Context: French President Emmanuel Macron graced India's Republic Day as the chief guest, marking his third visit to India since 2018.
India – France Bilateral Relations:
India and France share a longstanding and amicable relationship, marked by a Strategic Partnership established in 1998. This partnership signifies their alignment on various global issues, in addition to fostering a robust bilateral connection. The primary pillars of this Strategic Partnership include cooperation in Defence & Security, Space, and Civil nuclear domains. Beyond these, both nations have expanded their collaboration to encompass new frontiers such as security in the Indian Ocean region, joint efforts in addressing climate change and mutual focus on sustainable growth and development. India and France exhibit a high degree of alignment on regional and global matters.
| Areas of cooperation | |
| Economic | India and France have important bilateral investments and commercial cooperation, particularly in sectors involving IT corridors, smart-cities, railways, capital and trade exchanges, skill development etc. France has emerged as a major source of FDI for India with more than 1,000 French establishments already present in India. France is the 11th largest foreign investor in India which accounts for 1.68% of the total FDI inflows into India. A Joint Economic Committee which exists at the Ministerial level has setup FAST-TRACK system for French companies in India and Indian companies in France. |
| Defence & Security | India signed an Inter-governmental agreement to purchase 36 Rafale fighter aircraft, with formal induction held in 2020. The P-75 Scorpene Project, involving the construction of six submarines under technology transfer from DCNS (Naval group). Further, both countries hold regular defence exercises; viz. Exercise Shakti (Army), Exercise Varuna (Navy), Exercise Garuda (Air Force). (#PrelimsFact) |
| Diplomatic collaboration | Both nations have extended their collaborative efforts beyond the original pillars of nuclear, space, and defense. The agenda now includes vital aspects such as counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, and cybersecurity. The joint statement issued by them reinforces shared perspectives on ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, showcasing an enhanced and diversified collaboration that surpasses the initial focus areas. Notably, France holds the distinction of being the first P-5 country to endorse India's pursuit of a permanent seat in the UN Security Council (UNSC). During the visit of PM Modi to France in 2023, both countries shared a document, “Horizon 2047” a strategic road map for the next 25 years, which includes cooperation in defence, space, nuclear energy, climate change and green transitions as well as education and people-to-people ties. |
| Cultural collaboration | Indian culture holds a significant presence in France, evident with the upcoming Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Paris. The ‘Namaste France’ cultural festival, initiated after President Hollande's 2016 visit, showcased diverse aspects of Indian culture across 40 French cities. In reciprocation, ‘Bonjour India’ was organized in India by French communities from November 2017 to February 2018. Moreover, every year at the famous Cannes Film Festival, an Indian delegation participates through an India pavilion to promote Indian films at the international stage. |
| Space & Technology | India and France have a rich history of cooperation in the field of space for over fifty years with ISRO and the French Space Agency, CNES carrying on various joint research programmes and launch of satellites. India and France issued a “Joint Vision for Space Cooperation” in 2018 and exchanged cooperative proposals addressing Earth observation, Maritime domain awareness, Global navigation satellite system, exploration of solar system, space transportation system and human spaceflight. CNES is supporting Indian human space flight programme – Gaganyaan, in the field of space medicine and supply of crew support elements. |
| Civil Nuclear Cooperation | An agreement on civil nuclear cooperation was signed between India and France in 2008. Subsequently, in 2010, the General Framework Agreement and the Early Works Agreement for the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project (JNPP) were signed. (#PrelimsFact). Further, India is a member of International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a multi-national consortium formed to construct an experimental fusion reactor, located in Cadarache, France. (#PrelimsFact) |
| Environment | Both India & France laid the foundation of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) at COP 15 Paris Summit to develop and deploy cost-effective and transformational energy solutions powered by the sun to help member countries develop low-carbon growth trajectories. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on renewable energy was also signed which aims to enhance bilateral cooperation in solar, wind, hydrogen, and biomass energy. Notably, India joined the French-led High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, aiming to safeguard 30% of global lands and oceans by 2030. |
| Diaspora / Community | The estimated Indian community in mainland France, including NRIs, is approximately 1,00,000, primarily originating from French enclaves like Puducherry, Karaikal, Yanam, Mahe, and Chandernagore. France hosts over 50 active Indian community organizations, with major communities hailing from Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Punjab. During President Macron's visit to India in March 2018, a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement was signed, facilitating temporary circular migration. (#PrelimsFact) |
| Maritime sector | Both nations hold significant influence in Indian ocean and Indo – Pacific region. Emphasizing the critical importance of the Indian Ocean Region, the "Joint Strategic Vision of India-France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region" was welcomed by leadership from both countries, outlining a strategic framework for enhancing their ties. In 2022, they jointly established the Indo-Pacific Trilateral Development Cooperation Fund, aiming to support innovative and sustainable solutions for regional countries. Additionally, a reciprocal logistic agreement has been concluded, enabling India to leverage French facilities in Djibouti, Abu Dhabi, and Reunion Island, enhancing its strategic capabilities in the region. |
| Educational collaboration | In the field of S&T, the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advance Research (CEFIPRA) based in New Delhi, established in 1987, plays a major role by identifying and funding joint proposals for research projects. Both countries have signed an Administrative Arrangement for Cooperation in Skill Development and Vocational Training under Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement. Further, Knowledge Summit is being organized which is a bilateral forum dedicated to scientific and academic cooperation between France and India. |
As the enduring and trusted partnership between India and France continues to evolve, the deepening geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region offer a compelling opportunity for an even closer collaboration, particularly in bolstering India's military capabilities.