India-France Strategic Partnership
The elevation of ties between India and France to a Special Global Strategic Partnership underscores the strength and sustainability of their relationship, emphasizing a mutual commitment to strategic autonomy that steers clear of rigid bloc politics.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
- France has consistently been a reliable partner for India, with ties gaining renewed momentum over the past year.
- PM Narendra Modi's visit to France for the AI Action Summit in Paris highlighted mutual commitments like the joint development of nuclear reactors and advancing defense cooperation.
Defense and AI Cooperation
- Recent talks in Mumbai between PM Modi and President Emmanuel Macron focused on defense and AI.
- The Horizon 2047 Roadmap articulates a long-term strategic convergence to support each other amid a challenging international order.
- The Defence Acquisition Council approved a proposal to procure 114 Rafale aircraft from France, complementing the existing 36 Rafale jets in the Indian Air Force and plans to induct 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for the Navy.
- This move aims to diversify India’s defense imports and reduce reliance on Russia.
Collaborative Efforts Across Sectors
- The joint statement highlights cooperation across emerging technologies, critical minerals, space, climate action, global health, and AI.
Respect for Strategic Autonomy
- Both countries respect each other's strategic autonomy, with France not influencing India's decisions regarding Russia.
- Despite France's deteriorating ties with Russia post-Ukraine invasion, it maintains China as its largest trading partner in Asia.
Broader International Implications
- The Modi-Macron meeting follows the India-EU FTA signing, indicating India's view of Europe as an independent strategic player, not subordinate to a US-led West.
- The India-France partnership also serves as a bridge for enhancing India's engagement with Europe.
