Sansad TV: India – France Relations | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently completed his visit to Germany, Denmark, and France, marking his first international trip in 2022. During the tour, the Prime Minister engaged in bilateral meetings to strengthen cooperation in various areas such as trade, energy, and green technology. Following the India-Nordic Summit in Copenhagen, he made a stop in France where he had discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron on a wide range of bilateral issues. They also reviewed the regional and global security situation and explored ways to enhance the India-France Strategic Partnership for the greater good of the world.

Background:

• France has consistently shown understanding towards India's claims based on its ancient civilization. 
• The defence collaboration between the two countries dates back to the 1950s when India acquired aircraft like Ouragan, Mystères, Jaguar, and Mirage 2000 from France. 
• They initiated joint naval exercises called 'Varuna' in 1983. France has been more supportive of India's strategic programs compared to other nations and became the first western country to establish a Strategic Partnership with India. 
• France played a crucial role in setting up India's Sriharikota launch site and has been involved in engine development and hosting of payloads. 
• Following the Cold War, France chose India as its preferred partner in the Indian Ocean Region and has been a staunch supporter of India's claim for a permanent seat in the reformed UN Security Council.

Mutual Benefits

• Indo-French naval cooperation aims to secure vital sea lanes, combat security threats like piracy, trans-national crime, and terrorism, and enhance security capabilities in the Indian Ocean. 
• A significant benefit for India from a maritime pact with France is the potential expansion of the Indian Navy's presence in the Indo-Pacific region. 
• Future discussions may result in an agreement granting French naval vessels access to Indian ports for repair and resupply, while Indian vessels could have routine usage rights for France's Indian Ocean military bases, such as Djibouti where China has a base. 
• France's facilities would contribute to India's network of naval outposts in the Indian Ocean Region, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Seychelles, where India plans to establish a military base. 
• French companies, including Dassault Aviation, are highly competitive, and their defence industry has a proven track record in navigating India's defence market, as evident from contracts for the Rafale aircraft and Scorpene submarines (Project-75). 
• Strengthening the naval partnership with France sends a powerful message to India's maritime adversaries in Asia, and India hopes for closer engagement in the Western Indian Ocean, where France has a significant military presence. 
• The Indian Navy aims to expand the scope and complexity of the Indo-French bilateral naval exercise VARUNA and establish a partnership with the French navy in littoral South-East Asia to influence the security dynamics in the Pacific, including the Southern Pacific Islands.

India-France Strategic Partnership

Defence

• In 2005, India signed an agreement with France to build six Scorpène submarines in India with French assistance. 
• Technology sharing and acquisitions of short-range missiles and radar equipment were also concluded. 
• Joint exercises between the air forces (Garuda series) and armies (Shakti) were established in 2003 and 2011, respectively. 
• A government-to-government agreement for 36 Rafale aircraft has been finalized, and the ambitious offset target of 50% can significantly contribute to the development of India's aerospace industry.

Energy Sector:

• Around a decade ago, an agreement was signed to build six European Pressurized Reactors (EPR) nuclear power reactors with a total capacity of 9.6 GW. 
• Negotiations have been ongoing between the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) and Areva. 
• India and France jointly initiated the International Solar Alliance to promote green energy. 
• France has pledged an additional $861.5 million by 2022 for solar projects in developing countries. 
• The agreement between NPCIL and EdF (Areva) affirms that work at Jaitapur will commence before the end of 2018.

Maritime Cooperation:

• Both India and France share concerns about China's increasing presence in the Indian Ocean Region. 
• France possesses extensive exclusive economic zones in the Indian and Pacific Oceans through its overseas territories. 
• It maintains bases in Reunion Islands and Djibouti and established one in Abu Dhabi in 2009. 
• Strengthening cooperation with France, particularly in the western Indian Ocean Region, aligns with India's presence in Oman (Duqm) and Seychelles (Assumption Island). 
• Enhanced synergy between the two navies in the Gulf area, where France has a base in Abu Dhabi, and a mutual understanding of the implications of a Chinese base in Gwadar are essential for India.

Trade between the Two Countries:

• Bilateral trade has grown in recent years, but it is currently half of India's trade with Germany. 
• During the business summit, agreements worth nearly $16 billion were signed, with around 1,000 French companies operating in India and over a hundred Indian businesses having a presence in France. 
• As the United Kingdom undergoes Brexit, India can consider France as an entry point for Europe, which was previously perceived as the role of the UK.

Space:

• France played a crucial role in assisting India in setting up the Sriharikota launch site. 
• The relationship has evolved to joint missions for space situational awareness, high-resolution earth observation missions in meteorology, oceanography, and cartography. 
• Inter-planetary exploration and space transportation systems are also identified areas for cooperation.

Urban Development:

• France's successful implementation of public-private partnership models in urban planning and management, particularly in areas like housing, transport, water, and sanitation, can provide valuable lessons for India. 
• The Smart Cities flagship program, with a focus on Chandigarh, Nagpur, and Puducherry, is progressing, with agreements related to electric mobility, water supply, waste management, and smart grids.

Education Links:

• Youth and student exchanges are a significant aspect of the partnership. 
• While around 2,500 Indians pursue higher education in France annually, the number is considerably lower compared to over 250,000 from China. 
• Agreements on mutual recognition of academic degrees and the Knowledge Summit, which witnessed the signing of 14 MoUs between educational and scientific institutions, highlight the commitment to enhancing educational cooperation.

Tourism:

• The number of flights between India and France should be increased as currently there are fewer flights compared to Germany and the UK.

Concerns:

• While the government-to-government relationship between India and France is strong, there is room for improvement in business relationships. 
• Bilateral trade falls short of the target set in 2008, and French foreign direct investment (FDI) in India does not fully reflect the presence of over 800 French enterprises in the country.

Conclusion

To foster more effective cooperation between India and France, areas such as French social security laws, long-term student visas, and facilitating repayment of student loans through work opportunities for two-three years need to be addressed.