India and France have a strong and historic friendship, going beyond mere cordial relations. From defence cooperation to global collaboration, space exploration to strong cultural ties, both nations are truly aiming towards a more secure, prosperous, and sustainable future for their citizens and world at large. In this article, we will go into the depth of India-France relations in the modern times.
Joint Exercise SHAKTI 2024
Exercise #Shakti 2024
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) May 26, 2024
The 7th edition of Joint Military Exercise #Shakti between #India🇮🇳 & #France🇫🇷 concluded at #Umroi in #Meghalaya, today. The closing ceremony witnessed final validation by Tri Service observer delegation group of both nations. The exercise facilitated… pic.twitter.com/5CFvFak2EX
The Indian and French Armies ended the seventh edition of their joint military exercise, SHAKTI 2024, on 26 May, at the Eastern Command’s Joint Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya. This exercise, held alternately in India and France, aims to enhance the joint military capacity of both nations for multi-domain operations in a sub-conventional scenario. Let’s delve into the details of this significant military exercise for India-France Relations:
- Focus and Mandate:
- SHAKTI 2024 focused on training ground control operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under United Nations mandates.
- The exercise aimed to strengthen both nations’ sovereignty and strategic autonomy while advancing peace in the region.
- Complexity and Participation:
- This year’s edition marked a new level of complexity compared to previous exercises:
- It involved twice as many troops as before.
- It commenced with a brigade-level command post exercise.
- For the first time, Air Force assets, Navy, and Air Force observers are participating.
- The French contingent comprised of 90 personnel from the elite Légion étrangère (Foreign Legion) of the French Army.
- This year’s edition marked a new level of complexity compared to previous exercises:
- Context and Recent Developments:
- The SHAKTI 2024 exercise aligned with the intensification of Indo-French defence ties following French President Macron’s State Visit to India in January 2023.
- Recently, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan visited France, and the French Navy and Army Chiefs visited India.
- The bilateral “Varuna” naval exercise is scheduled later this year, and the French Air Force will participate in India’s multi-nation Tarang-Shakti exercise in August.
- Strategic Partnership:
- Defence and security cooperation form an essential component of the Indo-French strategic partnership.
- The Horizon 2047 Roadmap, adopted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2023 visit to France, enshrines defence cooperation as its first pillar.
What is India-France Horizon 2047 Roadmap?
The India-France Horizon 2047 roadmap, signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France in July 2023, outlines the framework for collaboration up to the year 2047, which will mark the golden jubilee of India-France relations.
Since the establishment of (diplomatic) India-France Relations in 1947, both nations have consistently acted together, building on mutual trust, shared commitment to United Nations principles, and common values rooted in international law. In 1998, the partnership was elevated to the strategic level, setting the stage for deeper cooperation across various domains.
Key Pillars of the Horizon 2047 Roadmap
1. Partnership for Security and Sovereignty
Building Sovereign Defence Capabilities
France plays a crucial role in India’s quest for self-reliance in defence. The roadmap emphasizes co-development and co-production of advanced defence technologies, benefiting not only India and France but also third countries. Notably, the timely delivery of the 36 Rafale fighter jets ordered by India underscores the robust cooperation in military aviation.
Looking ahead, India and France will jointly develop a combat aircraft engine, further enhancing their ground-breaking defence collaboration. Additionally, industrial cooperation for motorization of heavy-lift helicopters under the Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) program is underway, with Safran Helicopter Engine, France.
2. Partnership for the Planet
India and France recognize their shared responsibility in addressing global challenges. Climate change, sustainable development, and environmental conservation are central to this partnership. By leveraging their respective strengths, the two nations aim to contribute significantly to a greener and more resilient planet.
3. Partnership for the People
People-to-people contacts form the bedrock of India-France Relations. The roadmap emphasizes cultural exchanges, educational collaborations, and fostering deeper understanding between Indian and French citizens. By promoting academic exchanges, joint research, and student mobility, India and France seek to nurture the next generation of leaders who will shape the bilateral ties for decades to come.
As we look toward 2047, the roadmap serves as a compass, guiding India-France Relations toward a century of friendship. It encapsulates their commitment to a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, rooted in universal values of liberty, equality, democracy, and the rule of law. Together, they stand poised to address the major challenges of the modern times, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.
France views India as a crucial partner in the Indo-Pacific region, recognizing its growing influence and strategic significance. Here are some key aspects of France’s perspective on India’s role:
Strategic Cooperation: France considers India as a key player in maintaining stability and security in the Indo-Pacific. Both nations share common interests in promoting a rules-based order, maritime security, and freedom of navigation. India-France Relations extends beyond bilateral ties to address regional and global challenges.
