New twists and turns mark the diplomatic ties between the two friendly nations but the relationship between India and France remain strong
On September 9–10, 2023, India held the G20 Leaders' Summit at the recently opened Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in Pagati Madan. India's accession of the G20 chair marks a crucial turning point in the country's development as a global leader. It excels in this role not only because of its pragmatic approach but also because of its philosophical outlook, which is reflected in the phrase "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam." The recent visit of French President Emmanuel Macron with Indian Prime Minister Mr Narender Modi at the G20 Summit shows their diligent commitment to enhance defence cooperation. The India-France strategic partnership, fostered for more than two decades, exhibits its resilience through its close and friendly relations based on mutual trust, shared values, a commitment to international law and the UN Charter, a firm belief in multilateralism, and a shared desire for a stable multipolar world.
DEFENCE ENDEAVOURS
France had supported India through the tough times by continuously showing that it is a staunch supplier and steady consort. Both nations have strived to deepen and expand their collaboration as the convolutions in the global geopolitical order have evolved over a period. One of the first nations with which India signed a civil nuclear agreement was France. It had provided the fuel for the Tarapur plant after the US stopped off supply in 1984. They inked a civil nuclear collaboration agreement in 2008, following the Nuclear Suppliers Group waiver, forming the basis for the construction of the French Extended Producer Responsibility reactors in India. Not only this but the Mirage also-2000 which has served as the primary multifunctional fighter and has proven itself time most conspicuously in the 1998 Kargil War has also been supplied by France.Paris was also essential in preventing India from being too isolated in the non-proliferation system following the nuclear tests in 1998. France supports India's application for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council as well as its admission to the Nuclear Suppliers Group as a sign of growing collaboration. Recently, India had also agreed on the procurement of 26 Rafale M fighter jets and three Scorpene submarines.
MARITIME SYNERGY
Indian Ocean Region’s stability and security are intimately concurrent with India's maritime safety. Concerning the Indian Ocean Region, India-France Maritime Security Cooperation has made great strides in recent years. India is a major force in the region with a 7500-kilometre-long coastline and a two-million-square-kilometre EEZ. Most of India's commerce is facilitated by the Indian Ocean region. France, on the other hand, belongs to the Indian Ocean Area because it has a sizable EEZ in addition to its ultramarine assets such as the La Réunion Islands and Mayotte.
There are more than four thousand French military personnel deployed in the Indian Ocean, including Djibouti, Abu Dhabi, and other foreign territories. Both nations strive to guarantee peace and stability in the IOR because of their significant interests and have a history of successful cooperation and fruitful partnerships. In conclusion, the perception of shared characteristics and the potential for realising synergies and mutual benefits in particular domains serve as the foundation for French interest in India. The geopolitical similarities between France and India go beyond the surface. France has promoted inclusivity, cohesion, and unity in an international effort to address global concerns and create a more stable international order. It is grounded on both nations' fundamental belief in a multipolar world and the idea of strategic autonomy.
(The author has worked as assistant professor and writes on international relations; views are personal)
