Source: The Hindu
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-day visit to France early next week, India and France are expected to establish a France-India road plan on artificial intelligence and make significant announcements in the fields of defence, compact modular reactors, and aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul.
The agreement to purchase 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy is anticipated to be finalized in India after the visit.
Along with French President Emmanuel Macron, Mr. Modi will co-chair the AI Action Summit and engage in bilateral discussions. Summits like the AI Summit are necessary because artificial intelligence (AI) is now and will continue to have a significant impact on many facets of the economy, politics, society, and governance.
AI applications are created, implemented, and utilized in a responsible, trustworthy, compassionate, and safe manner.
The main topics of debate will be defence, security, and sovereignty. Modi will pay respects to Indian soldiers who lost their lives during World military I by visiting the military cemetery. Additionally, he will travel to Cadarache, where the International Thermal Nuclear Experimental Reactor is located.
The agreement for three more Scorpene-Class diesel-electric submarines is also in advanced stages and is anticipated to be finalized in the next months, in addition to the Rafale-M fighter deal. The total value of the deals is between $10 billion and $11 billion.
The co-design and co-development of a 110 KN aero engine to power India’s fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, is now in the advanced stages of negotiations between two nations.
An AI foundation for a range of governance and inclusion projects will be launched during the AI summit. One of the first nations to confirm their attendance at the AI meeting was India.
A major focus of the bilateral discussions would be the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, in addition to Indo-Pacific projects and collaboration. People-to-people interactions are also emphasized, and by 2030, France hopes to have 30,000 Indian students studying there.
India-France Relations: India and France share a strategic partnership that has evolved over the decades, characterized by strong political ties, defence cooperation, economic engagements, cultural exchanges, and global cooperation.
1947-France was one of the first countries to recognize India’s Independence.
India-France Strategic Dialogue covers key areas like security, counter-terrorism and nuclear cooperation. France supports India’s bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. Both nations collaborate on Indo-Pacific security, multilateral organizations and global issues like climate change.
Defence Agreements:
1.Rafale Fighter Jets Deal-2016: India purchased 36 Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation.
2.P-75 Scorpene Submarine Project
3.Defence Technology Transfer
Joint Military Exercises:
1.Varuna-Navy
2.Garuda-Air Force
3.Shakti-Army
More than 1,000 French Companies operate in sectors like defence, IT, aviation and energy.
India as France 2nd largest trading partner in Europe.
India and France co-founded the ISA for global solar energy cooperation.
Model Question:
“India-France relations have evolved into a multifaceted strategic partnership encompassing defence, trade, technology, and global governance.” Discuss the key aspects of this partnership and analyze the challenges and opportunities in strengthening bilateral ties. (250 words)
Model Answer
India and France share a strong and time-tested strategic partnership established in 1998, encompassing defence, trade, technology, climate action, and multilateral cooperation. Their relationship is characterized by mutual trust, shared democratic values, and a commitment to a multipolar world order.
Key Aspects of India-France Partnership
- Defence and Security Cooperation
- Rafale Deal (2016): Procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets strengthened India’s air capabilities.
- Scorpène Submarines: Collaboration in building INS Kalvari-class submarines under Project-75.
- Joint Military Exercises: Varuna (Navy); Garuda (Air Force); Shakti (Army)
- Maritime Security Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
- Economic and Trade Relations
- Bilateral trade stands at $12 billion (2023).
- French investments in infrastructure, aviation, IT, and energy (Airbus, Renault, Schneider Electric).
- Smart Cities Mission collaboration.
- Space and Nuclear Cooperation
- ISRO-CNES collaboration: Joint satellite missions.
- Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project: Largest proposed nuclear plant in India.
- Climate and Renewable Energy Cooperation
- International Solar Alliance (ISA): Co-founded by India and France to promote solar energy.
- Clean energy partnerships in wind and hydropower.
- Education and Cultural Exchange
- 20,000+ Indian students in France.
- Growing popularity of French language learning in India.
Challenges in India-France Relations
- Defence Delays: Issues in Rafale jet deliveries and pending defense agreements.
- Jaitapur Nuclear Project: High costs and local opposition delaying progress.
- China’s Indo-Pacific Strategy: Need for better maritime coordination.
- Trade Imbalance: India seeks greater market access in France for its goods.
Opportunities for Strengthening Ties
- Enhancing defence co-development (Make in India).
- Strengthening Indo-Pacific cooperation with trilateral groupings (India-France-Australia).
- Expanding trade and investment in emerging sectors like AI and digital economy.
- Boosting space and nuclear energy partnerships.
India and France share a strong strategic vision for global stability, security, and sustainability. While challenges persist, growing cooperation in defense, technology, and multilateralism makes their partnership a key pillar of India’s global aspirations. Strengthening this relationship will further India’s economic and strategic interests on the global stage.
