Relations Between India and France: India and France are close and friendly allies. The strategic relationship between the two countries extends to economic, defense, space, and technological cooperation. The two countries have long-standing cultural and economic ties and share several common values. Diplomatic relations between India and France were established in 1947.
Even during the freedom struggle, many Indian freedom fighters used to take shelter in French India to escape the British. The French had few colonies in India which included Yanam, Karaikal, Mahe, and Puducherry. By the Treaty of Cession, the French ceded all their colonies in 1962 and they were all combined into the Union Territory of Puducherry.
In this article, we will read about relations between India and France in different domains such as technology, defense, etc, and their effect on India and France.
Historical Background of Relations Between India and France
India and France have a long history of diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations. The roots of their relationship can be traced back to the colonial era when France and Britain were the major European powers with significant interests in the Indian subcontinent.
- An Indian Christian priest, Saint Severus, settled in Vienne, France, in the 5th century, showcasing early cultural and historical connections between India and France.
- François Bernier, a French physician in the 17th century, served as the personal physician of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, demonstrating a direct link between the two nations during this period.
- In the 18th century, France actively participated in European colonial power dynamics in the Indian Ocean region, indicating shared historical interests and involvement.
- French General Dupleix’s alliances in the Deccan and Carnatic Wars were instrumental against the British East India Company, exemplifying collaborative efforts and relationships between Indian and French forces.
- Despite facing defeats, the French military adventurer Benoît de Boigne made significant contributions in battles in India under the Marathas, emphasizing ongoing engagement.
- The Treaty of Paris in 1763 marked a shift, but France maintained trading posts in India, leading to a continued presence and potential power struggles with the British.
- The alliance sealed in 1782 between Louis XVI and the Maratha Peshwa Madhav Rao Narayan showcased diplomatic ties and mutual interests between France and Indian powers.
- Admiral Suffren’s collaboration with Hyder Ali in the Second Anglo-Mysore War and his engagements with the Royal Navy illustrated France’s involvement in Indian conflicts against the British.
- While the British established authority over the Madras Presidency, France retained control of territories like Pondicherry, Karikal, Yanam, and Mahé, demonstrating a lasting geopolitical influence.
- During the British Raj, Indian independence activists sought refuge in French establishments, indicating a shared history of resistance against British colonial authorities.
Political relations between India and France
One of the major agreements between India and France in the political arena is the “Strategic Partnership Agreement,” signed on January 25, 1998. This agreement laid the foundation for enhanced cooperation and collaboration between the two countries in various strategic and political domains. The agreement outlined the shared values, interests, and objectives of India and France and provided a framework for bilateral engagement in areas such as defence, security, space, and political dialogue.
The Strategic Partnership Agreement marked a significant step forward in the diplomatic relations between India and France, emphasizing mutual respect and understanding. It paved the way for subsequent agreements and collaborations in defence, technology, and other strategic areas. The signing of this agreement reflected the commitment of both nations to building a strong and comprehensive partnership that goes beyond economic and cultural ties to encompass crucial geopolitical and security aspects.
Key Milestones that shaped the relations between India and France
Several key milestones have shaped the diplomatic relationship between India and France over the years. Here are some significant moments:
- Rafale Fighter Jet Deal (2016): The agreement for India to purchase Rafale fighter jets from France was a landmark defence deal that not only strengthened military ties but also demonstrated a high level of trust between the two nations.
- International Solar Alliance (ISA) Launch (2015): India and France jointly launched the International Solar Alliance, an initiative aimed at promoting solar energy and sustainable development. This collaboration showcased their commitment to addressing global challenges like climate change.
- Cultural and Educational Exchanges (ongoing): Cultural and educational ties have been fostered through initiatives such as the Alliance Française, promoting the French language and culture in India, as well as various academic collaborations and scholarships.
India’s diplomatic Ties with France?
India has close diplomatic ties with France and the two countries share similar views on various international issues. India and France have been increasingly engaged in several areas of cooperation such as defence, digital technologies and security of the Indian Ocean region.
Defence Sector Relations Between India and France
France is one of India’s most reliable allies. The two countries have been jointly developing aeronautical technology and combat aircraft. France delivered 36 Rafale jets to India, and a shareholder’s agreement has been signed between India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and France’s Safran Helicopter Engine for the development of combat aircraft engines. Under the P75 Kalvari project, India and France jointly developed the Scorpene submarine. The Indian and French military conduct several annual joint exercises, such as Exercise Shakti, Exercise Garuda, and Exercise Varuna.
Space cooperation Between India and France
The history of Indo-French space collaboration can be traced back to the early 1960s, when France assisted India with the Rohini Sounding Rocket program. In 2019, India’s ISRO and France’s CNES collaborated to develop satellites that could track continuous ship movements and oil spillage.
Recently, the two organisations also decided to jointly develop TRISHNA, which is an Earth observation satellite. India and France also signed an agreement to cooperate on the development of Gaganyaan. CNES would help in the development of scientific plans and would also provide medicines and equipment that could be used by Indian astronauts.
