French President Macron has called for an arms embargo on Israel and demanded an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu dismissed the proposal, asserting that Israel will win this conflict with or without French support. Disturbingly, reports suggest that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) may have bombed a French company stationed in Beirut, which could escalate tensions between France and Israel.
Indo-French Cooperation: A Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
The cooperation between France and India has often been underemphasized despite the growing strength of their strategic partnership, which spans various sectors, including defense, climate change, and international governance. France has been a key supporter of India’s push for a multipolar world, multilateralism, and respect for international law. This alignment has strengthened their bond across various domains, from defense to space collaboration.
France: A Reliable Defense Partner
France remains India’s second-largest defense supplier and has been instrumental in modernizing India’s military capabilities. The French Dassault Mirage 2000 aircraft, which India deployed effectively during the Kargil War and the Balakot airstrikes in 2019, serves as a prime example of this collaboration. France has consistently supported India’s defense modernization efforts through technology transfers, significantly enhancing India’s indigenous production capabilities. Notably, France also backed India’s nuclear tests, and despite international opposition, it signed a civil nuclear pact with India, defying U.S.-led sanctions.
France’s unwavering support extends to India’s internal matters, as seen when it respected India’s decision to abrogate Article 370, maintaining that it was an internal affair. This level of trust and respect has strengthened bilateral ties even further.
Shared Vision in the Indo-Pacific Region
France and India have also extended their cooperation into the Indo-Pacific region, an area of strategic importance. The two nations have established a trilateral framework to roll out development projects and expand strategic cooperation, ensuring no imbalance in the Indo-Pacific region. France led the multilateral naval exercise ‘La Perouse,’ involving Quad nations (India, U.S., Australia, Japan) and the UK in the Indian Ocean. In addition, both countries provide each other’s warships access to naval stations across the Indian Ocean, further reinforcing their maritime ties.
India and France’s recent memorandum of understanding (MOU) on building submarines and surface combatants highlights their growing defense cooperation. Access to French ports like Djibouti has also bolstered India’s naval presence in the region.
Space Collaboration: An Underexplored Aspect
The space sector represents one of the most underreported aspects of France and India’s partnership. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the French space agency, CNES, have been working together for decades. Their collaboration on the development of the Viking engine laid the groundwork for India’s ‘Vikas’ engine, which powers rockets like the PSLV, GSLV, and GSLV Mk III. This cooperation is expected to grow exponentially as both countries explore further opportunities in space technology and industry.
Trilateral Frameworks: Protecting Regional Interests
In addition to their bilateral ties, France and India have engaged in trilateral frameworks like the India-France-UAE and India-France-Australia partnerships. These frameworks play a critical role in protecting trade and strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Common Values and Shared Worldview
France and India share common values as liberal, multicultural democracies committed to strategic autonomy. Both nations emphasize the importance of making independent policy decisions without external pressure. India’s focus on indigenous development aligns with France’s long-standing support for India’s vision, reinforcing their shared foreign policy goals.
As the world witnesses a transformation in geopolitics, it remains to be seen if this strong bond between France and India will continue to thrive. For now, the synergy between the two nations is clear, and India’s response to the reported bombing of a French company by the IDF should be swift and unequivocal.
