Recently, a significant tri-country agreement was forged amongst India, France, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), aimed at strengthening their bond in the realms of nuclear and solar energy. A shared interest in combating climate change and preserving biodiversity also factored into their mutual commitment. The concept of this trilateral collaboration first surfaced during a meeting at the United Nations General Assembly held in New York in September 2022.
Breaking down Trilateral Initiative Highlights
The key points of this initiative underline a mutual aim of fostering cooperation in energy projects, specifically focusing on solar and nuclear energy. The countries have expressed determination to resist climate change and protect biodiversity, particularly within the Indian Ocean region. They also plan on expanding their cooperative efforts through initiatives like the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (led by the UAE) and the Indo-Pacific Parks Partnership (spearheaded by India and France).
Furthermore, the trilateral initiative will also cover defense planning, countering infectious diseases, and driving cooperation within influential global health organizations such as the World Health Organization, Gavi-the Vaccine Alliance, the Global Fund, and Unitaid. The three nations have committed to implementing the “One Health” approach, building local capacities in biomedical innovation and production within developing countries.
India-‘s Defense and Climate Cooperation with France
India and France share an extensive history of defense cooperation. Both countries regularly engage in defense exercises, such as Exercise Shakti (Army), Exercise Varuna (Navy), and Exercise Garuda (Air Force). Additionally, a contract was signed in 2005 between India and a French firm to construct six Scorpene submarines in India’s dockyards via a technology-transfer arrangement.
In terms of climate efforts, both countries are channeling their collective energies to limit climate change and develop the International Solar Alliance. Additionally, France has affirmed its role in India’s Venus mission planned for 2025 and co-developed ISRO’s Venus instrument (VIRAL) along with Russian agencies.
India’s Collaborative Initiatives with UAE
India and the UAE have a strong economic partnership, as illustrated by their membership in the I2U2 Grouping and the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2022. Their target is to boost their bilateral trade to USD 100 billion within five years.
The countries are also brainstorming ways to increase non-oil commerce in rupees, thereby promoting the internationalization of the Indian currency. In 2021-22, UAE ranked as India’s second-largest export destination (after the US), while India was UAE’s second-largest trading partner (non-oil trade) for the year 2021.
In terms of defense, the growing radicalization in the Gulf and South Asia has prompted India to augment security cooperation with the UAE to quell terrorist threats and extremism. ‘Desert Eagle II’, a joint air combat exercise between the air forces of both countries, highlights their shared defense interests.
Past Examination Questions on Related Topics
Previous Year Questions (PYQs) from UPSC Civil Services Examinations can provide valuable insights. For instance, a 2016 Prelims question tested knowledge about the International Solar Alliance’s launch and included it within the United Nations member countries. Another thought-provoking question from the 2022 Mains paper centered on how the I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE, and USA) grouping might reshape India’s standing in global politics.
