019 for the G7 summit, where India was recognized as a ‘Goodwill Partner,’ further emphasizing the positive and collaborative nature of their diplomatic relations.

Civil Nuclear Collaboration:  France played a crucial role in mitigating India’s isolation within the non-proliferation framework after the nuclear tests conducted in 1998. It is noteworthy that France was the first country to voice support for India during that period.

 

Bilateral Cooperation: France actively endorses India’s endeavor to secure a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council and its membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Moreover, France has consistently championed and played a crucial role in facilitating India’s inclusion and accession to all four major multilateral export control regimes such as the Wassenaar Arrangement, the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Missile Technology Control Regime, and the Australia Group.

 

Climate Initiatives: Both countries share concerns about climate change, evident through India’s endorsement of the Paris Agreement and their joint launch of the International Solar Alliance in 2015.

Maritime Relations: The Joint Strategic Vision of India-France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region and joint efforts like the Indo-Pacific Trilateral Development Cooperation Fund underscore their collective commitment to maritime security.

Space Exploration Partnership: Continual collaborative endeavors in space exploration, such as the ISRO-CNES Joint Working Group, joint missions to Mars, collective initiatives targeting space debris, and the formulation of plans for a collaborative Earth observation mission, alongside joint Indo-French satellites like TRISHNA and Megha-Tropiques, underline the resilient character of their space alliance. An agreement for cooperation on the Gaganyaan Mission further emphasizes the strength of their space partnership. 

In conclusion, the enduring diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between India and France stand as evidence of their resilience. The ongoing collaboration in diverse sectors reflects an evolution fueled by shared values and a commitment to mutual progress and development. Additionally, the relationship between the two nations underscores a focus on strategic autonomy within the context of a multi-polar world.

Satheesh is a freelance writer.

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