India–France Strategic Partnership in a Changing Global Order

UPSC Syllabus: Gs Paper 2- International relations

Introduction

India and France have strengthened their partnership through expanding defence cooperation, technological collaboration, and global coordination. The inauguration of the Airbus H125 helicopter assembly line in Karnataka and elevation of ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership reflect growing strategic convergence. In a changing global order marked by uncertainty in Western alliances, France remains a stable and trusted partner for India, shaping cooperation across security, innovation, economic development, and global governance.

Foundations of France’s Strategic Autonomy and India’s Trust

1. Gaullist strategic worldview: France’s political thinking is rooted in Gaullism, which emphasises sovereignty, strong national identity, and centralised state authority. This shapes its independent foreign policy and global strategic posture.
2. Institutional independence in governance: The domaine réservé system (1958) allows the French President to make long-term strategic decisions without domestic legislative gridlock. This ensures continuity in external commitments.
3. Assertion of national interest in security policy: France withdrew from NATO’s integrated military command in 1966, showing it would not operate under American control. This signals that national interest overrides bloc alignment.
4. Transition from colonial past to strategic partner: France moved from holding enclaves like Pondicherry (Puducherry) to becoming one of India’s most dependable Western allies. Historical transformation strengthened mutual trust.
5. Pragmatic diplomacy without ideological conditions: France engages based on mutual strategic and economic interests, not domestic political standards or human rights conditionality. This makes agreements more flexible and predictable.

Diplomatic Support and Global Strategic Alignment

1. Consistent backing in global institutions: France acts as a strong diplomatic partner at the UN Security Council, often defending Indian interests and preventing international isolation.
2. Support in critical geopolitical moments: France refused to sanction India after the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests and blocked attempts to internationalise the Article 370 decision in 2019.
3. Replacement of Russia as Western strategic defender: France increasingly serves as India’s most reliable Western diplomatic supporter, especially when broader Western consensus is divided.
4. Shared commitment to global governance reform: Both countries support reformed multilateralism, a rules-based international order, and India’s permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council.

Formalisation and Expansion of Strategic Partnership

1. Elevation to Special Global Strategic Partnership: The relationship now covers defence, critical minerals, advanced technology, climate action, health, education, and economic security.
2. Long-term strategic roadmap: The partnership builds on the 1998 Strategic Partnership and the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, with an annual Foreign Ministers Comprehensive Dialogue for coordination.
3. Deeper regional and global coordination: Cooperation extends across bilateral, regional, and global levels, especially in the Indo-Pacific, economic security, and international diplomacy.
4. Innovation and technology cooperation platforms: The 2026 India–France Year of Innovation and India–France Innovation Network link startups, institutions, and businesses across both countries.

Expanding Multi-Sector Strategic Cooperation

1. Defence industrial collaboration: Joint production initiatives include HAMMER missile manufacturing, reciprocal military officer deployment, and a Joint Advanced Technology Development Group for emerging technologies.
2. Aerospace and military capability development: The H125 helicopter assembly line in Vemagal, Rafale-Marine procurement, and cooperation on jet engines and multi-role helicopters strengthen defence manufacturing.
3. Critical minerals and supply chain security: Cooperation in exploration, processing, and recycling of rare earths and critical minerals aims to build resilient clean energy and manufacturing supply chains.
4. Artificial intelligence and advanced research: The Indo-French Centre for AI in Health at AIIMS, created with Sorbonne University and the Paris Brain Institute, promotes public-interest AI development.
5. Economic and financial cooperation: Amendment of the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) improves investor certainty, while France expands adoption of India’s UPI digital payment system.
6. Climate, nuclear and energy engagement: Collaboration includes renewable energy, civil nuclear discussions, and joint initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
7. Indo-Pacific and global security coordination: Both countries support a free and open Indo-Pacific, cooperate in IMEC and trilateral frameworks, and align on Ukraine conflict resolution and counter-terrorism.
8. People-to-people and knowledge exchange: France plans to host 30,000 Indian students by 2030, expand academic partnerships, and support skill development and cultural cooperation.

Expanding Cooperation Amid Economic and Technological Challenges

1. Trade imbalance and export decline: Bilateral goods trade reached $15.2 billion in FY 2024–25, but Indian exports fell 11% in April–November 2025, largely due to declining refined petroleum exports.
2. Nuclear liability dispute

• Delaying cooperation: The 9,900 MW Jaitapur nuclear project remains stalled because EDF rejects supplier liability under India’s nuclear liability framework.
• Financial risk sharing tensions: France supports India globally but expects India to bear the full financial risk of a potential nuclear accident in joint projects.

3. Technology transfer and intellectual property concerns: Industrial partnerships generate jobs but limited intellectual property access restricts true technological sovereignty.
4. Risk of strategic dependency shift: Replacing reliance on Russian defence equipment with French systems without deep technology transfer may only change the source of dependence.

Conclusion

France remains India’s most reliable Western partner in a changing global order. Strong diplomatic trust, expanding cooperation, and shared strategic interests sustain the relationship. However, trade imbalances, nuclear liability disputes, and limited technology transfer require careful management. India must leverage this partnership to secure deeper technological capacity and achieve genuine long-term strategic autonomy.

Question for practice:

Discuss the significance of the India–France Strategic Partnership in the changing global order, highlighting its foundations, areas of cooperation, and key challenges.

Source: Indian Express