Consensus Regarding Cooperation between India and France

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The article discusses the strong 25-year partnership between France and India. They want to deepen their ties to address modern challenges like security in the Indo-Pacific, climate change, and technology cooperation.

What is The Consensus Regarding Cooperation between India and France?

• Strategic Partnership Foundation:Both nations view their alliance as a pillar of stability in a turbulent world, having cultivated ties for over 25 years without major contention.
• Focus on Indo-Pacific Region: Key areas of joint concern include security, climate change, and regional architecture development. France, with its significant Indian Ocean presence, partners with India in addressing these challenges.
• Security Cooperation:They collaborate against traditional threats like piracy and non-traditional ones such as illegal fishing. France’s regional military bases, like in La Reunion and Djibouti, facilitate joint naval patrols and resource pooling.
• Technology and Digital Initiatives:Joint efforts in digital technology aim to foster economic growth and sustainable development, emphasizing an inclusive digital environment.
• Research and Development:Collaborations in frontier technologies, such as AI and quantum computing, are central, highlighted by the Indo-French Centre of Excellence in quantum computing.
• Environmental Initiatives: They share a roadmap for developing Green Hydrogen, aspiring to lead in decarbonized hydrogen production.
• Defence and Space Collaboration: Defense relationship is evolving, with India diversifying its defence acquisitions and France emerging as a key supplier. In space, joint initiatives include the Gaganyaan project and collaboration in the upcoming Venus mission.

What Required Grow Cooperation Between India and France?

• Maritime Security Enhancement:Increase frequency and scale of joint naval exercises, utilizing French bases more effectively for regional security.
• Institutional Mechanism Synergy:Foster better integration between the Indian Ocean Rim Association, Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, and the Indian Ocean Commission, led by India and France for a unified approach to maritime challenges.
• Trade and Technology Coordination: Strengthen collaboration in the EU-India Trade and Technology Council, utilizing France’s influence for beneficial outcomes, and align strategies in the Mineral Security Partnership with the US and G7 countries.
• Defense Manufacturing Collaboration:Beyond purchasing French defense equipment, India should focus on manufacturing items like Rafale jets domestically, benefiting from the trilateral partnership with France and UAE, to deepen defense ties.
• Joint Research Initiatives:Expand consortiums involving academic, governmental, and corporate entities for projects in crucial sectors like health and climate change, leveraging the Indo-French Centre of Excellence in quantum computing.