Strengthening the India-France Partnership
Context:
The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry highlighted the immense potential for India and France to jointly contribute to global food security by leveraging innovative and sustainable agricultural practices.
Historical Overview
Colonial Era: France was one of the last European powers to establish trade relations with India, beginning in the 17th century. The French East India Company was founded in 1664, leading to the establishment of several colonies, including Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe, Yanam, and Chandannagar.
Post-Independence Relations: Following India’s independence in 1947, France recognised the new nation and established formal diplomatic relations. In 1948, an agreement allowed the inhabitants of French territories in India to choose their political future.
Cession of Territories: In 1956, a treaty was signed for the cession of French territories to India, which was ratified in 1962. By 1963, these areas were integrated as the Union Territory of Puducherry.
Strategic Partnership: The relationship took a significant turn in 1998 when President Jacques Chirac announced a strategic partnership with India, especially after India’s nuclear tests that year. France supported India’s inclusion in the international nuclear order and has been a consistent ally in various strategic dialogues.
Contemporary Cooperation: Over the years, India and France have strengthened their ties through cooperation in defense, nuclear energy, space exploration, and climate change initiatives.
More on News:
- Speaking at the Asia Pacific Commission (APAC) 2024 Forum in New Delhi, organised by the French Foreign Trade Advisors, the minister emphasised that sustainable practices could mitigate climate change and its adverse impacts worldwide.
Renewable Energy Collaboration:
- The minister lauded the success of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), co-led by India and France, with over 100 member countries.
- He noted the alliance’s significant strides in promoting clean and renewable energy in emerging and less-developed nations.
- This collaboration underscores the potential for India and France to strengthen their renewable energy partnerships further.
Aerospace and Aviation Opportunities:
- India, the world’s largest aviation market, offers vast opportunities for the French aerospace sector.
- With 1,500 planes currently on order and projections reaching up to 2,000, the demand for aviation infrastructure and manufacturing facilities in India is unprecedented.
- The minister highlighted India’s rapid expansion of airports, from 74 in 2014 to 125 today, with plans to add 75 more by 2029.
Defence and Manufacturing Collaboration:
- India’s expanding defence sector provides a conducive environment for foreign companies, offering 100% ownership and a robust patent-protection regime without insisting on technology transfers.
- The minister urged greater collaboration with France in this sector, inviting French companies to manufacture in India and take advantage of its growing defence market.
Electric Vehicles and Sustainable Mobility:
- In the automobile and EV sectors, he emphasised the potential for India and France to co-develop technologies that could drive a sustainable mobility revolution.
- With a large pool of first-time vehicle owners in India, introducing eco-friendly options could catalyse a significant shift towards sustainable transportation.
Innovation and Technology:
- The India-France Year of Innovation 2026 aims to foster joint projects in areas such as IT, healthcare, renewable energy, and smart cities.
- The minister highlighted the scope for collaboration in digital technologies, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and e-commerce, positioning both nations as leaders in the global innovation landscape.
Trade and Economic Cooperation:
- Bilateral trade between India and France reached $15 billion in FY24, with Indian exports at $7 billion and imports at $8 billion.
- The minister acknowledged that while these numbers reflect robust engagement, there is immense untapped potential.
- France, as the 11th largest foreign direct investor in India, has over 750 companies operating in the country, while 70 Indian companies contribute to employment and skill development in France.
Celebrating 75 Years of Friendship:
- This year marks 75 years of diplomatic friendship and 25 years of strategic partnership between India and France.
- He highlighted shared values of liberty, equality, and fraternity at the heart of both nations’ constitutions, as well as their commitment to multilateralism and the rule of law.
- The partnership has evolved to encompass diverse areas such as space exploration, defence, civil nuclear energy, and digitalisation, along with a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region.
- The adoption of the Horizon 2047 roadmap further solidifies this vision for the next 25 years.
