Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

France’s dual identity as a European power and an Indo-Pacific resident power provides India with unique strategic advantages. Both nations share a vision for strategic autonomy and multipolarity in global affairs, deepening their cooperation in defense, nuclear energy, space, and technology.

Body

Strategic Advantages of France’s Position for India:

• Defense and Strategic Partnership: France is a key arms supplier to India, with deals including Rafale jets and Scorpene submarines.
  • Joint military exercises (e.g., Varuna) enhance maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
  • The FRIND-X initiative fosters collaboration between Indian and French defense startups .
• Indo-Pacific Security and Maritime Cooperation: France aligns with India’s vision for a free, open, and rules-based maritime order.
  • Military bases in Réunion Island and New Caledonia enable strategic access to the Indian Ocean.
  • The Indo-Pacific Triangular Cooperation between India, France, and third countries aids climate resilience .
• Economic and Trade Relations: France is among India’s largest European investors, with $13.38 billion bilateral trade (2023-24).
  • The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), with Marseille as a hub, strengthens trade.
• Space and Aerospace Cooperation: France has been a long-standing partner in India’s space program (TRISHNA satellite project).
  • Collaboration in human spaceflight and planetary exploration boosts India’s strategic autonomy .
• Civil Nuclear Collaboration: France is assisting India in developing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for energy security.
  • The ₹20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission (2024-25 Budget) enhances joint research in SMRs.
  • The Jaitapur nuclear plant (9,900 MW) is set to be the world’s largest nuclear power plant .
• Artificial Intelligence and Technological Innovation: India-France Roadmap on AI fosters ethical AI development.
  • Indian startups gain access to Station F, the world’s largest startup incubator in France.
  • Expansion of India’s UPI in France strengthens financial technology cooperation .

Implications for India’s Multilateral Engagements:

• Strengthening India-EU Ties
  • France can play a key role in finalizing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
  • India’s participation in EU’s Green Deal and Digital Markets Act can be facilitated by France.
• Enhancing India’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
  • Joint naval deployments in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific strengthen India’s regional leadership.
  • France’s Quad Plus engagement complements India’s Indo-Pacific outreach.
• Boosting Climate Diplomacy and Renewable Energy
  • France’s role in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) aids India’s green energy transition. Cooperation in hydrogen technology and energy storage can further accelerate India’s decarbonization goals.
• Expanding Defense and Space Diplomacy: India can leverage France’s defense influence in NATO for technology transfers.
  • Collaboration in hypersonic and quantum technologies bolsters India’s space and defense innovation.

Conclusion

India-France ties are built on shared principles of strategic autonomy, multipolarity, and technological collaboration. Strengthening this partnership will enhance India’s global influence, aligning with its vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.