Context:
During the French president’s visit to India as the chief guest on Republic Day, both countries unveiled a “Defence Industrial Roadmap” to enhance collaboration in defense production for future cooperation on “co-design and co-development” of military hardware as well as critical agreements on space cooperation.
Historical Background:
- Since initiating diplomatic relations in June 1948, India and France have maintained a solid and amicable bond for 75 years.
- In 1998, the two nations elevated their diplomatic ties to a Strategic Partnership. The Strategic Partnership, a first for France beyond the European Union (EU), has been pivotal in promoting extensive development of the India-France relationship.
Political Relations:
- France has backed India’s permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council and supported its stance on UN reforms.
- France played a crucial role in India’s entry into international regimes such as the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), Wassenaar Arrangement (WA), and Australia Group (AG).
- Ongoing support from France for India’s entry to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
- India facilitated France’s membership in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and in turn, France supported India’s observer status in the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC).
- In the aftermath of the Pulwama attack in February 2019, France stood firmly with India, nationally listing the Pakistan-based ‘global terrorist’ Hafiz Saeed
Defense Cooperation:
- Rafale Aircraft: The timely delivery of 36 Rafale aircraft underscores over 50 years of military aviation cooperation.
- Scorpene Submarine (P75 – Kalvari): The success of the Scorpene class submarine construction program (P75 – Kalvari) as a Make-in-India model.
- Shakti Engine Technology Transfer: Contract between Safran Helicopter Engine and HAL for forging and casting technology transfer for the Shakti Engine.
| Aspect | Details |
| Project Name | Project 75 (P75) |
| Objective | Construction of six Scorpene-class attack submarines to bolster India’s maritime defence capabilities |
| Collaborating Companies | · Navantia (Spain) and French Naval Group |
| Construction Venue | · Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai |
| Technology Transfer Agreements | · Established in 2005 with France to facilitate the implementation of Project 75 |
| History and Background | · In 1999, after the Kargil War, a 30-year submarine manufacturing plan was outlined, including Project 75 and Project 75 India (Project 75i).· Project 75 aimed to build six conventional diesel-electric Scorpene-class submarines.· Project 75 and Project 75i are sister projects under the 30-year plan. |
| Submarine Production Plan | · The 30-year plan includes designing and building 24 conventional submarines by 2030.· Project 75 contributes six conventional submarines, while the remaining 18 will be conventional and six nuclear-powered. |
| Submarines | · INS Kalvari: Delivered in 2015, joined service in December 2017.· INS Khanderi: Deployed in September 2019.· INS Karanj: Inducted in March 2021.· INS Vela: Joined the fleet in November 2021.· INS Vagir: Inducted in November 2022.· INS Vagsheer: Launched in April 2022, a reincarnation of the first Vagsheer, withdrawn from service in April 1997 |
Space Cooperation:
- Framework for Cooperation (2015): The Programme for Reinforced Cooperation in Space Activities, signed in April 2015, provides a framework for collaborative initiatives.
- Joint Vision for Space Cooperation (2018): The India-France joint vision for space cooperation, released in March 2018, guides future collaborative efforts in space activities.
- Bilateral Launch Cooperation (GSAT-11, GSAT-30): Cooperation with Arianespace in launching GSAT-11 (December 2018) and GSAT-30 (January 2020).
- Support for Gaganyaan Program: CNES supports India’s human spaceflight program (Gaganyaan), particularly in space medicine and the supply of crew support elements.
Civil Nuclear Cooperation:
- Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (2008): India and France signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to France.
- Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project (JNPP): The General Framework Agreement and Early Works Agreement were signed in December 2010. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and M/s AREVA collaborated on implementing the EPR (European Pressurized Reactor) for JNPP.
- Membership in ITER: India is a member of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a multinational consortium for constructing an experimental fusion reactor in Cadarache, France.
Economic Cooperation:
- FDI from France: France is India’s 11th largest foreign investor, contributing USD 10.49 billion (1.68% of total FDI) from April 2000 to December 2022.
- Sectors of Investment: Services, cement, air transport, and petroleum & and natural gas sectors account for 43% of French equity inflow.
- Joint Economic Committee and Fast-Track System: 18th JEC meeting (November 2020) and establishment of FAST-TRACK system for expedited processes between French and Indian companies.
- Agreements: Agreements include the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention, MoUs on Tourism, Intellectual Property, and Social Security Exemption.
Cultural Cooperation:
- Cannes Film Festival: India actively participates in the Cannes Film Festival, showcasing Indian films through an India pavilion. India was the Country of Honour in 2022.
- Namaste France Cultural Festival: The ‘Namaste France’ cultural festival, organized by the Government of India, celebrates India-France cultural ties.
- A Letter of Intent on Museum and Heritage cooperation was signed between India and France in 2020, with Joint Working Groups convened in April 2020 and March 2023.
- A Letter of Intent for cooperation on broadcasting was signed between Prasar Bharti and France Media Monde in March 2023.
Science &Technology and Education Cooperation:
- Computing: Atos of France and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in India have jointly designed and delivered 14 supercomputers for India, including Param Siddhi, which boasts a performance of 4.6 petaflops per second.
- India-France Knowledge Summit: The India-France Knowledge Summit is a dedicated bilateral forum for scientific and academic cooperation, with four editions held since 2018.
- Young Professionals Scheme (2022): India and France agreed to launch a scheme for Young Professionals in the age group of 18 to 35 years, issuing 500 visas on both sides.
Challenges in India – France Relations:
- Absence of FTA: India and France lack a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), hindering the potential for enhanced economic cooperation.
- Trade Imbalance: There is a trade imbalance, with France exporting more to India than India to France, causing concerns for India.
- Divergent Defence Priorities: Despite a strong defense partnership, differences in priorities and approaches exist between India and France in defense and security cooperation.
- Intellectual Property Rights Concerns: France has raised concerns about India’s inadequate protection of intellectual property rights, impacting French businesses operating in India.
Way Forward:
- Trade Agreements: Initiate negotiations for an India-France Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and actively progress on the India-EU BTIA for broader trade relations.
- Defence Coordination: Establish regular dialogues to align defense and security priorities, fostering a synchronized strategy between India and France.
- Intellectual Property Protections: Collaborate on improving intellectual property protections in India, ensuring effective enforcement and a conducive environment for French businesses.