Consensus Regarding Cooperation Between India and France

Source: The post consensus regarding cooperation between India and France has been created, based on the article “Why India Says France Mon Ami” published in “Times of India” on 20th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations – Bilateral, Regional and Global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Consensus Regarding Cooperation Between India and France, The article discusses the strong 25-year partnership between France and India. They want to deepen their ties to address modern challenges like security in the Indo-Pacific, climate change, and technology cooperation.

What is The Consensus Regarding Cooperation Between India and France?

Strategic Partnership Foundation: Both nations view their alliance as a pillar of stability in a turbulent world, having cultivated ties for over 25 years without major contention.

Focus on Indo-Pacific Region: Key areas of joint concern include security, climate change, and regional architecture development. France, with its significant Indian Ocean presence, partners with India in addressing these challenges.

Security Cooperation: They collaborate against traditional threats like piracy and non-traditional ones such as illegal fishing. France’s regional military bases, like in La Reunion and Djibouti, facilitate joint naval patrols and resource pooling.

Technology and Digital Initiatives: Joint efforts in digital technology aim to foster economic growth and sustainable development, emphasizing an inclusive digital environment.

Research and Development: Collaborations in frontier technologies, such as AI and quantum computing, are central, highlighted by the Indo-French Centre of Excellence in quantum computing.

Environmental Initiatives: They share a roadmap for developing Green Hydrogen, aspiring to lead in decarbonized hydrogen production.

Defence and Space Collaboration: Defense relationship is evolving, with India diversifying its defence acquisitions and France emerging as a key supplier. In space, joint initiatives include the Gaganyaan project and collaboration in the upcoming Venus mission.

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What Required Grow Cooperation Between India and France?

Maritime Security Enhancement: Increase frequency and scale of joint naval exercises, utilizing French bases more effectively for regional security.

Institutional Mechanism Synergy: Foster better integration between the Indian Ocean Rim Association, Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, and the Indian Ocean Commission, led by India and France for a unified approach to maritime challenges.

Trade and Technology Coordination: Strengthen collaboration in the EU-India Trade and Technology Council, utilizing France’s influence for beneficial outcomes, and align strategies in the Mineral Security Partnership with the US and G7 countries.

Defense Manufacturing Collaboration: Beyond purchasing French defense equipment, India should focus on manufacturing items like Rafale jets domestically, benefiting from the trilateral partnership with France and UAE, to deepen defense ties.

Joint Research Initiatives: Expand consortiums involving academic, governmental, and corporate entities for projects in crucial sectors like health and climate change, leveraging the Indo-French Centre of Excellence in quantum computing.

Question for practice:

Discuss the key areas of cooperation and potential areas for enhancement between India and France.