Economic partnership Between India and France
Bilateral trade between India and France stood at $13.4 billion in 2022-2023. India’s exports to France were over $7 billion, and France is the 11th largest global investor in India. The French Development Agency has decided to finance India’s sustainable cities program – ‘CITIES 2.0’.
India and France have strong economic ties in the technology sector, the renewable energy sector, and the infrastructure development sector. Tata Technology and L&T Tech Service have set up their innovation centers in France to facilitate joint technological development between the two countries.
Civil Nuclear Cooperation Between India and France
France is one of the largest nuclear fuel suppliers to India. In 2008, France and India entered into the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, under which French nuclear reactors were supplied to India. This agreement was signed in the aftermath of India getting a waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
Climate Change Cooperation Between India and France
India and France have been jointly raising issues of climate change at the global level. India is a signatory to the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change. India and France jointly launched the International Solar Alliance in 2015.
Cultural relations between India and France
India and France have shared strong cultural ties ever since the first French expedition in India in the first half of the 19th century. French traditions are very prevalent in Puducherry. The French Institute in India (IFI) promotes the development of the French language in India by providing training to teachers.
The IFI runs two flagship projects through which it promotes student exchange programmes between Indian and French educational institutions. Under the English Language Assistants Programme, Indian students are sent to France to teach English, and under the French Language Tutors in India programme, French students come to India to teach French in Indian institutions.
Indo-French Military Exercises
India and France have engaged in various joint military exercises over the years to enhance their strategic partnership and strengthen their defense capabilities. These exercises cover air, naval, and ground operations, fostering mutual understanding, and sharing best practices in military tactics. Here are some key exercises conducted between India and France:
Air Force Exercise – Garuda IV (June 2010)
In 2010, India and France had a special exercise in the air. It was like a practice to work together in the sky. They wanted to understand how each other’s air forces can help and support one another. This made them better partners in the air.
Naval Exercise – Varuna (July 2012)
In 2012, the two countries did an exercise in the sea. It was like a game for their navies. They practiced working together on the water. This helped them get better at coordinating their ships and keeping the seas safe.
Army Exercise – Shakti (October 2011)
In 2011, India and France did a different kind of exercise. This time, it was about their armies. They trained together on the ground to understand how to fight together and support each other during battles.
High-Level Visits (2013 and 2015)
The leaders and important people from the armies visited each other’s countries. It was like a friendly visit to learn and share ideas. The Indian Army Chief went to France, and the French Navy welcomed a top Indian Admiral. This made them know each other better.
Joint Army Exercise in Rajasthan (January 2016)
In 2016, they had another army exercise, but this time it happened in the deserts of Rajasthan. Both countries’ armies practiced together in the sandy areas. It was like a big teamwork game to make sure they could work well together in different conditions.
These exercises and visits helped India and France become better friends. They learned how to work together in the air, on the sea, and on the ground.
Challenges in Relations Between India and France
While India and France share a strong strategic partnership, there are certain challenges in bilateral relations between the two countries. There is a huge geographical distance between India and France, which poses logistic challenges relating to communication and transportation. Moreover, both countries have different regional interests, which might lead to diverse priorities. While both countries have strong trade ties, they have been unable to finalise a free trade agreement. France has also been raising issues about the weak intellectual property regime in India, which does not meet the expectations of French investors.
The two countries should promote cultural and student exchange programmes and continue to cooperate in areas of common interest, such as climate change and technological development. They should endeavour to find common ground to finalise a free trade agreement. This would boost the trade and economic ties between the two nations.
25th Anniversary of India-France Relations
The strategic partnership between India and France completed 25 years in 2023. On this occasion, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited as a Guest of Honour to the Bastille Day military parade, which is held in France on every 14th July.
Indo-France Joint Military Exercise, FRINJEX-23
The 2023 Indo-France Joint Military Exercise, FRINJEX-23, was held in Thiruvananthapuram. The exercise’s theme was “Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Operations in a Contested Environment”. The exercise’s goal was to improve cooperation, coordination, and interoperability between the two forces at the tactical level.
Conclusion – Relations Between India and France
France has been a reliable and time-tested partner for India and France was one of the few countries that supported India’s 1998 nuclear weapons test. France has been consistently backing India’s demand for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council and has also supported India’s entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
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FAQs on Relations Between India and France
How many Consulates does India have in France?
India has a consulate in Paris, Prance. In 2023, India announced that it will establish a second consulate in Marseille, France.
How many Embassies does France maintain in India?
France currently has 6 representative offices in India – Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Pondicherry. Additionally, in 2023, France announced that it will establish a Bureau de France in Hyderabad. The Bureau will provide consular services and facilitate development of business relations between the two countries.
What is the Schengen student visa issued by France to Indian students?
The Schengen student visa allows Indian students holding at least a Master’s degree from a French University to stay in France for a short period of 5 years.
Who was the first French President to visit India?
The bilateral relations between India and France reached a new milestone when President Jacques Chirac visited India in 1998. Dr. Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India, made a historic visit to France in 2008.
What is the 25 year relationship between India and France?
Celebrating 25 Years of the India-France Strategic Partnership in 2023: A Blossoming Alliance. Over the past 25 years, India and France, two countries with similar goals and ideals, have developed a solid and long-lasting partnership.
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