Published on 27 Jan 2025
India and France, two nations with a common vision and shared values, have forged a strong and enduring partnership over the past 25 years. Recently, both nations released a roadmap “Horizon 2047” to advance bilateral cooperation over the next 25 years, which will mark 100 years of India’s independence and 50 years of the India-France strategic partnership..
Areas of Cooperation
✔ Geopolitical
● Shared Values and Strategic Autonomy: India and France share common values of democracy, the rule of law, and individual freedom and strategic autonomy in shaping their foreign policies.
o Example: It has been a reliable partner in issues related to Kashmir, backing India at the UN Security Council discussions.
● Multilateral reforms: France supports India's bid for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council.
● Iran and Peace Efforts: Both countries emphasize compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran's nuclear program for regional and international peace. They also support inclusive peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.
● Deepening Strategic Cooperation: The strategic partnership established in 1998 has progressed significantly.
o Example: Intelligence-sharing and counter-terrorism cooperation have strengthened, particularly after the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
✔ Security
● Defense and High Technology: France is a potential high-tech provider, especially in dual-use technologies, and offers an alternative to Western partners.
o Example: Joint defense projects, such as Scorpene-class submarines, Rafale deals exemplify technology transfer. India is establishing a DRDO Technical Office in Paris for enhanced defense collaboration.
● Naval Cooperation: Both nations share interests in the Indian Ocean, aiming to protect sea lanes and promote security.
o Example: Varuna naval exercises
● Maritime Expansion: Both countries are deepening maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean, focusing on expanding influence from East Africa to the Malacca Straits.
● Reciprocal Logistics Support: A logistics support agreement signed in 2019 enables both nations' armed forces to receive support during authorized activities, including port visits, joint exercises, and humanitarian efforts.
✔ Technology
● Nuclear Cooperation: France was among the first countries to sign a framework agreement for the construction of two nuclear reactors in India.
o Example: Nuclear reactors in Jaitapur, Maharashtra, marking a significant milestone in civil nuclear cooperation.
● Space Collaboration: ISRO and CNES have collaborated on research programs and satellite launches. France offers expertise in space medicine and astronaut health monitoring for India's manned space mission.
● Climate Change: India and France cooperate on climate change, supporting the Paris accord and launching the International Solar Alliance in 2015.
o Example: Establishing the IPTDC Fund to support green technology in the Indo-Pacific.
✔ Infrastructure:
● Smart Cities: Two countries have partnered in the smart cities domain, collaborating to use technology and innovation for urban development.
o Example: The French Development Agency (AFD) extended a loan of 112 Mn to support India's Smart Cities Mission, while Chandigarh, Puducherry, and Nagpur have previously been identified as key cities for joint development with a commitment of $2.2 bn for the project.
Challenges in India France Relations
✔ Political Factors
● Security Cooperation Differences: Despite a robust defense partnership, differences exist in the priorities and approaches of India and France in defense and security cooperation.
o Example: India's focus on its neighborhood and its "non-aligned" policy sometimes conflicts with France's global interests.
● China Factor: France's stance on China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) differs from India's, indicating differing strategic interests regarding China.
✔ Economic Factors
● Bilateral Trade: Despite France's GDP being nearly equal to India's, bilateral trade remains at only 1.41% of India's total international trade.
● Absence of Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Despite their friendly relations, France and India lack a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between them, which hinders economic cooperation.
● Stalled trade discussions: There is a lack of progress in negotiating the India-EU BTIA, affecting bilateral trade ties.
o Example: France is only India’s 11th largest foreign investor and in 2022, bilateral trade stood at US$15.8 billion, remaining below potential.
● Trade Imbalance: France exports more to India than the other way around, causing concern for India.
● IPR Issues: France criticizes India for not adequately protecting intellectual property rights, impacting French businesses.
✔ Technology
● Slow pace: Technology and scientific collaborations have been progressing very slowly.
o Example: The Jaitapur nuclear power plant project, a collaboration between India and France initiated seven years ago, has made limited progress.
Way Forward
✔ Boosting Bilateral Trade: India and France can increase trade and investment through joint ventures, trade agreements, and cross-border investments.
✔ Strengthening Defense Ties: Enhance defense cooperation with joint military exercises, technology sharing, and joint production.
✔ Cultural Exchange: Encourage cultural exchange through student programs, arts events, and language initiatives.
✔ Climate Change and Energy: Collaborate on climate change and energy security through clean energy research, renewables promotion, and carbon reduction efforts.
✔ Science and Technology: Collaborate in science, innovation, and technology transfer for economic growth.
The partnership between India, the world's largest democracy, and France, a major European power, carries substantial weight in global affairs and serves as a platform for dialogue on regional and global challenges. Both countries should recognize the strategic importance of continuing this partnership as role models for maintaining regional stability and paving the way for groundbreaking advancements across several sectors of global importance.
World Affairs
France
Horizon 2047
Jaitapur
Rafale
General Studies Paper 2
International Relations