India and France share a robust and dynamic strategic partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to global peace and stability. Over the years, this partnership has evolved to encompass various domains, including defence, nuclear energy, space, trade, and culture. The multifaceted relationship between these two nations has been marked by high-level political interactions, significant defence cooperation, and collaborative efforts in addressing global challenges such as climate change and terrorism. The year 2023 marks 25 years of the Indo-French Strategic Partnership. Launched by France and India on January 26, 1998, on the occasion of President Chirac’s visit to India, it embodies the will of both nations to develop their respective strategic independence by drawing on concrete bilateral cooperation in order to maintain peace and global security. PM Modi paid an official visit to France in July 2023 as the Guest of Honour at the French National Day and adopted a roadmap Horizon 2047 for the next 25 years, marking centenaries of India’s independence and diplomatic relations between the two countries. Similarly, French President Emmanuel Macron was the chief guest for Republic Day 2024 marking a unique reciprocal exchange following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France.
On June 14, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held a bilateral meeting in Apulia, Italy, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. Both leaders discussed India-France bilateral relations, focusing on the Horizon 2047 Roadmap and the Indo-Pacific Roadmap. The two nations have agreed to intensify their strategic defence cooperation, with a greater emphasis on ‘Make in India’. The two nations have agreed to enhance cooperation in AI, emerging technologies, energy, and sports, while working closely in context of the forthcoming AI Summit and United Nations Oceans Conference, both to be hosted in France in 2025.
Historical Background
Relations between India and France date back to the 18th century. The political, commercial, and cultural contacts, then established, were maintained throughout the 19th century. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were formally established in 1949, after the Independence of India.
Period of neglect India’s foreign policy since independence has focused on opposing colonialism, imperialism, and racialism, under the broader term of non-alignment. This differs from France’s support for colonial power and its own policy regarding Third World territories. India also opposes military alliance systems, while France supports military blocs and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), aiming to support western military alliance systems. India’s foreign policy primarily focuses on Afro-Asian countries, while France leans towards Europe in terms of foreign policy goals. India and France had differing foreign policy outlooks in the first decade, leading to contradictory positions on various issues of international politics.
Period of new beginning In 1958, the arrival of De Gaulle in France marked a new beginning in India-France relations. This change was due to the new leader’s shift in stance on war and peace, as well as his efforts to remove NATO’s military bases from France. De Gaulle also criticised USA’s policies of aggression in Southeast Asia and the Israeli occupation of Arab territories in West Asia. He also sought to start the peace process among superpowers and earned high respect among third world countries, including India. The new regime in France took initiatives that brought India and France closer together, facilitated by bilateral compulsions. After the war with China, India felt attracted to a country with no territorial problems. De Gaulle’s foreign policy initiatives resembled those of India’s. The signing of territorial transfer treaty between India and France in middle of 1962 facilitated the process of friendly ties between the two.
A treaty enhancing economic and cultural cooperation was signed, leading to increased bilateral trade between the two countries. The main items which India exported to France included hides and skins, precious and semi-precious stones, jute manufacture, cashew kernels, vegetable products, and sandalwood oil; whereas, major imports from France have been machinery, fertilisers, iron and steel, transport equipment, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. However, it is also a fact that despite the increase in trade volume, it was not of much beneficial and significant for India.
Despite emerging economic and cultural cooperation, there were differences over foreign policy approaches between the two countries. De Gaulle’s recognition of China just 14 days after the Sino-Indian War was a setback for Indo-French relations. In Asia, France considered China as the “France of Asia”, which automatically marginalised India. Additionally, both countries followed divergent approaches in their foreign policies, with France’s based on power and India’s on non-alignment.
Emerging cooperation During the two decades leading up to the end of the Cold War, India-France relations aimed to enhance cooperation between the two nations. The multilateral cooperation can be effectively understood through analysing three main streams—economic cooperation, strategic collaborations, and political understanding.
Economic cooperation France has been generous in providing loans and grants to India, signing MoUs and agreements to cooperate in critical sectors such as energy, power, oil exploration, coal, nuclear, and space. It has also offered to establish joint ventures in India and third countries and provided food and other essential commodities during times of crisis. In 1973, the “Indo-France Study Group” was established by both countries to ensure smooth cooperation. In 1984, the Federation of French Industries and Commerce (CNPF) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) established a Joint Business Council (JBC) to promote economic and industrial cooperation between India and France. Both countries organised the ‘Festival of India’ in 1985 in France and ‘Festival of France’ in 1989 in India to strengthen their ties.
