By Manoj Motwani -
The partnership between India and France grounded in shared values of democracy, multipolarity, and the rule of law. These foundational principles ensure that the future holds even greater growth and cooperation between these two nations.
French President Emmanuel Macron assumed the role of India's chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations and parade on January 26, 2024. This marked the sixth time a French president received this honor, highlighting the strengthening strategic alliance between the two countries as they commemorated their 25th anniversary. Alongside Macron, a group of 95 individuals and a 33-member band from France participated in the march past. The fly-past segment showcased two Rafale fighters and an Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft from the French Air and Space Force (FASF).
As the world rapidly evolves, President Biden missed an opportunity to solidify the ties between the United States and India. However, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi swiftly and wisely filled this gap by extending an invitation to France's Emmanuel Macron to be the chief guest. Macron, demonstrating equal creativity, responded positively and promptly. This move from New Delhi and Paris carries a clear message to the United States.
Indo-French relations have a long-standing history dating back to 1674 when the French arrived in India, particularly in Pondicherry. Subsequently, the French established colonies in Pondicherry, Karaikal, Yanam, Mahe, and Chandanagar. Peacefully, in 1954, all these territories were transferred to India, solidifying the historical connection between the two nations.
The presence of the Indian tri-services contingent at this year's Bastille Day parade is a testament to a century-old connection and the deep bond shared between the armies of India and France. According to India's defense ministry, more than 1.3 million Indian soldiers, hailing from both British India and French India, participated in World War I. Many of these soldiers fought alongside France's troops in the perilous trenches on French soil.
During his visit in 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute at the Indian Memorial located at Neuve Chapelle in northern France. This memorial serves as a commemoration to over 4,700 Indian soldiers and laborers who made the ultimate sacrifice on the Western Front during the Great War.
In 1947, India and France officially established diplomatic relations. During the Cold War, France provided support to India and even tacitly endorsed India's nuclear capabilities. Notably, France chose not to join the United States-led initiative to impose sanctions on India after its nuclear tests in Pokhran in May 1998. Furthermore, France has reaffirmed its backing for India's aspirations to secure a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and its inclusion in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). France has acknowledged India as a "significant player" on the global stage, lending further support to its endeavors.
In 2008, France became the first country to sign a civil nuclear deal with India, further strengthening their relationship. The two countries elevated their ties to a strategic partnership in 1998, and in 2023, they celebrated the 25th anniversary of this partnership. Over the past decade, diplomatic cooperation between India and France has significantly accelerated, highlighting the growing importance of their relationship.
As per the India Brand Equity Foundation, 39 out of the 40 companies listed on the French stock exchange are actively conducting their business operations in India. The signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would play a significant role in boosting trade between the two countries. Over the past five years, concluding in the fiscal year 2022-23, the bilateral trade between India and France has maintained a consistent range of $11-13 billion. For the first time, the total trade for the fiscal year 2022-23 has exceeded the $13 billion mark, with Indian exports surpassing $7 billion. Notably, India's exports to France have steadily risen from $5.23 billion in 2018-19 to $7.61 billion in 2022-23.
During the period from 2018-19 to 2022-23, Indian exports have exhibited an average growth rate of 45.5%, although this figure has been subject to substantial fluctuations due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conversely, India's imports from France have declined over the past five years, decreasing from $6.66 billion in 2018-19 to $5.77 billion in 2022-23. This reversal has resulted in a trade balance that favors India. As per the assessments by Business France, a public agency dedicated to promoting trade, French companies provide employment opportunities to approximately 300,000 individuals in India.
The diplomatic ties between India and France are based on three key principles: a commitment to strategic autonomy, mutual respect for non-interference in internal affairs, and non-alignment. Also, Former Indian Ambassador to France, Mohan Kumar, highlighted that “France was the first country to recognise the strategic importance of India after the nuclear tests in 1998. The partnership with France is India’s most important strategic partnership in Europe. It is one of India’s rare partnerships that is marked by total convergence.”
The bond between the two nations is growing stronger, fuelled by their shared belief in a world with multiple centres of power, democratic values, and adherence to the rule of law. The French foreign ministry has affirmed that the partnership between India and France places significant emphasis on various areas such as civil nuclear energy, counter-terrorism, space cooperation, green hydrogen, cyber security, digital technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and defense. India and France strive to uphold reliable and indigenous defense capabilities, a pursuit that has resulted in both countries becoming nuclear powers, and they staunchly safeguard their independent strategic trajectories.
