June 21 – GS2/International Relations: 2026 | UPSC Daily Answer Writing Practice PDF Download

Q: Discuss the importance and obstacles in Indo-French relations. Propose measures for enhancing their collaboration. (250 words)

Introduction

Recently, in Paris, India and France highlighted the importance of the 'Partnership for the Planet' as a key aspect of the Indo-French Horizon 2047 Roadmap. This partnership focuses on their strengthened cooperation in areas such as climate change, biodiversity, health, and environmental issues.

The Importance of Indo-France Relations

• Indo-Pacific Security: France plays a vital role in helping India maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region and countering China's growing influence. This cooperation was highlighted in the 2018 India-France Joint Strategic Vision for Indian Ocean cooperation.
• Mutual Strategic Autonomy: The Indo-France relationship is unique because it is free from Anglo-Saxon influences in France and anti-Western sentiments in India. France was also the first major power to engage in talks with India after it declared itself a nuclear-weapon state in 1998.
• International Organization Access: France's support is crucial for India's aspirations to join important international bodies like the UN Security Council and the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
• Global Power Balance: The partnership between India and France helps moderate Russian influence in Europe and Chinese influence in Asia, contributing to global stability and a balanced world order.
• Defence Cooperation: France is significant for India's defence sector through strong strategic partnerships and collaborations. The procurement of Rafale fighter jets from France is a key example. Additionally, France and India engage in joint military exercises, technology transfers, and collaborations in defence research and development.
• Future-Oriented Collaboration: The Horizon 2047 agreement outlines a 25-year roadmap for cooperation between India and France, emphasizing collaboration in advanced technologies like supercomputing, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing, which are crucial for India's future development.

Challenges in Indo-France Relations

• Economic Limitations: The lack of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) hampers deeper economic ties between India and France. Progress on the India-EU Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) has stalled, further limiting economic integration.
• Trade and Intellectual Property Issues: There is a trade imbalance favoring France, with higher exports to India. France has raised concerns about the inadequate protection of intellectual property rights for French businesses operating in India. Some negotiated projects, such as the Jaitapur nuclear project, face operational challenges.
• Divergent Geopolitical Stances: India and France have differing approaches to certain global issues. For example, France has been vocal in criticizing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, while India has adopted a more neutral stance.

Steps to Enhance Indo-France Relations

• Economic Engagement: To strengthen economic ties, negotiations on the India-EU BTIA should be expedited, with France playing a supportive role within the EU. Exploring a bilateral economic partnership agreement could serve as an interim measure. Expanding the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA) model to other sectors could foster collaboration. The Japan-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement could provide a useful framework for such initiatives.
• Trade and Intellectual Property Negotiations: Establishing a joint working group focused on intellectual property protection and technology transfer is essential. Creating sector-specific trade facilitation mechanisms can help address trade challenges. Involving private sector expertise to overcome technical and financial hurdles will be crucial. The successful Rafale jets deal exemplifies how political will can overcome obstacles in trade negotiations.
• Managing Geopolitical Positions: Increasing strategic dialogues between India and France can help align perspectives on global issues. Collaborating on areas of mutual interest, such as Indo-Pacific security, can strengthen the partnership. The India-France-Australia trilateral initiative showcases the potential for aligned interests in addressing regional challenges.
• Addressing Emerging Global Tensions: Enhancing intelligence sharing and conducting joint strategic assessments will be vital in managing emerging global tensions. Developing joint crisis response mechanisms can improve preparedness for unforeseen challenges. Collaborating on humanitarian aid and conflict resolution initiatives can foster goodwill and strengthen bilateral ties. Strengthening naval cooperation in the Indian Ocean region, particularly in response to China's assertiveness, is crucial. Expanding joint naval exercises, such as Exercise Varuna, to include other regional partners can enhance collective security efforts.

Conclusion

The India-France partnership is positioned to play a significant role in shaping a balanced and stable international order as global dynamics evolve. By leveraging their complementary strengths and addressing existing challenges, both nations can elevate their partnership to new heights, benefiting not only themselves but also contributing to global peace, security, and prosperity.