Geopolitical Balance: France acknowledges India’s role in balancing power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. As China’s influence grows, India’s position becomes pivotal in ensuring a multipolar and inclusive regional architecture. France supports India’s active engagement in forums like the Quad (comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia) to foster cooperation and address common concerns.
Economic Collaboration: France sees India as an economic powerhouse with immense potential. Bilateral trade and investment have been steadily increasing, and both countries explore avenues for deeper economic integration. France encourages India’s participation in regional economic initiatives and connectivity projects and it takes India-France Relations ever further.
Security and Defence: France collaborates closely with India in defence and security matters. The sale of Rafale fighter jets to India and joint military exercises demonstrate the strong India-France Relations and their commitment to enhancing interoperability and capacity-building. France appreciates India’s efforts in maintaining regional stability and countering security threats.
Climate Change and Sustainability: Both nations prioritize environmental conservation and sustainable development. France recognizes India’s commitment to addressing climate change and encourages cooperation on clean energy, biodiversity, and climate resilience in the Indo-Pacific.
India and France have collaborated on several joint initiatives in the field of renewable energy, aiming to address climate change and promote sustainable solutions. In January 2021, India and France signed an MoU to establish the basis for bilateral cooperation in the field of new and renewable energy.
French company Engie has made substantial investments in renewable energy projects in India, particularly in the solar sector. These investments contribute to India’s goal of achieving 450 GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2030.
India and France joined forces in October 2022 to become leaders in clean energy by developing green hydrogen. Green hydrogen is a fuel made from renewable energy sources and doesn’t release harmful emissions. To achieve this, they’ll create clear rules for how hydrogen is produced, stored, transported and used. They’ll also develop ways to track how much carbon footprint the hydrogen has.
France views India as a reliable partner, emphasizing shared values, mutual interests, and the need for a cooperative approach to shape the Indo-Pacific’s future. Their collaboration extends across various domains, reinforcing the strategic importance of India in the region.
Additionally, both countries will work together on research and development to improve hydrogen technology, and encourage their businesses to collaborate on projects. This partnership shows their commitment to reducing carbon emissions and using cleaner energy sources for the future. They even agreed in January 2024 to share funding for scientific research on green hydrogen, making their collaboration even stronger.
India-France Relations are going much ahead by several joint initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region, reinforcing their strategic partnership. Here are some notable efforts:
India-France relations: Indo-Pacific Roadmap
- In 2023, India and France unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. This roadmap emphasizes shared values and mutual interests in the region.
- Key Objectives:
- Security and Stability: Both countries aim to contribute to a secure and peaceful Indo-Pacific by upholding international law and respecting sovereignty.
- Economic Prosperity: They seek equal and free access to global commons, promoting economic growth and sustainable development.
- Comprehensive Cooperation: The partnership covers defense, security, economic ties, connectivity, infrastructure, sustainability, and human-centric development.
- Areas of Focus:
- Maritime Cooperation: From seabed to space, India and France collaborate on situational awareness, naval visits, and defense industrial capabilities.
- Development Cooperation: They extend development assistance to countries in the region, including Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific.
- Plurilateral Arrangements: Strengthening existing arrangements with Australia and the UAE and exploring new ones.
- Regional Forums: Active participation in forums like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), and others.
Indo-Pacific Parks Partnership:
- India and France are implementing this initiative, which focuses on conservation and sustainable management of marine ecosystems. It includes mangrove conservation efforts aimed at Pacific States.
India-France Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation Fund:
- The two countries are working on finalizing this fund, which aims to support development projects in the Indo-Pacific region.
France is a champion for India’s permanent seat on the UN Security Council too. This backing stems from several reasons. First, France recognizes India’s rise as a powerful nation and believes its presence better reflects today’s world order. Second, both countries advocate for a reformed UN that reflects the 21st century, and India’s inclusion would bring a valuable perspective.
Additionally, their strategic partnership would be further solidified with India at the decision-making table. Finally, shared views on global issues like a multi-polar world and a free Indo-Pacific suggest India’s membership would lead to more aligned UNSC actions. While challenges like gaining consensus and competition from other nations exist, France’s strong support significantly bolsters India’s position in the ongoing UNSC reform discussions.
All these developments make it clear that India-France relations will sail smoothly on the rocky tides of global geopolitics in the future too and France will remain an important ally in the sphere of India’s foreign policy.
