The strategic relationship between France and India, built over the past 20 years, is a unique tribute to the strength and depth of diplomatic connections between two countries with diverse global positions and rich histories. This article explores the many facets of this strategic alliance, including its historical foundations, current difficulties, common issues, cooperation in the areas of economy and defence, and future cooperation plans.
Historical Bases:
The groundwork for India’s first-ever strategic alliance with France was laid by the important contract that was signed on January 26, 1998. These countries have endured international upheavals, diplomatic changes, and geopolitical revolutions over the last 25 years. The historical background demonstrates France’s astute assessment of India’s place on the globe and its early identification of its geopolitical significance.
Dynamic Geopolitical Landscape:
Since winning independence in 1947, India, the largest democracy in the world, has continuously affirmed its independent global stance. India’s foreign policy has been heavily influenced by the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the desire for a multipolar, multilateral global community. Sensitive to India’s democratic ideals, France became an unwavering ally, as demonstrated by occasions like President Jacques Chirac’s 1976 visit as the Republic Day Chief Guest.
Recent Challenges and Shared Concerns:
The alliance between France and India has hurdles due to the current geopolitical context. France’s relations with longstanding friends like the US and the UK were damaged by the AUKUS accord. At the same time, India struggles with the existence of separatists from Khalistan in Western nations. The way the West has responded to actions taken against India on their territory highlights issues of international relations, reciprocity, and striking a careful balance between national interests and common global concerns.
Fundamentals of Collaboration:
The fundamental tenet of the strategic alliance between France and India is sovereignty. Both countries place a strong emphasis on a give-and-take approach, respecting one another’s domestic affairs free from outside intervention. This idea permeates their external policy communication as well, with a focus on shared objectives such as their shared commitment to co-development, advanced tech collaboration in defence, space, and civil nuclear, and ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in crucial sectors.
Defence and Economic Cooperation:
Beyond diplomatic niceties, the strategic relationship includes significant defence and economic cooperation. Adopted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, the ‘Horizon 2047’ programme provides a detailed plan of action for the following 25 years. It highlights India’s sovereignty and self-sufficiency in vital areas, opening the door for joint defence development projects like submarines and naval ships as well as continuing talks for nuclear reactors of French provenance at Jaitapur.
Climate Change and the Indo-Pacific Roadmap:
A precise plan of action was agreed upon during PM Modi’s visit, as both countries are involved in the Indo-Pacific area. Their influence in the region is further reinforced by trilateral collaboration with countries such as Australia and the United Arab Emirates. Working together to combat climate change is also essential; their shared commitment to environmental sustainability is demonstrated by their focus on ocean governance and the blue economy.
Diplomatic Manner and Worldwide Impact:
One significant feature of the alliance is the diplomatic stances that France and India have taken. They both avoid meddling in one another’s domestic affairs, which distinguishes them from the Western bloc. While Western countries frequently report on international press freedom, democracy, and religious freedom, India and France continue to play the role of silent diplomats when it comes to domestic issues, stressing the value of respecting each other’s sovereignty.
Looking Forward:
The visit by President Emmanuel Macron to India is a significant event in the development of the strategic alliance between the two countries. Consolidating defence, diplomatic, and economic cooperation is still the major priority. India’s expanding economic power and global clout make the cooperation more and more valuable for France, providing strategic independence and a conduit to the Global South.
Financial Cooperation:
A bilateral strategy encompassing a wide range of economic sectors was adopted during Prime Minister Modi’s July visit to France. This plan places a strong emphasis on developing economic relations and establishing cooperative projects in the fields of artificial intelligence, digital technology, green hydrogen, semiconductors, cyberspace, and renewable energy. Both countries are aggressively seeking to collaborate in the technological supply chains as well as the start-up and innovation ecosystems.
Cooperation in Advanced Technologies:
In the fields of sophisticated digital technologies, such as supercomputing, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies, France and India are actively collaborating. The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPIA) is a part of this partnership. Both countries are looking into possible areas of cooperation in the field of space-based defence capabilities, which will strengthen their technological partnership.
Cooperation in Defence and Atmanirbharta:
‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) aims are the focal points of India-France defence cooperation. Initiatives like building submarines and other military equipment demonstrate the dedication to co-production and co-development. The extent of their defence cooperation is demonstrated by India’s plan to build three more Scorpene submarines and purchase 26 Rafales (naval version) for its new aircraft carrier.
In the fields of sophisticated digital technologies, such as supercomputing, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies, France and India are actively collaborating. The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPIA) is a part of this partnership. Both countries are looking into possible areas of cooperation in the field of space-based defence capabilities, which will strengthen their technological partnership.
Nuclear Collaboration:
The ongoing construction of six nuclear reactors with French origins at Jaitapur is still an essential component of their nuclear cooperation. Cooperation in small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), which represent cutting-edge nuclear technology and have a power capability of up to 300 MW per unit, is another topic of discussion. Both countries keep talking to find answers, even though there are still issues with the Jaitapur nuclear project, particularly those that are financial in nature.
Asia-Pacific’s Strategic Importance:
India’s increasing sway over the Indo-Pacific area harmonises well with France’s lands and military presence there. China poses a security threat to India, while France worries that China’s influence may weaken its position in the Pacific and the western Indian Ocean. Their cooperation in the maritime domain is a concrete manifestation of their combined endeavours to offset China’s aggressiveness in the area.
Multilateral cooperation and counterterrorism:
One important component of the strategic partnership between France and India is counterterrorism cooperation. To keep abreast of the changing threat, both countries have decided to step up their cooperation in all spheres. This covers opposing online radicalization, preventing the financing of terrorists, operational collaboration, and international action. Their dedication to eradicating violent extremist and terrorist content from the internet is demonstrated by initiatives such as the Christchurch Call to Action and No Money for Terror (NMFT).
Revival of Culture and Civilization:
India’s resurgence as a culture and civilization gives its worldwide footprint a special touch. By presenting itself as a representative of the Global South, the nation increases its diplomatic influence when negotiating international affairs. This cultural component adds to India’s strategic importance to France, transforming the relationship from a transactional one to one that is firmly based on shared ideals.
Geopolitical Changes and Diplomatic Difficulties:
India and France are growing closer, but they still have political obstacles to overcome in the international arena. Germany’s pro-Atlantic posture dominates the European Union (EU), where France faces opposition in its quest for strategic autonomy. There are tensions between the French and German duo in the EU as France’s standing in West Africa declines. In this context, French policymakers find joy in their country’s special relationship with India, a former British colony.
Global Presence and Strategic Independence:
India’s rise to become the fastest-growing major economy in the world, with a projected position of third largest by 2030, enhances its prominence globally. India’s ability to withstand demands that go against its national interests is demonstrated by the success of its G20 chairmanship and a self-assured diplomatic stance. India’s goal of strategic autonomy in international affairs is seen in its alliance with forums led by the West while maintaining concurrent interaction with China and Russia.
The significance of the strategic cooperation between France and India is highlighted as President Emmanuel Macron graces India’s Republic Day celebrations as the Chief Guest. These countries’ cooperation, which is based on mutual respect for sovereignty, common values, and co-development, provides a model for diplomatic relations in a complicated international setting. Given their shared history and current circumstances, India and France have entwined fates that will likely lead to more economic, defence, and diplomatic collaboration in the future.