Strategic collaborations India emerged as a regional power in South Asia after the end of India-Pakistan War of 1971. However, India’s defence preparedness is still reliant on supplies from former Soviet Unions, and India is now planning to diversify its defence purchases. This was more evident after Indira Gandhi’s second term in power in the 1980s. France, a major supplier of arms in the developed world, become a viable option. Given the emerging economic and cultural cooperation, it was inevitable for India and France to come closer to each other in defence sector. In September 1976, France offered to establish a plant in India to manufacture the Mirage F-1 fighter aircraft. In 1982, France agreed to sell its Mirage-2000 fighter aircrafts to India. Aside from the delivery of fighter planes and missiles, France resolved India’s critical challenge of supplying enriched uranium to Tarapur.
Political understanding The strengthening of economic and strategic ties between two countries is attributed to a deeper political understanding among their political leaders. They share common perceptions on bilateral and global concerns, which developed through increased visits to each other's nations. These visits allowed them to understand each other’s concerns and problems faced by developing countries, generating commonalities on serious global issues. Emotional overtones also created further closeness between the two countries. This emerging political understanding led to sound bilateral cooperation in sensitive areas like defence, space, nuclear, and aviation. Both leaders became aware of emerging differences and economic irregularities among North and South countries and recognised the need for global cooperation on environmental and economic issues.
Strengthening of Ties after the Cold War
Post-Cold War, cooperation between both nations was consolidated through economic ties, defence cooperation, and political understandings.
Bilateral trade In this post-Cold War scenario, India regards France as a crucial source of technology, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), and enhancing its ties with the European Union. By 2009, total bilateral trade went up by 99 per cent, whereas India’s exports increased up by almost 167 per cent. India and France’s bilateral trade has remained steady in the US$ 11–13 billion range for the last five years ending FY 2022–23. India’s exports to France have steadily increased in last 5 years from US$ 5.23 billion in 2018–19 to US$ 7.61 billion in 2022–23.
Defence cooperation One of the cornerstones of Indo-France relations is defence cooperation. The two countries have a long history of military collaboration, characterised by joint exercises, defence sales, and technology transfers. The most prominent defence deal in recent times is the procurement of Rafale fighter jets. In 2016, India signed a deal with France to purchase 36 Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation, significantly enhancing the Indian Air Force’s capabilities. Another important defence collaboration is the construction of Scorpene-class submarines under Project 75. The submarines, built at Mazagon Dock Limited in collaboration with France’s Naval Group, bolster India’s underwater warfare capabilities.
Joint military exercises The Varuna naval exercise is an annual event that underscores the operational cooperation between the Indian and French navies. The Garuda exercise involves the air forces of both countries, focusing on air combat tactics, operations, and training. The Shakti, a biennial military exercise between the Indian Army and the French Army, focuses on training for ground control operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under United Nations mandate.
Political partnership The political understandings have been strengthened by the ‘Indo-French Joint Commission for cooperation in culture, education and science’. Establishment of Indo-French Forum in 1998 has strengthened their ties further. The presence of large number of Indian communities in France has fostered close ties between India and France. On the same line, during French President Chirac’s visit to India in 1998, he and the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee elevated the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, the first for India and a sign of burgeoning bilateral ties in what would become an increasingly contested multipolar world. Thus, political relationships between the two countries were strengthened by socio, cultural, and humanitarian ties, bringing them closer together.
Nuclear collaboration France was the first country to recognise the strategic importance of India after the nuclear tests in 1998. In 2008, France became the first country to sign a civil nuclear deal with India. The partnership with France is India’s most important strategic partnership in Europe. The most ambitious project under this partnership is the proposed Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant in Maharashtra. When completed, it will be the largest nuclear power plant in the world, with a capacity of 9,900 MW. The project, involving France’s EDF (Electricite de France) and India’s NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited), is expected to significantly boost India’s nuclear energy capacity.
Solar alliance The Indian Solar Alliance (ISA), established by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande in 2015, aims to increase solar energy production and reduce costs by aggregating demand for solar finance, technologies, innovation, research, and capacity building. It is an international intergovernmental organisation, aims to raise over US$ 1000 billion by 2030 for the widespread deployment of solar energy.
Space collaboration Space collaboration is another critical area of Indo-France relations, with both nations leveraging their expertise in space technology for mutual benefit. The 2011 Megha-Tropiques satellite mission, a joint effort between ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and France’s CNES (National Centre for Space Studies) aimed to study the water cycle in tropical atmosphere, showcasing successful space collaboration. SARAL (Satellite with ARgos and ALtiKa), launched in 2013, is another joint satellite mission aimed at studying oceanography and climate change.
