INDIA AND FRANCE EMBRACED TIGHTLY AND EXCHANGED A SOLID HANDSHAKE

Credits : The Financial Express

The recent visit of the Indian Prime minister to France as the Guest of Honor at the Ballistic Day parade in Paris coincides with the 25th anniversary of its strategic partnership with France. The visit was very special which made a major shift in the bilateral relations and also led to the development of trilateral and multilateral relations by connecting the entire European region with India through France. Historical influences, democratic and other shared human values, shared view of a multipolar world, trading gains, collective dreams, mutual benefits, strategic autonomy, and non-interference in each other’s internal matters, promoting peace, stability and security, sustainable development and so on are the major determining factors of the bond between New Delhi and Paris. The visit concluded with several deals and agreements to boost their ties, particularly in the area of defense. Both of them together adopted a road map to set the course for their bilateral relationship up to 2047, the year that marks the centenary of Indian independence and diplomatic relations with France and 50 years of their strategic partnership.

HISTORY OF INDO-FRANCE RELATION

A quick glance into the Indo-France relations takes us back to the medieval period when both regions had close economic and trade relations and cultural exchanges. There were also to and fro migrations of people. The French were also one among the colonial powers that colonised various regions of India. In 1664 French East India Company was established in India. Also, India and France were on the same side in World Wars 1 and 2.

It was only in 1947 that India established diplomatic relations with France as an independent country. There has been significant progress in Indo-France relations after the Cold War. In 1998, they signed a landmark agreement, thereby establishing a strong strategic partnership. Later on, on many occasions, the leaders of both the countries visited each other. In 1998, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2018 the French President made multiple visits to India and there were also visits by Indian Prime Ministers in 2008, 2009, 2015, 2022 and 2023. Each of these visits led to many progressive developments in their bilateral relations.

MAJOR PILLARS OF INDO-FRANCE RELATIONS

DEFENCE

France is a tried and tested defence partner of India. France was the second largest defence supplier to India in the recent period of 2017-2021. There are numerous key defence agreements between India and France. The technology transfer agreement of 2005 led to the production of French Scorpene submarines in India. In 2016 Indian Air Force brought 36 Rafale fighter aircraft from France. France is also a supporter of defence manufacturing in India as part of the Make in India program. India and France also conduct regular joint military exercises of Varuna (Navy), Garuda (Air Force), Shakti (Army), IMEX 22, and Desert Knight (Air Force). They also have a High Committee on Defence Cooperation (HCDC) which meets annually. Furthermore, systematic efforts are also directed towards passing information on various matters like nuclear energy, cyber security, intelligence, terrorism, space and so on. In the face of evolving global scenarios, defence relations with France hints towards a shift in India's Foreign policy.

TRADE AND ECONOMY

France holds the 11th position when it comes to Foreign Investment in India. The bilateral trade was over $12 billion in the 2021-22 period and it is showing a rising trend. Major sectors attracting FDI from France include chemicals, cement, software, electrical equipments, fuels, automobiles etc. Many companies and businesses of both countries established their presence in the other. Popular French companies in India include Capgemini, Schneider, Electric, Lafarge, Renault, Sanofi, Aventis, Essilor, Louis Dreyfus, Armateurs, Onyx, Areva, L’Oreal, GDF, Vici, Veolia, Vicat etc. Major Indian companies in France include Infosys, Wipro, Mahindra, HCL, Hinduja, Tata consultancy, Zydus etc. India has a Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with France. India saw the UK as the connecting point with Europe. But after Brexit, India replaced France in the position of the UK.

ENERGY COOPERATION

France played a major role in helping India to overcome the nuclear sanctions. France did not join the West in sanctioning India for its nuclear tests in 1974 and 1998. The removal of restrictions by the Nuclear Suppliers Group on India (NSG) set the stage for the signing of the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement between India and France. France also agreed to the construction of 6 nuclear reactors for civilian purposes in India. Both countries also entered into an International Solar Alliance in 2015 after the Paris Agreement. They also agreed to establish a partnership on modular and advanced modular reactors to improve the scope of nuclear technology.

COUNTERTERRORISM

France is a trusted partner of India in counterterrorism activities. It was after the incident of the Paris bomb attacks that their bilateral cooperation to counter terrorism started. France showed its support for the call made by India in the UN regarding a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT). Ample arrangements are also made between both countries for sharing information regarding terrorism. There is also strong cooperation between GIGN of France and INDIA’s National Security Guard.

MARITIME COOPERATION

India and France signed the Agreement on Exchange of Surveillance Information to deal with piracy and to ensure the peaceful movement of ships and vessels in the ocean. Both countries are allowing the other to operate from their naval bases in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) through a Mutual Logistics Support Agreement. They also conduct joint patrolling in the Indian Ocean. In 2016 for encouraging the movement of commercial ships they signed a White Ship Agreement. Through a Trilateral agreement India, France and UAE aim to ensure maritime security and awareness. Both of them share the vision of an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

SPACE COOPERATION

France is a major partner of India in the Space sector. In 2020 a joint working group was formed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) to strengthen their cooperation. They are collaborating in areas of research and exploration, satellite technology, observation missions, launches, space debris management and so on. TRISHNA, Megha-Tropiques, and SARAL are some satellites that they jointly developed. France is also a major raw material supplier for the Indian Space industry. There is a recent agreement between them for cooperation in the Gaganyaan mission. In 2018 GSAT-11 was launched from French Guiana. They are planning a Joint Mars Mission in the near future. In 2021 they set up the plan for the joint Earth Observation Mission to study atmosphere and climate.