Defense plays a crucial role in the strategic partnership between India and France, with India placing great importance on self-reliance in defense. The focus lies in achieving goals centered around co-production and co-development, particularly in the construction of submarines and naval vessels. This aspect forms a significant pillar of their partnership. According to a SIPRI report published last March, France’s defence exports to India experienced a remarkable 489 per cent increase between 2013-17 and 2018-22. India has also procured as many as 36 Rafale Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy, with an estimated value of $6 billion. This acquisition would greatly enhance India's naval capabilities in the Indian Ocean.
Renowned worldwide as a hub of arts, philosophy, and culture, France possesses highly esteemed universities that are in high demand among international students. In global rankings, France holds the 8th position worldwide and the 5th position in Europe as one of the top study destinations. Presently, there are 250,000 international students studying in France, including approximately 10,000 Indian students. President Emmanuel Macron expressed a renewed commitment to welcoming 30,000 Indian students by 2030.
Macron’s independent outlook was praised even by China’s Global Times. It said: “Macron is a pragmatic leader. He dares to break barriers. This is not only reflected in his domestic reforms but also in his foreign policy decisions. Macron visited China with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyden and showed a strong willingness to cooperate with China, even as the US increased its containment against China.”
Regarding India, although it is a strategic partner of the United States, it maintains an independent foreign policy. It has refrained from criticizing its longstanding ally Russia. Moreover, India has defied the US sanctions regime by continuing to purchase oil from Russia. It has also taken a different stance from the United States on Iran and is forging closer ties with the country in order to gain access to Central Asia, thereby bypassing the challenges posed by neighbouring disturbed country along its west borders.
“France and India’s strategic partnership has seemingly endless potential. Both have similar views on energy and security, and both possess the economic, political, and geopolitical clout to effect real change,” wrote Chloe Laird and Jason Moyer in the Wilson Center website in November 2023.
“The marriage of France’s traditional power, sprawling diplomatic alliances, and entrenched position in the international order with India’s rising-power status, growing economy, and a willingness to challenge global norms and traditions to reshape geopolitics make the pair formidable,” the authors added.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has published information on its official website regarding the numerous deals and agreements concluded between India and France. Some are listed as below:
Roadmap for India-France defence industrial partnership (in defence)
Letter of intent between the ministry of defence, government of India and the ministry for the armed forces of France on defence space partnership (in defence)
Memorandum of understanding between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and Arianespace SAS, France (in space)
Memorandum of agreement between TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus to set up an assembly line for H125 helicopters in India (in civil aviation)
Framework cooperation arrangement between department of science and technology (DST), government of India and institut national de recherche pour L’Agriculture, L’Alimentation Et L’Environnement (INRAE), France (in science and technology)
Framework arrangement on cooperation concerning funding of research projects between department of science and technology (DST), government of India and Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR), France (in science and technology)
Declaration of intent between the ministry of health and family welfare, government of India and the ministry of labour, health and solidarity of France on cooperation in the field of health and medicine.
Letter of intent between the ministry of personnel, public grievances and pensions, government of India and the ministry of public sector transformation and the civil service, France on public administration and administrative reforms.
Renewal of agreement between the ministry of housing and urban affairs, government of India and the ministry of ecological transition and territorial cohesion of France on cooperation in the field of sustainable urban development.
Key announcements made after discussions between India and France:
Declaring 2026 as India-France Year of Innovation
Operationalisation of Unified Payment Interface (UPI) at Eiffel Tower
Setting up of a Solar Academy in Senegal under the STAR-C programme of International Solar Alliance
Establishment of India’s Consulate in Marseille and French Bureau de France in Hyderabad
Operationalisation of Young Professional Scheme under the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement
Operationalisation of 5-year validity Schengen Visa for Indian Masters alumni of French institutions
Support to France for United Nations Ocean Conference to be organized in Nice in 2025
The relationship between India and France is experiencing ongoing evolution and deepening across multiple dimensions. It encompasses historical connections, strategic partnerships, defense collaboration, and addressing current challenges and opportunities. Furthermore, their enduring partnership is grounded in shared values of democracy, multipolarity, and the rule of law. These foundational principles ensure that the future holds even greater growth and cooperation between these two nations.
Comentários