Cultural and educational exchanges Cultural and educational exchanges play a vital role in strengthening people-to-people ties between India and France. Bonjour India is a festival celebrating Indo-French collaboration in innovation, creativity, and culture, featuring exhibitions, performances, and workshops across India. Alliance Francaise in India is a network that promotes French language and culture, fostering a deeper understanding of the French language and culture. Similarly, there are numerous student exchange programmes between Indian and French universities, enhancing academic collaboration and providing students with opportunities to gain international exposure. France welcomed India joining the “Mercator” initiative to create a global digital twin of the ocean.
Recent Trends and Developments
Economic India and the EU resumed talks for a comprehensive free trade agreement after nine years, concluding the first round of negotiations for Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreements (BTIA), including the Geographical Indicators, on July 1, 2023. The 18th Joint Economic Committee meeting, held virtually between the two countries on November 27, 2020, led to the signing of a bilateral ‘Fast Track Mechanism’ for investors. India and France have mutually agreed to utilise the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in France. In the coming days, it will begin from the Eiffel Tower, which means Indian tourists will now be able to pay in rupees.
Health India and France have signed an MoU on January 25, 2022, establishing a scope for cooperation in health research. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Institute Pasteur, France, are partnering to research emerging infectious diseases and inherited disorders, aiming to provide effective, affordable healthcare solutions for both India and France.
Stance against terrorism Both Prime Minister Modi and President Macron condemned the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 30 French nationals, the deadliest attack on French interests since 2016. They expressed solidarity with Israel and emphasised the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law while facilitating aid to Gaza. The leaders called for the immediate release of all hostages and reaffirmed the need for a two-state solution for lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. They also expressed concerns about the potential expansion of the conflict, particularly in the Red Sea, which could have significant global economic consequences. Both nations condemned terrorism in all its forms and committed to combating it collectively, advocating for concerted action against terrorists and adherence to international standards on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing. Macron and Modi highlighted the importance of their growing counter-terrorism cooperation, including through their Joint Working Group on Counter-terrorism. They welcomed the formalisation of collaboration between India’s National Security Guard (NSG) and France’s GIGN for enhanced counter-terrorism efforts. Together, they reaffirmed their commitment to combat terrorism and promote stability in the Middle East and beyond, showcasing the depth of their strategic partnership.
Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale, popularly known as GIGN is an elite tactical unit of French army and is considered as one of the world’s highest specialised military units for its operational capabilities.
Multilateral cooperation and UNSC reform Prime minister Modi and President Macron called for reformed and effective multilateralism to address global challenges. They stressed the urgent need for UN Security Council reform and France reiterated support for India’s permanent UNSC membership. The leaders agreed to strengthen conversations on regulating veto use in mass atrocities. They welcomed the G20’s efforts to reform multilateral development banks to better address development and climate issues in poorer nations.
Defence and space India and France have agreed to establish a strategic dialogue on space issues through the India-France Space Pact. In November 2022, India and France discussed defence collaboration and explored additional opportunities under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France in July 2023, strategic deliberations were held at the 11th India-France CEO Forum to promote investment opportunities in these sectors and foster greater manufacturing and ease of doing business. India and France have agreed to develop new military equipment as part of a long-term roadmap, as per French Ambassador to India, Emmanuel Lenain.
Strengthening Indo-Pacific security France and India along with Japan are cooperating closely and emphasising on Southeast Asian geography and ASEAN centrality in their Indo-Pacific strategies to preserve stability, counter China’s assertiveness, and promote a rules-based order, through minilateral agreements like the QUAD (India, Japan, Australia, and the US), maritime exercises like ‘La Perouse’, and partnerships with regional countries like Sri Lanka.
Horizon 2047 To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Indo-French strategic partnership (signed on January 26, 1998), both countries have agreed to adopt a roadmap to chart the course for the bilateral relationship up to 2047, which will mark the centenary of India’s independence, the centenary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and 50 years of strategic partnership. The Horizon 2047 signifies a strong collaboration across various sectors such as defence, space, civil nuclear, blue economy, trade, investment, education, culture, and people-to-people ties based on three main pillars namely (i) partnership for security and sovereignty, (ii) partnership for the planet, and (iii) partnership for the people.
