India and France Bilateral Relations – Ceremony, substance

Source: This post on India-France bilateral relations has been created based on the article “Ceremony, substance” published in “The Hindu” on 29^th 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.

India and France Bilateral Relations, The article discusses the recent developments in India-France bilateral relations in light of French President Macron’s recent India visit.

Background:

French President Macron recently visited India as the Chief Guest for the Republic Day Parade.

What are the Recent Developments in India-France Bilateral Relations?

1) India and France in 2023 sealed several agreements as they marked 25 years of their strategic partnership.

2) Announcement of the Horizon 2047 framework (to advance cooperation in many areas, including defence, space, and nuclear energy).

3) Announcement of Defence Cooperation Plans (joint production of military hardware, cutting-edge technology transfers and purchase deals for French aircraft, engines and submarines).

What were The Outcomes of The Visit?

1. Defence Industrial Roadmap: It is meant to expand on plans to co-design, co-develop and co-produce defence hardware in the air, on land and sea, as well as a space-defence partnership.
2. Miscellaneous MoUs: MoUs were signed regarding agriculture, digital health and science and technology cooperation.
3. Joint Statement on Global Geopolitics: India was able to take shared positions with France on the condemnation of terror attacks in Israel, the need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza and Ukraine, and concerns over the Red Sea attacks.

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What are Some Areas which Need Focus?

1) Defence hardware deals.

2) Nuclear cooperation for the long-delayed power project in Jaitapur and for small modular reactors.

The India-France relationship is a work in progress, demonstrating the continuity in a partnership built on a mutual respect for strategic autonomy and a shared commitment to “tradition and innovation”.

Question for practice:

France has emerged as one of India’s most important strategic partner in recent years. Elaborate.