General Studies Paper -2

Context: India and France share a robust strategic partnership based on mutual respect, shared values, and cooperation on global challenges, reaffirmed during PM Modi’s recent visit to France.

India-France Relationship

Historical Background:

• Diplomatic ties between India and France date back to 1947 when France recognized India’s independence.
• The relationship transformed significantly, culminating in the establishment of a strategic partnership in 1998.
• France was among the first Western nations to support India after its nuclear tests, recognizing it as a responsible nuclear power.

Trade and Economic Partnership:

• France is India’s 11th largest trading partner in the European Union, with bilateral trade exceeding $12 billion in 2023.
• French companies like Airbus, Dassault, Renault, and Michelin have significant operations in India, while Indian IT firms like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro maintain a strong presence in France.
• At the 14th India-France CEOs Forum, PM Modi emphasized increasing investments in digital technology, green energy, and artificial intelligence.

Defense Cooperation:

• Defense Industrial Roadmap: Aimed at co-designing and co-developing military hardware.
• Advanced Artillery & Technology Transfer: Collaboration on advanced weaponry, joint military exercises (e.g., Varuna), and defense technology sharing.
• France-India Defence Startup Excellence (FRIND-X): Initiative under HORIZON 2047 and the India-France Defence Industrial Roadmap.
• Rafale Fighter Jets: India procured 36 Rafale jets under a 2016 deal, with a recent agreement for Rafale-M jets to operate from India’s aircraft carriers, set for delivery by 2029.
• Scorpène-Class Submarines: France assisted India in building Scorpène-class submarines and plans integration of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) under Project 75, along with a possible Integrated Combat System (ICS) in future P75-AS submarines.

Space Collaboration:

• ISRO and CNES collaborate on satellite launches and joint research, enhancing space technology applications.

Strategic & Geopolitical Cooperation:

• Shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific; strengthened naval collaboration to counter China’s influence.
• France supports India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council (UNSC) seat and its membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
• India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC): A MoU signed at the G20 Summit to facilitate European market access, technological collaboration, and counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Energy & Climate Cooperation:

• International Solar Alliance (ISA): Co-founded by India and France in 2015 to promote solar energy worldwide.
• Collaboration on nuclear energy projects including nuclear reactors at Jaitapur, Maharashtra.
• Agreements for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs).
• France supports India’s renewable energy ambitions by investing in hydrogen energy and sustainable urban development.
• India-France Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation: Supports climate and SDG-focused projects in third countries in the Indo-Pacific.

Counterterrorism & Financial Security:

• Joint efforts against terrorism through designations of UN-sanctioned individuals and organizations.
• Commitment to Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards and participation in No Money for Terror (NMFT) initiatives.

Health Infrastructure:

• Cooperation in digital health, antimicrobial resistance, and exchange of health professionals under the Indo-French Life Sciences Sister Innovation Hub.
• Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) collaboration for biotech innovation.

Cultural & Educational Exchanges:

• France remains a popular destination for Indian students, with over 10,000 currently studying there.
• Opening of the Consulate General of India in Marseille to strengthen cultural and business ties.
• Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) under the India-France Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA).

Concerns in India-France Relations

• Trade & Economic Frictions:
• Lack of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA): France supports an ambitious EU-India trade deal, but differences over tariffs, labor laws, and environmental clauses have delayed progress.
• Agricultural & Dairy Disputes: France sees India’s protectionist policies as a hurdle, particularly regarding dairy and wine market access. India seeks fewer restrictions on IT services and skilled labor mobility.
• Digital Taxation & Data Protection: France’s digital tax policies affect Indian IT firms, while India’s data localization rules raise concerns for French businesses.
• Technology Transfer Issues:
  • Barriers to Technology Transfer: India’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat push for technology transfer, while France remains cautious, particularly in military technology.
  • Delays in Project Implementation: Indo-French defense projects, especially naval collaborations, have faced delays, raising concerns over cost escalations.
• Geopolitical Challenges:
  • Russia-Ukraine War: India’s neutral stance contrasts with France’s pro-Western approach, impacting defense trade and energy security.
  • Multilateral Cooperation Issues: Divergences on UNSC reforms, climate change policy, and energy transitions require negotiation.
  • Rise of Protectionism & Visa Issues: Stricter work and study visa rules affect business mobility.
  • China Factor & Indo-Pacific Strategy: France balances ties with China, sometimes conflicting with India’s deepening QUAD and AUKUS engagements.

Conclusion & Way Forward

• While India and France share a strong, time-tested relationship, geopolitical divergences, defense technology issues, and trade frictions require diplomatic foresight and pragmatic solutions.
• Strengthening defense collaboration, economic cooperation, and multilateral coordination is crucial.
• Both nations are well-positioned to play a key role in regional and global stability.

• “PETA India recently unveiled Asia’s first hyper-realistic, life-sized animatronic elephant, Ellie, at St. Joseph’s School in Bengaluru. The initiative, led by PETA, aims to raise awareness about animal welfare and the plight of elephants in captivity.”
• UN Secretary-General Advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals and UN Environment Program Goodwill Ambassador, actress Dia Mirza, lent her voice to Ellie as part of a unique PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India) initiative to foster empathy among children.
• Since May 2023, Ellie has reached over 165,000 children across India, visiting private, public, and international schools.
• Through these visits, PETA India aims to raise awareness about ethical treatment of elephants and combat practices that involve animal cruelty.
• PETA was founded in 1980 by Ingrid Newkirk and Alex Pacheco. It is headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, USA.
• PETA India was established in 2000. It is one of the most prominent animal rights organizations in India.

