India-France Bilateral Relations

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Context

• French President Emmanuel Macron was Republic Day chief guest.

Highlights

• India and France made significant decisions during French President Emmanuel Macron's two-day state visit to India.
• The primary focus was on enhancing collaboration in the defence sector.

Key Points from India-France Briefing:

Defence Collaboration:

• Focus on high-tech fields like robotics, AI, and cyber defence.
• Robust defence-industrial roadmap signifies shared commitment.

Industrial Partnership:

• Tata and Airbus Helicopters partner for H125 helicopter production.
• Strengthening collaboration in the defence sector.

Maritime Cooperation:

• PM Modi and President Macron discuss maritime developments.
• Special focus on disruptions and developments in the Red Sea.

Space Exploration:

• MoU between New Space India Ltd and Arianespace for satellite launches.
• Advancing cooperation in space exploration.

Comprehensive Roadmap:

• Extends to science, technology, healthcare, education, and sustainable agriculture.
• Emphasis on broadening collaboration across multiple sectors.

India France Year of Innovation (2026):

• Joint celebration to foster innovation and technological advancements.

Youth Exchange and Visa Extension:

• Introduction of the Young Professional Scheme for individuals aged 18-35.
• Visa validity extended to five years for Indian students pursuing master's degrees in France.

India-France Bilateral Relations:

Historical Context and Strategic Partnership:

• India and France established a Strategic Partnership on 26 January 1998.
• The partnership aims at enhancing strategic independence through robust bilateral cooperation.

Defense and Security Cooperation:

• The defense partnership includes the Annual Defence Dialogue and the High Committee on Defence Cooperation.
• The purchase of Rafale aircraft and ongoing P-75 Scorpene Project are significant defense collaborations.
• India and France conducted bilateral Exercise VARUNA 2023, Joint Military Exercise FRINJEX-23, and participated in multilateral Exercise La Perouse in the Indian Ocean Region.
• India's Defense Space Agency opened an office in the Embassy in 2023 to strengthen technology cooperation.

Space Cooperation:

• Over fifty years of cooperation between ISRO and Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES).
• The India-France Strategic Space Dialogue identifies areas for civil and defense space collaboration.
• ISRO and CNES concluded agreements on launch vehicle technologies, joint Earth Observation mission TRISHNA, and Space Situational Awareness.
• Arianespace and NSIL signed a Letter of Intent for collaboration in commercial launch services.

Cyber Cooperation:

• Regular Cyber Dialogues address cyber cooperation and security matters.
• Recent dialogue in Paris focused on cybersecurity issues.
• 4th Cyber Dialogue led by MEA and MoFA in 2021. A dialogue on cybersecurity was held in Paris in 2024.
• The continuous dialogue underscores the joint commitment to addressing evolving cyber threats.

Counterterrorism:

• Robust cooperation in countering terrorism, reflected in Joint Working Group meetings.
• The 15th Meeting of the Joint Working Group on Counterterrorism was held in Paris in 2021.
• The 16th Joint Working Group meeting took place in January 2024 in New Delhi.
• Regular meetings demonstrate a shared commitment to combatting terrorism under UN forums.

Civil Nuclear Cooperation:

• Progress on Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project and exploration of Small Modular Reactors.
• Emphasis on sustainable and efficient nuclear energy solutions.
• During PM’s visit to Paris in July 2023, leaders welcomed progress related to the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project.
• Cooperation in nuclear energy signifies a shared vision for sustainable solutions.

Economic Cooperation:

• France is among the largest investors in India, with substantial FDI inflow.
• Bilateral Joint Working Groups exist in various fields to enhance economic collaboration.
• FDI inflow from France for FY 2022-23 was $659.77 million, with a cumulative stock of $10.76 billion.
• Over 70 Indian companies employ over 8,000 employees in France, while over 750 French companies employ over 450,000 people in India.

Digital Cooperation:

• Workshops and events showcase India's achievements in digital infrastructure.
• Unified Payments Interface (UPI) launched from Eiffel Tower for secure transactions.
• 'INFRAStructures' workshop organized in Paris in May 2023 showcased India's digital achievements.
• UPI launch from Eiffel Tower demonstrates joint efforts in digital innovation.

Culture and Tourism Cooperation:

• 'Namaste France 2023' showcased Indian culture, drawing over 20,000 visitors.
• Agreements on Broadcasting and Museuology signed during PM’s July 2023 visit.
• Festival comprised 18 concerts, 16 workshops, and a craft bazaar, reaching around 20,000 attendees.
• Cultural events contribute to enhancing mutual understanding and people-to-people ties.

Maritime Cooperation:

• India-France Maritime Cooperation Dialogue and naval exercises strengthen maritime ties.
• Inaugural India-EU joint naval exercises in the Gulf of Guinea.
• 6th Meeting of India-France Maritime Cooperation Dialogue held in October 2023 in Paris.
• The cooperation extends to joint naval exercises and regional maritime security efforts.

Blue Economy and Clean Energy:

• Dialogue on Blue Economy explores collaboration in sustainable development.
• IEA Critical Minerals and Clean Energy Summit focuses on responsible supply for the global clean energy transition.
• First dialogue on Blue Economy held in Paris in October 2023.
• Focus on clean energy and responsible mineral supply aligns with global sustainability goals.

Science & Technology:

• Delegations discuss cooperation in health, medicine, and ocean technology.
• Agreements on health and ocean technology signed during PM’s July 2023 visit.
• 36th Governor Body Meeting of Indo-French Center for Promotion of Advanced Research held in May 2023.
• Collaborations in science and technology contribute to innovation and research.

Education Cooperation:

• Agreement on mutual recognition of degrees facilitates higher education exchange.
• Plans to increase Indian students in France to 30,000 by 2030.
• Scheme for Young Professionals in the age group 18 to 35 years launched in September 2022.
• Commitment to increasing the number of Indian students in France underscores educational collaboration.

Community in France:

• Over 1,19,000 Indian community members in mainland France, mainly from French colonies and Indian states.
• Diplomatic engagements to strengthen linkages, including visits to French overseas territories.
• Over 50 Indian community organizations active in France.
• OCI card facility announced for people of Indian origin in Guadeloupe and Martinique during PM’s public address.

Consular Dialogue:

• Regular Consular Dialogues enhance the movement of people between the two countries.
• India-France Consular Dialogue held in July 2020, with plans for continued cooperation.
• Strengthening consular dialogue ensures effective consular support for the community.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Examine the multifaceted dimensions of the India-France Strategic Partnership, highlighting key areas of collaboration and recent developments.