TECHNOLOGICAL COOPERATION

India and France developed a roadmap for cyber security and digital technologies. In 1987 the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advance Research (CEFIPRA) started to promote scientific research. France provides a special tech visa for Indian engineers. Both of them also established strong cooperation in cyber security and digital infrastructure. They are also looking forward to more cooperation on supercomputing, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies etc.

ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION

India and France expressed their commitment in dealing with climate change and other environmental problems. They together launched the Indo-French Year of the environment in January 2021 for environment protection and sustainable development. Both of them are parties to major agreements regarding the environment. They are in cooperation to achieve a low carbon economy by following the sustainable development goals and objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement. France promised full support to the LiFE mission adopted by India for resource-efficient constructions. Furthermore, they created a road map on Blue Economy and Ocean Governance in 2022 for sustainable management of marine resources which is a new area of cooperation. They are also helping each other in responding to natural hazards and disaster management by sharing knowledge and forming links between civil society organizations.

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

It was actually in 1998 that, Indo-France relations took a strategic turn. With such a partnership their bilateral relations got stronger through regular high-level exchanges at the head of state and head of government levels by respecting strategic autonomy. Both countries began to express their support to each other on international stages. They are working for a multipolar democratic world order. France is always in Support of India for a permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). France also backs India for its membership in Wassenaar Arrangement (WA), Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), Australia Group (AG) and so on. The strategic partnership remained strong even during many difficult times. In the recent visit of the Prime Minister, France remained silent about India's approach on the Russia-Ukraine war while many other European countries raised it. India also did not utter a word regarding the violence that took place in France following the death of a teenager. India and France always share remarkable similarities in their strategic outlook.

IMPACT OF THE RECENT FRANCE VISIT OF INDIAN PRIME MINISTER

In June this year, the Indian PM made an important visit to France as the guest of Honour at the French Bastille Day parade in Paris. The visit also marks the 25th anniversary of the Indo-France strategic partnership. The visit is of great importance due to many dimensions as it concluded with several deals and agreements which can boost their ties in future. Both of them together launched “Horizon 2047” as the agenda for more stronger relationship covering aspects of defence, economy, trade, technology, environment, people-to-people contacts and so on. An Indo-Pacific road map for the future was also created which includes military exchanges and also a trilateral development fund for Indo-Pacific countries. Both countries also took steps for the collaboration of the French company Safran and Defence Research And Development Organisation (DRDO) for the development of jet engines and to build submarines jointly by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and the naval group of France. Both countries expressed their commitment to adopt an international treaty to end plastic pollution. They signed a letter of intent on health and medicine for cooperation in public health and medical research. They also launched a partnership between the French Research Institute for Exploration of the Sea and India’s National Institute of Ocean Technology in ocean research under the road map on Blue Economy. France also announced financing of 923 crores from the French Development Agency for phase 2 of India’s “CITIIS 2.0” programme. A partnership was also announced between McPhy and L&T for electrolyzer manufacturing in India. Announcements were also made to promote people-to-people partnerships like plans for improving student mobility, establishing a National Museum, cooperation in sports, opening of Consulate General of India in Marseille and a Bureau de France in Hyderabad etc.

CHALLENGES IN THE RELATIONSHIP

Regardless of having good relations, there are also some issues which need to be addressed. There are still some trade issues among them. India is facing a deficit trade situation with France. There is no Free Trade Agreement between both countries which restricts the full utilisation of the trade potential. There are also situations when there is a clash of interests between them. India has a more regional, non-aligned approach which can cause conflicts with France having a more global interest. France also raised concerns regarding India’s position in the WTO on many issues. France also has disagreements on environmental policies and protection of Intellectual Property Rights in India. Also their stands in the BRI of China, Russian- Ukraine war are contrasting. Many of the projects and agreements made by the countries are still not implemented like the Jaitapur nuclear power project. The delays and differences that occurred in the Rafael deal also created challenges. But none of these issues endangered their relationship due to the strong trust and mutual understanding between them over the last 25 years.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

India and France share a very good relationship by recognising common interests and supporting each other’s growth and development through collective actions to overcome all obstacles and challenges faced by them in their path of development. France and India should focus on identifying their common interests and resolving the differences between them to upgrade their relationship to new heights in the near future. Strategic autonomy and non-interference in each other’s internal matters, a common aim for a multipolar world are the salient features in their relationship. This policy will benefit both of them in future in developing mutual trust and strong ties. France will be a perfect partner for India in the areas of diplomacy, defence, space and nuclear sectors and India will be a perfect ally for France in the areas of trade, defence, environment and counterterrorism. Indo-France relations is also capable of developing a good relation of Europe with the South Asian part in future . Their relations have the potential to shape international order as they have the capacity to use strong diplomacy among a large section of the world. New initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and cooperation in the Indo pacific region will reap its benefits in future. The Indo-France ties can also balance the influence of China as both of them have a common concern about Chinese expansionism. France and India can also consider setting up joint ventures, creating trade agreements, supporting cross-border investments, more joint military exercises, technology transfers with each other, joint productions in defence, and space sectors, promoting student exchanges, conducting cultural events and programs, collaborating on sustainable development programs etc. India and France bring a regional power, their partnership has great implications for the future and will be capable of bringing positive developments in the International system.

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BY : SaiKrishnan JS

saikrishnanjayababu@gmail.com