What makes the India-France ‘strategic partnership’ tick 

1. India-France Relationship

The relationship between India and France, often referred to as a "Strategic Partnership," has evolved significantly over the past decades. From initial nuclear cooperation to expanding collaboration across various sectors, this partnership holds immense potential for both nations.

Key Pillars of the Relationship

• Defense Cooperation: A cornerstone of the partnership, it encompasses joint exercises, technology transfer agreements (e.g., Rafale jets), and collaboration on strategic projects like the AMCA engine development.
• Economic Engagement: Growing trade and investment, French companies operating in India (including CAC 40 giants), and Indian businesses establishing a presence in France showcase strong economic ties.
• Space Cooperation: Renewed collaboration between ISRO and CNES on joint missions and space technology advancements reflects shared interests in space exploration.
• Civilian and Cultural Exchange: Initiatives like increasing student mobility, working groups on diverse topics, and cultural exchange programs foster deeper people-to-people connections.
• Global Issues: Alignment on global challenges like climate change, reformed multilateralism, and responsible AI development demonstrates shared perspectives on the international stage.

Key Features

• Expanding Agenda: The partnership has moved beyond its initial focus, encompassing a wider range of global challenges and opportunities.
• Government & Civilian Engagement: While government-to-government ties are strong, efforts to expand into civilian and commercial spheres are ongoing.
• Mutual Respect: The ability to navigate differences with respect and private communication is a hallmark of this mature and resilient partnership.

Significance

• Geopolitical Landscape: The India-France partnership plays a crucial role in the evolving geopolitical landscape, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Shared Vision: Both countries share a vision of a multipolar world and collaborate on various global issues like climate change and good governance.
• Economic Growth: Deepening economic ties and technology transfer opportunities benefit both nations.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Balancing Interests: Navigating occasional differences on issues like trade barriers or global governance requires open communication and mutual respect.
• Deepening Civilian Engagement: Moving beyond government-to-government ties and fostering broader people-to-people connections is crucial for long-term sustainability.
• Technological Collaboration: Leveraging French expertise in areas like AI and clean energy can support India's development goals.

French President Jacques Chirac played a pivotal role in the establishment of India's first Strategic Partnership during the Republic Day celebrations in 1998. Chirac, recognizing the anomaly of India's exclusion from the global nuclear order, advocated for its rectification. This partnership faced a crucial test when India conducted nuclear tests in May 1998, declaring itself a nuclear weapon state. Among the P-5 nations, France stood out as the first country to engage in a dialogue with India, displaying a nuanced understanding of India's security concerns. Importantly, it became the first P-5 country to support India's bid for a permanent seat in a reformed UN Security Council.

Paths to Strategic Autonomy

India and France, each in their unique way, have pursued strategic autonomy. India, in alignment with its non-aligned principles, avoided formal alliances. Conversely, France, after being a founding member of NATO, withdrew from its integrated military command in 1966 due to concerns over the subordination of its nuclear deterrent. This move reflected France's commitment to maintaining sovereignty, leading NATO to relocate its headquarters to Brussels.

Multipolarity and Post-Cold War Dynamics

Post the Cold War era, both nations swiftly embraced the concept of multipolarity. French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine openly expressed discomfort with a unipolar system, labelling the USA as a 'hyper puissance' and advocating for multipolarity. This stance naturally converged with India's aspiration for strategic autonomy. Recognizing the geopolitical shift from the Euro-Atlantic to the Asia-Pacific, France, as a resident power in the Indian Ocean, strategically identified India as its preferred partner in the region.

Shared Traits and Pragmatic Engagement

India and France share a common trait of 'civilization exceptionalism' and take pride in their 'argumentative intellectualism.' Notably, they refrain from imposing their views on each other. Despite being part of the Western world, France, as a non-Anglo-Saxon nation, found it more natural to engage with India on equal terms, fostering a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding.

4. Broadening and Deepening the Partnership

Extending Beyond Government Spheres

The mutual challenge faced by India and France has been transitioning their partnership from government-centric domains to commercial and civilian realms. Over the years, various joint working groups have been established, covering a diverse range of subjects such as agriculture, environment, civil aviation, IT and telecom, urban development, transportation, culture, and tourism.

Success in Educational Ties

A notable success story lies in the increasing number of Indian students pursuing higher education in France. A decade ago, the figure stood at less than 3,000, and today it exceeds 10,000. With a target of reaching 30,000 by 2030, initiatives such as a five-year Schengen visa for Indians undertaking post-graduate courses in France and the operationalization of the Young Professionals Scheme under the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement are underway. The University Grants Commission's revision of rules regarding foreign universities setting up campuses in India provides opportunities for globally renowned institutions like Sorbonne University to establish a presence in the country.

Thriving Business Relations

Nearly 1,000 French companies, including 39 from the CAC 40 (a benchmark of performance in the French economy), operate in India. Simultaneously, close to 150 Indian businesses have established themselves in France. Traditionally, Indian companies considered the United Kingdom as the gateway to Europe, but post-Brexit, France has emerged as a significant entry point for Europe and Francophonie.

Strategic Partnership Dynamics

A 'Strategic Partnership' does not necessitate alignment on all issues; instead, it demands sensitivity to express differences privately rather than publicly. The India-France ties, cultivated over the past quarter-century, showcase maturity and resilience in handling diverse perspectives and issues.

The India-France Strategic Partnership, with its historical roots, diverse pillars, and expanding scope, holds immense potential for both nations. This collaboration plays a crucial role in the evolving geopolitical landscape, fostering shared prosperity and addressing global challenges together.