A crucial partner, despite differences, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India has elevated the relationship to a special Global Strategic Partnership.
• Both countries prioritize expanding their "sovereignty and decision-making autonomy" through this partnership.
• France has consistently supported India's strategic ambitions, including its bid for a permanent UNSC seat.
• India and France will form a Joint Advanced Technology Development Group to co-develop emerging technologies.
• A Franco-Indian Roadmap for the Indo-Pacific, signed in 2023, outlines 12 pillars of collaboration in the region.

Detailed Insights:

• The strategic partnership between France and India was established in 1998, built upon decades of close relations and mutual respect between leaders.
• France refrained from condemning India's 1998 nuclear tests, demonstrating early support for India's strategic autonomy.
• India has procured six Scorpène-class submarines and 36 Rafale fighter jets from France, with an additional order for 26 Rafale Marine aircraft placed in 2025.
• The Defence Acquisition Council recently approved the procurement of 114 additional Rafale aircraft, highlighting India's confidence in the French system.
• The Joint Advanced Technology Development Group aims to mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities and retain a competitive military edge.
• Both countries developed Indo-Pacific strategies concurrently in 2018 and are committed to a rules-based order in the region.
• While both countries have distinct relationships with the US and China, and differing views on Russia, these divergences are unlikely to undermine the Franco-Indian strategic engagement.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Strategic Autonomy: A country's ability to pursue its foreign policy and security interests without undue external influence.
• Multi-alignment: A foreign policy approach that involves engaging with multiple countries and blocs without forming rigid alliances.
• Puissance d’équilibre: A "balancing power" that seeks to maintain stability in the international system by preventing any single power from dominating.