Home   »   Current Affairs 2024   »   Challenge for Modi-Macron

Editorial of the Day (24th Jan): Challenge for Modi-Macron

Table of Contents

Context: The President Of France will be the chief guest for Republic Day 2024. Despite facing criticism from the liberal Anglo-Saxon media for the temple project, India continues to enjoy robust high-level engagement from Western leaders, underscoring the complex dynamics at play.

Areas Of Cooperation

  • Horizon 2047 Initiative: This comprehensive framework aims to deepen India-France cooperation in various sectors, including defence, space, and nuclear energy, spanning the next 25 years.
  • Shared Principle of Strategic Autonomy: Both countries are bonded by their commitment to strategic autonomy, encompassing independent foreign policies and a balanced approach towards the United States.
  • Advocacy for a Multipolar World: France has actively championed a multipolar global structure since the late 1990s, seeking to counteract American unilateralism. India shares this vision, concerned about the implications of a unipolar world dominated by the U.S.
  • Nuclear Cooperation and Support: France has been a key ally in supporting India’s integration into the international nuclear framework, especially post-India’s 1998 nuclear tests, assisting in mitigating pressures from other United Nations Security Council members.
  • Backing India in the UNSC: France has recently shown steadfast support for India in the UNSC, particularly in 2019, by thwarting China’s attempts to bring the Kashmir issue onto the international stage.

Challenges

International Context

  • Stalemated war in Ukraine: The stalled counter-offensive raises questions about war and peace in Europe, requiring reconsideration of assumptions and potential escalation.
  • Tensions in the Middle East: Recent attacks by Hamas and retaliation by Israel, along with Houthis disrupting Red Sea shipping, increase the risk of broader conflict and impact the global economy.
  • Potential Trump return: Fears of political chaos and policy redirection in the US, including opposition to NATO and Ukraine support, pose challenges for Europe and India.

India-specific Challenges

  • Managing Trump’s regional and global policies: Trump’s focus on climate change, tariffs, and renegotiating alliances will challenge India’s interests and require careful diplomacy.
  • Reconciling “multipolar world” and “strategic autonomy” with Trump’s potential retrenchment: These concepts become less relevant if the US steps back from its global role, forcing India to redefine its foreign policy goals.

Sharing is caring!

About the Author

I, Sakshi Gupta, am a content writer to empower students aiming for UPSC, PSC, and other competitive exams. My objective is to provide clear, concise, and informative content that caters to your exam preparation needs. I strive to make my content not only informative but also engaging, keeping you motivated throughout your journey!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *