Introduction
France has been one of India’s closest partners in Europe for decades. India and France established diplomatic relations in 1947. The bilateral relations were upgraded to the strategic level in 1998. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership. The bilateral relations between the two countries are forged based on mutual trust, shared commitment to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and common values rooted in international law.
Prime Minister Modi’s Visit to France
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited by President Emmanuel Macron as the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade on 14 July 2023. A tri-services Indian armed forces contingent participated in the parade. The Prime Minister’s visit was from July 13-14, in which wide-ranging discussions on the course of the partnership across diverse sectors were held.[i]
Collaboration in Security and Defence
France is a vital partner for India in developing its defence industrial and technological capabilities. The successful cooperation in military aviation, especially the delivery of Rafale aircraft, has paved the way for the nations to extend their partnership to more ambitious projects. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the acquisition of 26 Rafale-M fighters and three additional Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines from France.[ii] Furthermore, the DAC authorised the establishment of guidelines to achieve higher indigenous content in all capital acquisition cases. In recognition of increased collaboration, India plans to establish a Technical Office of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at its Embassy in Paris.[iii]
Collaboration in Space
India and France recognise the crucial role of space access, technologies, and applications in driving innovation, scientific advancements, and economic growth. In line with this, they have decided to deepen their cooperation in the space sector. The National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are set to enhance collaboration in climate and environment activities within the Space Climate Observatory (SCO).[iv] India and France will also continue their engagement through the recently established bilateral strategic space dialogue, providing a platform for further collaboration.
Indo-Pacific Focus
India and France share a commitment to transforming the Indo-Pacific into a stable and sustainable region. They have adopted a new Indo-Pacific Roadmap to strengthen cooperation established under the Joint Strategic Vision of India-France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (2018). A notable initiative is the Indo-Pacific Triangular Cooperation (IPTDC) Fund, supporting climate-focused innovations and start-ups from third countries.[v]
Horizon 2047: the future of India-France relations
The expanding scope of collaboration between the two nations underscores the deepening engagement and cooperation in various sectors. India and France have unveiled a visionary roadmap named “Horizon 2047” to enhance bilateral cooperation in the coming 25 years, aligning with celebrating India’s 100 years of independence and 50 years of the India-France strategic partnership.[vi] This forward-looking plan is expected to propel the relationship to even more remarkable heights.
Endnotes
[i] Kallol Bhattacharjee, Dinaker Peri, “India-France relation geared for next 25 years, say PM Modi,” The Hindu, July 13, 2023, https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/visit-to-france-will-provide-new-impetus-to-strategic-partnership-pm-modi/article67074465.ece. (accessed on July 18, 2023)
[ii] Meera Srinivasan, “The View From India | The French Connection,” The Hindu, July 17, 2023, https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/the-view-from-india-the-french-connection/article67090597.ece. (accessed on July 20, 2023)
[iii] “Horizon 2047: 25th Anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, Towards A Century of India-France Relations,” Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, July 14, 2023, https://mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/36806/Horizon_2047_25th_Anniversary_of_the_IndiaFrance_Strategic_Partnership_Towards_A_Century_of_IndiaFrance_Relations
[iv] Ibid.
[v] Ibid.
Authored by: Sonakshi, Bhardwaj, Research Intern, USI, CS3