INDIA-FRANCE RELATIONS
1. Context
A 25-year vision statement for India-France bilateral ties, a private dinner at the Elysee Palace, guest of honour at the Bastille Day parade, and a state banquet at the Louvre Museum-Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Paris later this week is high on both symbolism and substance.
2. India and France-Historical Background
- France has had a significant impact on Indian polity. The ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution have been borrowed from the French. India has been constituted into a ‘Republic’. This word too has been borrowed from France.
- India and France have been ‘Strategic Partners’ since 1998, ever since an agreement was signed in the same year between the two nations.
- Ever since, this strategic dialogue has evolved to include diverse areas like nuclear technology, defence partnership including maritime cooperation, cyber security, and space technology amongst others.
- This relationship needs to be closely watched and could emerge as a partnership, sans any issues and challenges.
3. The strategic partnership between the two Nations
Defence-industrial cooperation has been one of the mainstays of the strategic partnership between India and France. It is cooperation in this field that has boosted the relationship between the two nations.
Defence/Strategic Ties:
- India has signed a ‘Strategic Agreement’ with more than 35 countries but the deal signed with France in 1998 remains unique. While many other partnerships have run into trouble or are clouded by differences over various issues, the partnership has been growing with France.
- The area of cooperation now extends to technologies related to Nuclear energy, space, defence, cyber security, intelligence-sharing, and counter-terrorism amongst others.
France has supported India in its ‘Make in India’ program and extended its support to all forms of defence manufacturing. - France is a critical partner of the Indian Navy in its P 75I Program which seeks to build 24 naval submarines by 2030, 18 of which will be conventional and 6 shall be nuclear.
- 36 Rafale Fighter Jets will be handed over to the Indian Air Force soon. Already, during the Galwan Valley dispute with China, a few jets were handed over to India.
- As far as the Joint Exercises between the Armed Forces are concerned: Varuna 1, Garuda 2, and Shakti 3 have been held regularly.
- Earlier, the Cyber Security and Digital technology roadmap had been agreed to by both sides. This entails cooperation in the field of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Super Computing and Machine Learning amongst others.
- Recently, an Agreement between the Centre for Development of Advance Computing (C-DAC) and ATOS for cooperation in quantum computing, AI and supercomputing is signed.
- France also supports India in its bid for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council.
- With the assistance and support of France, India became a member of various non-proliferation groups such as the Wassenaar group (2017), NSG, Missile Technology Control Regime (2016) and the Australia Group (2018).
- France has also opposed many of the unsustainable projects being executed under China’s One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative.
4. Other areas that can be explored in Strategic Partnership:
- India and France can cooperate in other areas such as the Afghan peace deal which is under considerable strain as the US selfishly leaves the region. Indian interests are expected to be 164 affected as Pakistan state-sponsored terrorists run amok in Kabul and other cities. It is here that India and France can step in along with other nations and forge a partnership.
- Another area that is of mutual interest to both nations is Iran. France supported the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2015 along with the US and other nations. India which faced the fear of attracting sanctions under the US legislation ‘Countering American Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA)’ reduced its oil imports and delayed its other connectivity projects in Iran. This deal in 2015 brought a sigh of relief to India. However, this was short-lived as in 2018, the US pulled out of the deal. India once again faces the fear of CAATSA.
- In the year 2016, India and France signed a ‘White shipping agreement’ to encourage the movement of commercial ships.
- One potential area of cooperation exists in the Indo-Pacific region. France can join the ASEAN nations and the QUAD grouping in ensuring that freedom of navigation on the high seas is protected.
5. What is the Bastille Day celebration?
- Bastille Day, also known as French National Day or La Fête Nationale, is a significant celebration in France that commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789.
- This event marked a pivotal moment in the French Revolution and the beginning of the end of absolute monarchy in France. Bastille Day is celebrated annually on July 14th and is a symbol of French unity, liberty, and national pride.
- Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison, which was seen as a symbol of royal authority and tyranny. The event marked the uprising of the French people against the monarchy and served as a catalyst for the French Revolution.
- The celebration of Bastille Day involves various festivities, including parades, fireworks, concerts, and public gatherings. The largest and most renowned parade takes place on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, where military troops, historical reenactments, and public figures participate.
6. Challenges observed in the bilateral relations between India and France
- Nuclear Non-Proliferation: One challenge in the India-France relationship has been India's status as a nuclear-armed nation outside the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). France is a signatory to the NPT and has expressed concerns regarding nuclear proliferation. Balancing India's nuclear ambitions with France's commitment to non-proliferation has been an ongoing challenge.
- Defense Trade Imbalance: While defense cooperation between India and France has seen significant growth, there has been a trade imbalance in this sector. India is a major buyer of French defense equipment, including aircraft, submarines, and missiles. However, there has been limited progress in developing a more balanced trade relationship, with Indian defense exports to France being relatively modest.
- Economic and Trade Issues: Despite efforts to enhance economic cooperation, there have been some trade-related challenges. These include issues related to market access, trade barriers, and regulatory hurdles. Both countries have made efforts to address these challenges through dialogues and negotiations, but further progress is still needed to unlock the full potential of bilateral trade and investment.
- Climate Change and Environmental Concerns: Climate change and environmental sustainability have become increasingly important areas of cooperation between India and France. However, challenges exist in aligning their priorities and approaches to address climate change. India's focus on development and energy security, including its reliance on coal, may sometimes diverge from France's emphasis on clean energy and emissions reduction.
- Regional and International Dynamics: India and France have their own regional and international interests, which can sometimes create divergences or competing priorities. For example, France has historical ties and strategic interests in regions such as the Middle East and Africa, where India also has growing economic and geopolitical interests. Aligning their respective policies and approaches in these regions can be a challenge.
- Cultural Differences and Communication: Cultural differences and communication gaps can also pose challenges in bilateral relations. Differences in language, communication styles, and cultural norms can create misunderstandings or difficulties in effectively engaging with each other.
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For Prelims: Strategic Agreement, P 75I Program, Varuna 1, Garuda 2, Shakti 3, Countering American Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), QUAD, ASEAN, and Bastille Day.
For Mains: 1. Examine the bilateral relations between India and France, highlighting the key areas of cooperation, challenges faced, and the potential for future collaboration.(250 words).
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Previous year Questions1. Consider the following countries: (UPSC 2015)
1. China
2. France
3. India
4. Israel
5. Pakistan
Which among the above are Nuclear Weapons States as recognized by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, commonly known as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 3, 4, and 5 only
C. 2, 4, and 5 only
D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: A
2. India along with which country jointly launched International Solar Alliance during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21)? (KPSC 2017)
A. United Kingdom
B. France
C. United States of America
D. Germany
Answer: B
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