The India-France strategic dialogue has recently concluded with the agreement to broaden defense and security collaboration. This expansion includes intensifying intelligence sharing, amplifying capabilities, enlarging military exercises, and exploring new ventures in maritime, space, and cyber domains.
Support to ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’
France reaffirmed its support towards India’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India). It expressed commitment towards defense industrialization, joint research, and technology development across an array of advanced capabilities within India.
France’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
France emphasized its enduring commitment to the Indo-Pacific region as a “resident power”, signifying a presence without territorial ownership. Its partnership with India is considered integral to this strategy. The French Presidency of the EU in early 2022 is predicted to give further direction to the EU’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.
Significance of the Meeting
The meeting assumes significance as France’s dedication to boost strategic cooperation with India comes in the wake of the new security alliance (AUKUS) declaration by Australia, the UK, and the US. This surprising announcement involving the construction of submarines for Australia agitated the French government since Australia reneged on a separate submarine deal with France.
India-France Strategic Relations
France was among the first countries with which India signed a “strategic partnership” in January 1998, post-Cold War. France has been a strong supporter of India, even during its decision to test nuclear weapons in 1998.
Defence Cooperation
Both nations experience regular defense dialogues at the Ministerial level, along with regular defense exercises for all three services – Army (Exercise Shakti), Navy (Exercise Varuna), and Air Force (Exercise Garuda). This cooperation was recently seen with the induction of the French Rafale multi-role combat aircraft by the Indian Air Force.
Joint Ventures and Agreements
In 2005, India signed a contract with a French firm that will enable six Scorpene submarines to be constructed in India’s Malegaon dockyards through a technology-transfer arrangement. The countries have also signed the Agreement regarding the Provision of Reciprocal Logistics Support. This agreement facilitates access to fuel, rations, spares, berthing and maintenance for each other’s armed forces during ports of call and during Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
Indian Ocean, the Common Shared Interest
France has colonial territorial possessions like Reunion Island, making the Indian Ocean a shared zone of influence. France recently became the 23rd member of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), a first for a country whose mainland is not bordering the Indian Ocean.
Counter Terrorism
France supports India’s proposition for a global conference on terrorism, along with a new initiative “No Money for Terror,” focusing on combating terrorist financing.
France Backing India
France consistently supports India on Kashmir, especially as its relations with Pakistan have deteriorated recently, and China has become a subject of scrutiny.
Way Forward
France, which sought strategic autonomy within its alliance with the US, and India, which values independent foreign policy, are well-suited partners in building novel coalitions for an unpredictable era. France also provides an opportunity for deeper engagement with Europe on global issues. This possibility is particularly relevant given uncertainties in the region due to BREXIT. New alliances with European countries like France, Germany, and others such as Japan could potentially expand India’s global reach and influence.