Christophe Jaffrelot writes: What the Indo-French relationship needs

Source: The post is based on the article “Christophe Jaffrelot writes: What the Indo-French relationship needs” published in The Indian Express on 13th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

News: This article discusses the strategic and security-focused relationship between India and France. The article highlights their cooperation in balancing China’s influence, conducting joint military operations, forging big defence contracts, and their partnership in nuclear energy. The article also emphasises the future possibilities of their collaboration, like the International Solar Alliance and involvement in regional networks and minilateral forums.

What is the significance of India and France relations?

Economic relations: In the fiscal year 2022-23, the bilateral trade between India and France was valued at $12.56 billion. Despite this figure, there is potential for growth. Both countries are focusing on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to bolster their economic ties.

Role in global politics: In the current shifting global political scenario, both India and France can serve as significant balancers. This highlights the importance of their alliance not just bilaterally, but also for global stability.

Strategic and defence significance: India and France share a strong strategic relationship, with France being India’s second-most important ally after the US. They are commemorating 25 years of this alliance. Notably, France opposed sanctions on India following its 1998 nuclear test. In terms of defence, France was India’s second-largest supplier from 2018 to 2022, accounting for 29% of India’s imports. During PM Modi’s visit, purchases of 26 Rafale jets and three Scorpene submarines are expected, which will strengthen India’s defence capabilities.

Geopolitical importance: The geopolitical landscape has brought India and France even closer. After being excluded from the Trans-Atlantic alliance’s AUKUS pact in 2021, France has expanded its engagement with countries like India. This relationship is particularly significant in the Indo-Pacific region, where both countries oppose China’s increasing dominance.

How nuclear and military cooperation between India and France helps in strengthening its relationship?

Nuclear Cooperation: Strengthening Strategic Ties

Providing crucial support: After the US imposed sanctions on India in 1974, France offered crucial support by supplying enriched uranium for the Tarapur nuclear plant. This helped maintain India’s nuclear energy capabilities.

Learning from experience: France, having developed its civil nuclear energy sector outside of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), provided valuable guidance for India, which was in a similar situation.

Against global sanctions: Unlike other countries such as the US and Japan, France did not impose sanctions on India following its nuclear test in 1998. This demonstrated solidarity and mutual understanding.

Military Cooperation: Building Trust and Sharing Resources

Sharing military facilities: In 2018, France and India agreed to share access to each other’s military facilities, an agreement that demonstrated a high level of trust and understanding between the two countries.

Joint military exercises: The ongoing “Varuna” joint naval exercises have helped strengthen operational cooperation and trust. These exercises include French and Indian naval units working together, which solidifies their military partnership.

Arms supply diversification: France has significantly contributed to India’s efforts to diversify its arms suppliers. The 2016 Rafale deal, where India bought 36 aircraft from France, is a noteworthy example of this cooperation.

What are the Future Possibilities for Indo-French Cooperation?

1. India and France need to continue strengthening their strategic and defense partnership, which includes possible procurement of Rafale jets and Scorpene submarines by India.

2.Both countries could give more impetus to the International Solar Alliance to boost global solar energy use, highlighting their commitment to environmental sustainability.

3.They could create more minilateral groups in the Indo-Pacific region, broadening their cooperative network. To counterbalance the influence of China in the Indo-Pacific region, they should intensify their collaboration.

4.France’s participation in the Indian Ocean Commission, Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association opens avenues for deeper collaboration with India in regional matters.

5.Reviving and strengthening trilateral forums like the France/India/Australia dialogue could enhance their collective regional influence.

6.New minilateral partnerships, like the one between France, India, and the UAE, could be further developed for broader regional cooperation.

7. Economically, there’s a need to boost their bilateral trade, which stood at $12.56 billion in 2022-23. For this, both nations should expedite efforts to actualize an India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA).