The acceptance of Prime Minister Modi’s invitation by French President Macron to be the Chief Guest for India’s 75th Republic Day resonates with the enduring partnership between the two nations. This collaboration has been exemplified by the participation of six French leaders in Republic Day celebrations since 1976. The 25th anniversary of their Strategic Partnership, emphasized by PM Modi during France’s Bastille Day in 2023, symbolizes the profound depth of this relationship. Since its initiation in 1998, the alliance has successfully navigated challenges, including those posed by Pokhran II, while collaborating across diverse sectors such as defence, space, culture, and citizen initiatives. Notably, France plays host to a significant Indian diaspora, fostering strong cultural and educational bonds.
Recent military cooperation has elevated France to become India’s second-largest arms supplier, encompassing significant milestones such as the delivery of Rafale jets, joint combat aircraft development, and the impactful Scorpene submarine construction program. Despite the robust economic alliance, the establishment of a Joint Economic Committee acknowledges untapped potential. Looking forward, collaborative efforts in science and technology, particularly in digital and healthcare advancements, underscore their commitment to mutual progress. This partnership extends beyond bilateral ties, playing a pivotal role in shaping global peace, stability, and sustainable development, underpinned by a shared vision for inclusive digital societies.
French President Emmanuel Macron will be the Chief Guest for India’s upcoming 75th Republic Day celebrations to be staged on January 26, 2024. The invitation is extended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that was confirmed on November 22 by both the Élysée Palace and India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
From Chirac’s groundbreaking visit in 1976 to Macron’s present-day presence, six French leaders have illuminated the Republic Day stage, underscoring the enduring and multifaceted partnership between India and France. Chirac enjoyed the rare honour once again in 1988. The other three French Presidents who visited India as Republic Day Chief Guest were Valery Giscard d’Estaing, Nicolas Sarkozy, and Francois Hollande in the years 1980, 2008 and 2016, respectively. The repeated choice of French Presidents as Chief Guests on India’s Republic Day reflects the close convergence the two countries have enjoyed on a range of regional and global concerns.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership between India and France, a significant milestone in the relationship. To commemorate this special occasion, India played a prominent role in France’s iconic Bastille Day celebrations on July 14, 2023. Prime Minister Narendra Modi graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. At the invitation of French President Macron, PM Modi witnessed the grandeur of the parade first hand.
India’s participation in the Bastille Day Parade was a powerful symbol of the close friendship and strategic partnership between India and France. It was a day filled with vibrant colours, stirring music, and awe-inspiring displays of military power, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.
Adding to the grandeur of the ceremony, a 241-member tri-service Indian armed forces contingent that led by a military band and marched proudly down the Champs-Elysees. As they marched, the patriotic tune of “Sare Jahan Se Accha” resonated through the air, stirring emotions, and symbolizing the shared values of both countries.
Hailing from the 101 Squadron at Hashimara, a squadron of Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets soared overhead in a majestic flypast. This dazzling display of India’s military prowess showcased the growing cooperation between the two countries in the defence sector.
In September 2023, President Macron attended India’s G20 presidency and engaged in a fruitful bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi in Delhi. Both leaders are determined to enhance the India-France relationship further. Their commitment is grounded in extensive cooperation spanning strategic domains like defence and space, along with vibrant exchanges in commerce, education, culture, and citizen-to-citizen initiatives.
Established in 1998, the India-France Strategic Partnership transcends conventional bilateral ties. Anchored in unwavering trust and profound commitment, this alliance explores pivotal domains, including civil nuclear energy, counter-terrorism defence, space exploration, cybersecurity, and digital innovation. Particularly noteworthy are the acquisition of 36 Rafale aircraft in 2016 and the ongoing construction of six European pressurized water reactors at Jaitapur—monuments that symbolize the significance of impactful joint ventures. These endeavours stand as a testimony to the robustness and profound dimensions of this collaborative alliance, highlighting the strength and depth inherent in the partnership between India and France.
Forged in a bedrock of friendship and rooted in shared values, India and France have long been pillars of stability in the Indo-Pacific. Since 1947, they have worked together, bound by a deep trust and unwavering commitment to the principles of the United Nations and the rule of law. Today, India and France stand as formidable champions of international peace and stability. In the vast arena of the Indo-Pacific and beyond, they remain resolute in their steadfast dedication to a rules-based order.
This deep affinity lies in their shared commitment to the United Nations Charter and its enduring principles. Though India boasts over 35 strategic partnerships, the one forged with France in 1998 holds a unique place in history. Not only was it India’s first, but it also unfolded amidst the backdrop of Pokhran II nuclear tests. Remarkably, instead of sanctions, France under President Chirac’s leadership extended a supportive hand, paving the way for India’s dignified entry into the global nuclear framework.
Moreover, France is home to the fourth-largest Indian diaspora in Europe, a testament to the vibrant cultural ties between the two nations. France, recognizing the talent pool this community represents, actively welcomes Indian students and professionals. Further deepening this link, they have established a bilateral agreement to facilitate circular migration, allowing individuals to hone their skills abroad and enrich their home country upon their return.
The India-France strategic partnership has experienced a remarkable acceleration in the past ten years. From sensitive political matters to high-tech defence collaborations, their cooperation now delves deep into sovereign domains. This surge is fuelled in particular by a robust arms trade, making France India’s second largest arms supplier, which signifies the growing strategic alignment between these two democracies.
For over five decades, India and France have soared together in the realm of military aviation. The timely delivery of the 36 Rafale fighter jets is a testament to this enduring partnership, marking a new chapter in aerial prowess. Both nations are now set to embark on a pioneering venture: the co-development of a next-generation combat aircraft engine. This ambitious project underscores their commitment to pushing the boundaries of aeronautical technology.
The Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) program further fuels this collaborative spirit. France’s Safran Helicopter Engine joins hands with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to power these formidable machines, marking a significant step towards self-reliance in helicopter technology. The success of the Scorpene submarine construction program (P75 – Kalvari) stands as a beacon of trust and expertise sharing. This “Make in India” initiative saw French naval know-how seamlessly blend with Indian manufacturing prowess, paving the way for even more ambitious submarine projects in the future.
The transfer of technology for Forging and Castings of the Shakti Engine from Safran to HAL is another feather in the cap of this dynamic partnership. It exemplifies France’s unwavering commitment to supporting India’s “Make in India” vision. Looking ahead, both countries are actively developing a comprehensive Roadmap for Defence Industrial Cooperation. This strategic document will guide future endeavours, ensuring continued growth and mutual benefit. To further bolster this collaborative spirit, India is establishing a dedicated Technical Office of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) within its Embassy in Paris. This physical presence will facilitate closer communication and expedite joint projects.
India and France share a thriving economic partnership, evident in robust investments and diverse trade ties. They collaborate on crucial sectors like IT corridors, smart cities, railways, and financial exchanges while emphasizing skill development. France has become a vital source of foreign direct investment for India, with over 1,000 French companies operating here, generating significant employment.
While both countries boast sizable economies, their bilateral trade hasn’t yet reached its full potential. Despite India’s consistent trade surplus, the total volume stands at USD 7.86 billion, with both Indian and French exports experiencing a slight dip in recent years. Trade with France still represents only a small fraction of India’s overall international trade.
Recognizing this untapped potential, both nations established a Joint Economic Committee to foster closer economic ties. This committee spearheaded the creation of a fast-track system for companies operating in either country, streamlining bureaucratic processes for easier investment and collaboration. Joint working groups in various fields, from IT and agriculture to environment and infrastructure, further solidify this commitment to shared economic progress.
One critical sector in which India and France have collaborated handsomely and seek to do more is science and technology-based initiatives which explore new frontiers of growth and human development. Recognizing their pivotal roles in their respective regions’ startup and innovation domains, India and France stand poised to solidify their collaboration in tackling 21st-century challenges through technological advancements. Both nations believe self-reliance is key, and achievable through strategic partnerships in research and development.
A newly formed India-France Joint Strategic Committee will spearhead collaborations on priority themes like space, digital technologies, critical technologies, energy, and health. Existing collaboration tools, like CEFIPRA, will be significantly strengthened, ensuring ample resources for joint scientific and technological endeavours.
Building upon the 2019 Indo-French Roadmap on Cyber Security and Digital Technology, both countries are actively pursuing ambitious collaborations in advanced fields like supercomputing, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies, including initiatives within the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI). R&D, innovation, and industrial applications of critical digital technologies will be jointly explored, with a focus on tackling climate change and healthcare challenges.
A signed Letter of Intent paves the way for robust cooperation in healthcare and medicine, encompassing areas like digital health, AI-powered healthcare solutions, medical waste treatment technology, and the One Health approach. Joint efforts will address health emergencies, pharmaceutical development, human resource development, and digital health technologies.
The ambitious Indo-French Campus on Health for the Indo-Pacific welcomes partnerships between Indian institutions and universities across mainland France and La Reunion Island. This project focuses on youth, research, and training aiming to become a regional hub for health education and collaboration. The 2022 MoU between Institut Pasteur and CSIR is progressing well, with the establishment of a Pasteur Centre in Hyderabad nearing fruition.
Recognizing the growing importance of cyberspace in the bilateral relationship, India and France reaffirm the significance of their cyber dialogue in deepening cooperation. Both nations agree to work closely on matters of mutual interest within the UN cyber processes, supporting the discussions of the First Committee Open-ended working group and pursuing a comprehensive international convention on countering cybercrime. India and France encourage dialogue between relevant data protection authorities and support close discussions with the European Union on digital regulation and data privacy, aligned with the objectives of the Partnership on Information and Democracy.
Recognizing the rapid evolution of digital technologies, both countries pledge to leverage their strengths and shared philosophical approaches to digitalization. Collaboration will be deepened in areas like digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, startups, AI, supercomputing, 5G/6G telecom, and digital skills development.
In line with the Indo-French Roadmap, India and France reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate through their cybersecurity agencies and ecosystems to uphold a secure and open cyberspace. Recognizing the transformative potential of startups, both nations emphasize facilitating bilateral cooperation through enhanced connectivity between their startup networks. India’s participation at Vivatech showcases its strategic position in the digital age and its potential as a global leader in this domain.
India and France commit to fostering a thriving digital ecosystem that empowers citizens and ensures their full participation in the digital era. The recent agreement between NPCI International Payments Limited and France’s Lyra Collect to implement UPI in France exemplifies this commitment, with the iconic Eiffel Tower becoming the first merchant to accept UPI.
Sharing a belief in the power of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for inclusive and democratic digital societies, India and France have actively fostered multi-stakeholder exchanges through platforms like Infrastructures and Infinity. Recognizing the far-reaching impact of joint DPI projects across various sectors, both countries welcome further collaborations and commit to promoting this approach globally, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals.
French President Macron accepting PM Modi’s invite for India’s 75th Republic Day reinforces their resilient partnership. Since 1976, six French leaders have graced Republic Day, showcasing the bond. With historic ties dating back to 1976, the 25th anniversary of their Strategic Partnership highlights enduring collaboration in defence, space, culture, and citizen initiatives. Recent milestones, including military cooperation and economic initiatives, signify a robust alliance. Science and technology collaborations further deepen their commitment to mutual growth, global progress and inclusive digital societies.
*Dr Maheep is a leading analyst of Indian Foreign Affairs. He has been teaching and conducting research in International Relations and Global Politics for over a decade.
Author
