What makes the India-France ‘strategic partnership’ tick
- The French President's third visit to India as the chief guest at the Republic Day highlights the special 'Strategic Partnership' shared by the two countries.
- This partnership has deep roots, dating back to the late 20th century.
Origins of Strategic Convergence
- In 1998, the French President Jacques Chirac was the chief guest at the Republic Day when India established its first Strategic Partnership
- He declared India's exclusion from the global nuclear order as an anomaly that needed to be rectified.
- France was the first P-5 country to support India's claim for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
- Both countries embraced multipolarity after the Cold War, aligning with India's quest for strategic autonomy.
Building the Partnership
- The partnership, initially centred around nuclear issues, expanded to include defence, space, counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and cyber-security.
- Convergence has also evolved on global challenges such as climate change, reform of multilateral development institutions, Artificial Intelligence and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
- Notable defence collaborations include the construction of Scorpene submarines, agreement for 36 Rafale aircraft, and ongoing negotiations for additional acquisitions.
- The recent visit marked the conclusion of the India-France Defence Industrial Road map, emphasizing self-reliance (atmanirbharta).
- Agreements for H125 civilian helicopters and C-295 military transport aircrafts assembly lines.
Cooperation in Space and Defense
- Cooperation in space, dating back to the 1960s, has been revitalised, with joint missions between ISRO and French Space Agency (CNES) and agreements for collaborative space launches.
- Defence collaboration includes a project for developing an aircraft engine for India's fifth-generation aircraft with 100% transfer of technology.
- In addition, the two ministries of defence are looking to work together in optimising space domain awareness.
Broadening and Deepening the Partnership
- To extend the partnership beyond government domains, joint working groups on a range of subjects have been set up over the years.
- These include joint working groups covering agriculture, environment, civil aviation, IT, telecom, urban development, transportation, culture, and tourism.
- Educational ties are growing, with over 10,000 Indian students in France.
- There are also efforts to address visa issues and enhance academic collaboration.
- The visa issue is being addressed with a five-year Schengen visa for Indians who pursue a post-graduate course in France.
- The operationalisation of the Young Professionals Scheme under the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement will also help.
Commercial Engagement
- Nearly 1,000 French companies, including 39 from the CAC 40, operate in India, while almost 150 Indian businesses have a presence in France.
- CAC 40 is the most influential benchmark of performance in the French economy.
- Post-Brexit, France has become a crucial entry point for Europe and Francophonie.
Conclusion
- The India-France 'Strategic Partnership,' nurtured over a quarter-century, reflects maturity and resilience.
- The relationship has evolved beyond governmental cooperation, encompassing defence, space, education, and commercial engagement.