Since its inception in 1998, during the tenure of President Chirac and the late Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Indo-French bilateral ties have evolved into a robust partnership that continues to shape the global landscape.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to France, at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron, further marks the enduring bond between the two nations. This visit holds particular prominence as Prime Minister Modi will be the guest of honour at the prestigious Bastille Day Parade on July 14 2023.
The strength of the Indo-French partnership lies in their shared vision of international relations, rooted in the rule of law, multilateralism, and strategic autonomy. As we celebrate the silver jubilee of strategic partnership, it is crucial to reflect on the milestones achieved and the immense potential that lies ahead.
1975 Emergency and Jacques Chirac’s visit to India
After six months since the Indira Gandhi-led government declared the Emergency in June 1975, French Prime Minister Jacques Chirac visited India as the Chief Guest. The Congress Party would be haunted by the spectre of the Emergency for many years, leaving a dark shadow over its legacy. While the details of the Emergency, including Article 352 of the Indian Constitution and the reasons for its imposition, are subjects for separate discussion, Jacques Chirac, as described by former Ambassador of India to France, Dr Mohan Kumar, saw India beyond the stereotypes of snake-charmers and Jodhpur. He recognised India as a significant and emerging superpower, on par with China. Jacques Chirac became the first French leader to truly comprehend India, taking a gamble that ultimately paid off.
The 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests
Twenty-two years later, the 1998 Pokhran Nuclear tests caught global attention and raised concerns about their impact on the security and stability of South Asia, the wider Asia-Pacific region (now known as the Indo-Pacific), and the world. Strong reactions from the United States, China, and European nations were expected, but countries like Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia also issued strong statements and took measures. Despite these international sanctions on New Delhi, Paris stood by when New Delhi proclaimed its status as a nuclear power through the Pokhran-2 tests led by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Interestingly 1998, despite the international context being unfavourable due to the extension of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the signing of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, France refrained from condemning India’s nuclear tests.
It is pertinent to mention that in 1998 President Jacques Chirac pioneered the concept of “a partnership for the 21st century” during his momentous speech at Vigyan Bhavan. This speech served as the cornerstone for a robust cooperation between India and France, encompassing various domains, including industry, trade, culture and people-to-people ties. Furthermore, Chirac expressed his vision of establishing a strong relationship, a global partnership built on shared interests and complementarities. The tangible agreements he brought forth, notably in defense, civilian nuclear energy, space, and internal security, continue to influence the bilateral relations between the two countries to this day.
India-France relations: An overview
The Indo-French strategic partnership, established in 1998, has grown stronger over the years based on shared values and the pursuit of strategic autonomy. France played a crucial role in mitigating India’s isolation in the non-proliferation order after its nuclear tests in 1998, demonstrating the depth of their relationship.
Trade and commerce between the two nations have flourished, with France emerging as a key trading partner for India. The annual trade volume reached $12.42 billion in 2021-22, and France stands as the 11th largest foreign investor in India, with a cumulative investment of $10.31 billion over the past two decades.
In the realm of defense, France has emerged as a reliable partner for India, becoming the second-largest defense supplier between 2017 and 2021. Crucial defense deals, such as the induction of French Scorpene submarines and the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets, highlight the depth of their defense cooperation. Joint military exercises and dialogues, including Varuna, Garuda, and Shakti, further strengthen these ties.
Similarly, India’s commitment to combating climate change aligns with France’s goals, as demonstrated by their joint efforts under the Paris Agreement and the establishment of the International Solar Alliance in 2015.
As resident powers of the Indian Ocean and the Indo-Pacific, India and France have forged a Joint Strategic Vision for Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. Joint patrolling in the Indian Ocean and the establishment of the Indo-Pacific Trilateral Development Cooperation Fund showcase their commitment to strengthening ties in the region. The trilateral grouping with the United Arab Emirates aims to ensure security from the east coast of Africa to the Pacific.
France has been supportive of India’s aspirations for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council and entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Both countries share concerns over China’s regional and global behaviour and are committed to working together to maintain balance in the Indo-Pacific.
In conclusion, moving forward, the two nations are focused on high-level political dialogues in defense, maritime affairs, counterterrorism, and the Indo-Pacific. Additionally, they are exploring cooperation in areas such as digitisation, cyber, green energy, the blue economy, ocean sciences, and space, setting the stage for a decade of comprehensive Indo-French cooperation. Furthermore, the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to France and the United Arab Emirates is also an opportunity to strengthen trilateral cooperation (India-France-UAE).
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