Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

• In a recent event in Paris, India and France emphasised the ‘Partnership for the Planet’ as pivotal to the Indo-French Horizon 2047 Roadmap, highlighting their enhanced cooperation on climate change, biodiversity, health, and environmental issues.

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The Significance of Indo-France Relations:

• Indo-Pacific Security: France's support is crucial for India in maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region and countering Chinese assertiveness in this region, This is exemplified by the 2018 India-France Joint Strategic Vision for Indian Ocean cooperation.
• Mutual Strategic Autonomy: The relationship is uniquely balanced, free from Anglo-Saxon influences in France and anti-Western sentiments in India. Moreover, after the nuclear tests in May 1998, when India declared itself a nuclear-weapon State, France was the first major power to open talks with India.
• International Organization Access: France's backing is vital for India's aspirations to join key bodies like the UN Security Council and the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
• Global Power Balance: Indo-France partnership plays a role in moderating Russian influence in Europe and Chinese influence in Asia, contributing to global stability and a balanced world order.
• Defence Cooperation: France holds substantial significance for India's defence sector through robust strategic partnerships and collaborations. The procurement of Rafale fighter jets from France, 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 bilateral cooperation. It emphasises collaboration in advanced technologies like supercomputing, AI, and quantum computing, which are critical for India's future development.

The Challenges Related to Indo-France Relations :

• Economic Limitations:
  • The absence of a Free Trade Agreement hinders deeper economic ties and progress on the India-EU Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) has stalled, limiting further economic integration.
• Trade and Intellectual Property Issues:
  • Trade imbalance favours France, with higher exports to India and more often France has expressed concerns about inadequate protection of intellectual property rights for French businesses in India.
    • Some negotiated projects face operational challenges, such as the Jaitapur nuclear project.
• Divergent Geopolitical Stances:
  • Differing approaches to global issues are evident. For instance, France has openly criticised Russia's invasion of Ukraine, while India has maintained a more neutral stance.

Steps Ahead to Accelerate Indo-France Relations :

• Economic Engagement:
  • Accelerate negotiations on the India-EU BTIA with France as a key supporter within the EU. Explore a bilateral economic partnership agreement as an interim measure. The Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA) model could be expanded to other sectors.
    • The Japan-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement could serve as a model.
• Negotiating Trade and Intellectual Property:
  • Establish a joint working group on IP protection and technology transfer. Create sector-specific trade facilitation mechanisms.
    • Involve private sector expertise to overcome technical and financial hurdles. The success of the Rafale jets deal shows how political will can overcome obstacles.
• Managing Geopolitical Positions:
  • Increase strategic dialogues to align perspectives on global issues and collaborate on areas of mutual interest, such as Indo-Pacific security.
    • The India-France-Australia trilateral initiative demonstrates the potential for aligned interests.
• Addressing Emerging Global Tensions:
  • Enhance intelligence sharing and joint strategic assessments, and develop joint crisis response mechanisms. The Quad (India, US, Japan, Australia) framework could be expanded to include France in specific areas.
    • Collaborate on humanitarian aid and conflict resolution initiatives.
  • Strengthen naval cooperation in the Indian Ocean against China's Assertiveness, Example: Expand joint naval exercises like Varuna to include other regional partners.

Conclusion

As global dynamics shift, the India-France partnership is poised to play a significant role in shaping a balanced and stable international order. By leveraging their complementary strengths and addressing existing challenges, India and France can elevate their partnership to new heights, benefiting not just both nations but contributing to global peace, security, and prosperity.