• “The Karnataka government unveiled the Karnataka Industrial Policy 2025-30, aiming to make the state a leading destination for high-technology manufacturing investments in Asia. The policy focuses on attracting sectors like aerospace, electronics, and biotechnology to boost innovation and economic growth.”
• The policy will establish 12 new investment zones across 30,000 acres, adding to over 200 existing industrial areas.
• ₹3,800 crore has been allocated for clean water supply to these zones, supporting the broader strategy of enhancing production efficiency and reducing costs.
• Investors will have the option of capital subsidies or production-linked incentives, with a strong focus on green initiatives and aligning with global sustainability goals.
• The policy also emphasizes the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

• Recently India and France reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC), which was launched during the G20 Summit in Delhi in September 2023.
• The project, involving Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, faced delays due to the Gaza conflict, but both countries emphasized its importance for regional trade and economic growth and pledged to work together more closely on its implementation.
• The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) is a connectivity project aimed at enhancing trade between India, the Arabian Peninsula, the Mediterranean, and Europe by developing infrastructure such as ports, railways, roads, sea routes, and pipelines.
• Announced in 2023 during the G20 Summit in New Delhi, it involves India, the US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union.
• IMEC consists of two corridors: the eastern corridor connecting India to the Arabian Gulf, and the northern corridor linking the Gulf to Europe, with a cross-border railway network, maritime routes, and additional infrastructure like electricity grids, fiber optics, and hydrogen pipelines.
• The project aims to reduce costs, enhance regional supply chains, promote economic cooperation, and lower emissions, supported by the US-led Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII).

• “ISRO and IIT Madras recently announced the development of an indigenous Shakti-based semiconductor chip for space-based applications.”
• IRIS (Indigenous RISC-V Controller for Space Applications) marks a significant milestone in India’s “Make in India” efforts in semiconductor design and fabrication.
• Developed by IIT Madras and ISRO, this Shakti-based aerospace-quality chip highlights India’s growing capabilities in semiconductor technology and its commitment to self-reliance.
• It is part of the SHAKTI project, supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under the ‘Digital India RISC-V’ initiative, which encourages the indigenous development of microprocessor-based products
• Based on RISC-V architecture, IRIS is supported by the ‘Digital India RISC-V’ (DIRV) initiative and is optimized for performance and error correction.
• RISC-V is an open standard Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) based on established RISC principles, offering flexibility and security for designing custom processors.
• It can be used in applications for launch vehicles, ground stations, and both IoT and industrial IoT systems.

• “Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, S.P. Singh Baghel, recently released the ‘Devolution Index Report 2024,’ titled ‘Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence-Based Ranking.’’
• The report provided insights into the progress of decentralization across states and Union Territories in India.
• It ranks states and Union Territories based on six key dimensions, including legal framework, functions, finances, institutional framework, capacity building, and accountability and transparency.
• The Index specifically examines how independent Panchayats are to make and implement independent decisions, reflecting the true spirit of Article 243G of the Constitution.
• Article 243G empowers state legislatures to devolve powers and responsibilities to Panchayats across 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule.

• India ranked 96 out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2024 as its overall score dropped a point to 38, according to a Transparency International report released on February 11, 2025.
• Transparency International report reveals that while 32 countries have made significant strides in reducing corruption since 2012, 148 countries have either stagnated or worsened in their efforts.
• Last year, India’s score was 39, and it stood at the 93rd position in the list. The CPI evaluates 180 countries based on expert and business perceptions of public sector corruption, using a scale from 0 to 100.
• The CPI scale ranges from 0 to 100, where:0 indicates highly corrupt countries, with significant corruption in the public sector, while 100 indicates very clean countries, with minimal corruption.
• Denmark, Finland, and Singapore top the CPI list as the least corrupt nations in 2024.
• Pakistan ranks 135th, Sri Lanka stands at 121st, and Bangladesh is further behind at 149th while China holds the 76th position in Transparency International’s latest CPI.

• International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD), observed annually on February 15, is a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about childhood cancer and expressing support for children and adolescents with cancer, survivors, and their families.
• In 2025, the theme of ICCD is “Inspiring Action,” focusing on actionable solutions to address the challenges faced by childhood cancer patients and their families

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched India’s first indigenous Automated Bio Medical Waste Treatment Plant named “Srjanam,” at AIIMS New Delhi.

• This innovative, environmentally friendly technology, developed by CSIR-NIIST (National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology) Thiruvananthapuram, offers a significant advancement in the sustainable management of biomedical waste.
• The “Sṛjanam” rig can disinfect pathogenic biomedical waste such as blood, urine, sputum, and laboratory disposables, without the use of costly and energy-intensive incinerators, which are traditionally used for this purpose
• Notably, the rig also neutralizes foul odors, imparting a pleasant fragrance to otherwise toxic waste. With a daily capacity of 400 kg, the equipment can handle 10 kg of degradable medical waste per day in its initial phase, gradually scaling up.”

India has recently finalised an agreement with Russia to acquire anti-ship cruise missiles.

• Developed by the Russian defense company NPO Novator, the Klub, also known as Kalibr, is a cruise missile that was inducted into Moscow’s defense forces in 1994.
• The Klub-S missiles carry a warhead payload of 400 kilograms and are capable of targeting surface ships, submarines, and ground targets at distances of up to 300 kilometers.
• The system includes a fire control system, a vertical launcher unit (VLU), and ammunition.
• The missile can accelerate to supersonic speeds during the terminal phase, making it challenging for enemy defenses to intercept.
• It cruises at an altitude of 10-15 meters, reducing the reaction time for enemy defenses.
• Featuring a modular design, the Klub-S shares common parts with other variants in the Kalibr family, ensuring compatibility and ease of maintenance.