The document highlights that both countries will jointly work upon:
- building sovereign defence capabilities;
- providing concrete solutions to make Indo-Pacific an area of stability and sustainable development;
- putting space at the heart of strategic relationship;
- adapting the fight against terrorism to the new threats to better protect citizens;
- promoting a renewed and effective multilateralism;
- joining forces to make science, technological innovation, and academic cooperation vectors of progress and independence for countries;
- strengthening energy security to meet climate objectives;
- addressing the triple crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution;
- supporting urban and ecological transitions in India as well as social inclusion;
- strengthening trade and facilitating investments between our two countries, with a view to sustainable growth and transition to low carbon energy;
- promoting exchanges, especially for the benefit of youth; and
- promoting regular dialogue between countries cultures.
Through this ambitious roadmap, the India-France Strategic Partnership will further diversify into new areas of cooperation while also deepening existing programmes of shared interest.
Challenges
Despite the strong foundation and numerous successes in their bilateral relations, several challenges persist that could impact the trajectory of Indo-French partnership. For example, defence deal of procurement of Rafale fighter jets often encounter complexities. The deal was mired in controversy and faced political scrutiny in India, which impacted the bilateral discourse.
Similarly, while bilateral trade between India and France has grown, it remains relatively modest compared to their economic potential. The trade imbalance, with India having a trade deficit, is a concern.
Cultural and social differences, sometimes, lead to misunderstandings and misperceptions. For instance, business practices and negotiation styles differ significantly between the two countries, which can affect commercial and diplomatic engagements.
While India and France often align on major global issues such as climate change and counterterrorism, there are instances where their geopolitical interests diverge. For example, France’s close ties with Pakistan, especially in the context of defence sales, have occasionally caused concern in India.
Conclusion
While India and France enjoy a robust and dynamic partnership, several challenges persist that could impact the future trajectory of their bilateral relations. Addressing issues related to defence cooperation, trade imbalances, cultural differences, and geopolitical divergences requires sustained diplomatic efforts, mutual understanding, and strategic foresight. By acknowledging and addressing these challenges, India and France can further strengthen their partnership, ensuring it remains resilient and adaptable in an increasingly complex global landscape. Through continued dialogue, collaboration, and respect for each other’s unique contexts and interests, both nations can navigate these challenges and build a more robust and mutually beneficial relationship. The collaboration between the two countries will undoubtedly contribute to regional and global stability, prosperity, and peace.
Way forward India and France can further strengthen their relationship by:
Accelerating trade negotiations Expedite the negotiations on the BTIA, utilising France’s position as a key supporter within the EU to facilitate progress.
Explore a bilateral economic partnership agreement as an interim measure to enhance trade relations while awaiting the completion of the BTIA.
Expanding research and innovation collaboration Broaden the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA) model to include sectors beyond science and technology, fostering innovation and joint research initiatives.
Use the Japan-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement as a template for developing similar frameworks that can enhance bilateral economic ties.
Encouraging the transfer of intellectual property and technology Establish a joint working group focused on intellectual property protection and technology transfer to facilitate smoother exchanges and collaborations.
Create sector-specific trade facilitation mechanisms to address challenges and enhance trade efficiency.
Participating in strategic dialogues Enhance strategic dialogues to align perspectives on global issues, particularly in areas of mutual interest such as Indo-Pacific security.
Leverage the India-France-Australia trilateral initiative to explore aligned interests and collaborative opportunities.
Addressing emerging global tensions Strengthen intelligence sharing and develop joint crisis response mechanisms to effectively manage geopolitical challenges.
Expand the Quad (India, the US, Japan, Australia) framework to include France in specific areas, fostering a united approach to regional security.
Increasing naval cooperation Enhance naval cooperation in the Indian Ocean, particularly against China’s assertiveness, by expanding joint naval exercises like Varuna to include other regional partners.
Boosting educational exchanges Target an increase in the number of Indian students in France to 30,000 by 2030, alongside initiatives like offering five-year short-stay Schengen visas for Indian students.
Promote cultural exchanges and collaborations between civil societies to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen ties.
Supporting greater student mobility Address barriers posed by France’s immigration laws to ensure that educational initiatives can thrive and attract more Indian students.
Collaborating on global issues Position India and France as middle powers advocating for a multipolar world, focusing on shared interests in counter-terrorism, climate change, and sustainable development.
France’s support for India’s bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council can further solidify their partnership in global governance.
Taking joint initiatives in the indo-Pacific Develop comprehensive initiatives, such as the Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation Fund, to support development projects in the region, reinforcing their commitment to shared values and mutual interests.
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