Indo-French Strategic Dialogue | GS Paper-2

Context- Recently, the National Security Advisor (NSA) of India held the 36th round of the Indo-French Strategic Dialogue with the French counterpart. 

Key Highlights of the 36th round of the Indo-French Strategic Dialogue

• Both participants have agreed to intensify efforts “towards strategic autonomy”.
• The two sides held discussions on a variety of issues such as
• The current global security situation in the context of the conflict in Ukraine
• Regional security in the context of Afghanistan
• Counter-terrorism
• Cyber security
• Defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific
• Other issues of mutual concern.
• The PM of India and Diplomatic Adviser to the President of France also discussed areas like “energy and culture”.
• The discussions also reflected closeness in views of both India and France on all major international issues. 
• The France-India strategic partnership is key to tackling the upcoming theft pressing challenges of 2023. 
• France has provided “full support” for India’s G-20 Presidency.

India- France Relations

Strategic Relationship:

• After the 1998 nuclear tests of India, France was the first country to initiate a Strategic Dialogue with India. By displaying a greater understanding of India’s security compulsions as compared to other countries, France refused to impose bilateral sanctions on India. 
• India-France strategic partnership is particularly based on “exceptional mutual trust, shared democratic values and a joint vision for a multipolar, rules-based world order”

Economic Relationship:

• Bilateral trade with France has witnessed a steady increase in the last decade reaching USD 10.75 billion in 2020. 
• France holds the 9th rank in foreign investment in India.
• The two countries have also recognised the importance of fast tracking the discussions on an India-EU trade and investment agreement.
• More than 150 Indian companies are operational in France and more than 1000 French companies are present in India with turnover of $20 billion

Defense Relationship:

• India-France timely conducts a defense dialogue at the ministerial level. 
• Joint defense exercises between the Air forces i.e. Garuda series and the Armies i.e. Shakti, Navies i.e. Varuna are conducted regularly.
• P-75 Scorpene Dea 2005 is an agreement for building six Scorpène submarines under technology transfer at Mazagaon Docks Ltd. in India with French help.
• Technology sharing and acquisitions of short-range missiles and radar equipment were also concluded.
• The government-to-government agreement for 36 French Rafale multi-role combat aircraft has also taken place. 
• India is close to taking a decision on a fighter jet in order to fly off the Navy’s aircraft carriers (Boeing’s F-18 Super Hornet or Dassault Aviation’s Rafael-M)
• India is mulling over procuring 26 jets (probably Rafale, as per official sources).  
• Safran of France is competing with other global engine manufacturers to co-develop a fighter jet engine with DRDO.

Energy Sector Cooperation:

• An agreement was signed between two countries a decade ago for building six European Pressurized (Nuclear) Reactors (EPR) with a total capacity of 9.6 GW.
• The International Solar Alliance was also launched jointly by India and France.

Science & Technology:

• Gaganyan Mission: Both the countries have signed a cooperation agreement for this Mission of India.
• The French space agency will also support India’s scientific experiments by providing French equipment and medical instruments for Indian astronauts.
• Joint Satellite Mission TRISHNA: It is meant for ecosystem monitoring and water use monitoring and it is the 3rd joint mission of ISRO and CNES. 

Maritime cooperation:

• India and France both share concern about China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean Region. France showed more willingness to cooperate with India after the launch of AUKUS.
• French overseas territories in the Indian and the Pacific Oceans provide it with the second-largest exclusive economic zone.
•  It has long maintained bases in Reunion Islands and Djibouti and also established one in Abu Dhabi in 2009.
• Strengthening cooperation with France (the western Indian Ocean Region) makes mere strategic sense even as India develops its presence in Oman (Duqm) and Seychelles (Assumption Island).

Indo-French Naval Cooperation: 

• Naval cooperation in the Gulf area where France has a base in Abu Dhabi for securing sea lanes of communication, and combating piracy, transnational crime & terrorism by fostering capabilities in the Indian and Pacific oceans.  

Significance of India-France Relationship

• France has provided support to India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by France along with reiteration of support for defense industrialisation, joint research and cutting edge technology development in India.
• Post-Brexit, Indian companies can now look at France as an entry point to Europe.
• No Money for Terror– an international conference on fighting terrorist financing is advocated by both India and France at UN Platform.
• Both the parties have shared Vision of multipolar world order. 
• India’s claim to UNSC Permanent membership has also been continuously backed by France.
• India’s membership to the Multilateral Export Control Regimes such as NSG and MTCR has been always supported by France.
• Reciprocal Logistics Support Agreement in order to facilitate fuel replenishment and maintenance of each other’s warships, military aircraft and troops during port calls and disaster relief.