India–France Strategic Cooperation in Global Geopolitics: Defence, Indo-Pacific and Emerging Technologies

Explore India–France strategic cooperation in global geopolitics, covering defence ties, Indo-Pacific strategy, space, nuclear energy, and emerging technologies.

Table of Contents

Context

President Emmanuel Macron visited India amid global geopolitical uncertainty, supply-chain disruptions, and debates over strategic autonomy.

Key Highlights of the Visit

Elevation to Special Global Strategic Partnership: India–France ties, already strategic since 1998, have now been formally upgraded
Reciprocal Deployment of Armed Forces: India and France agreed to allow the deployment of military officers in each other’s armed forces on a reciprocal basis.
Annual Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue: Both countries agreed to hold an annual dialogue to review progress under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap.
Amendment to Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA): The amendment ensures that companies operating in both countries are not taxed twice on the same income.
- This reduces financial burden and legal confusion for businesses.
India–France Year of Innovation 2026: The Year of Innovation aims to increase cooperation in advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence, space research, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing
India–France Innovation Network: This initiative connects research institutions, universities, start-ups, and industries from both countries.
Indo-French Centre for AI in Health: It will develop AI-based tools for early disease detection, medical diagnostics, and health data analysis.
Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology: This centre will work on future technologies like quantum computing, cybersecurity, semiconductor research, and high-performance computing.
National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics: It will train engineers and technicians in aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, and advanced aeronautical systems.

India-France Relations

Diplomatic Relationship

● India–France Strategic Partnership was launched on 26 January 1998, India’s first-ever strategic partnership.

Horizon 2047 Roadmap

● Adopted in July 2023 during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to France, marking 25 years of the partnership.

● Provides a 25-year vision (2023–2047) aligned with India’s Independence centenary and diplomatic relations centenary.

Economic & Trade Relations

● Bilateral Trade and Investment

○ France is India’s 5th largest trading partner in the EU.

○ Bilateral trade (FY 2024–25): ~€12.92 billion.

○ France is 11th largest FDI investor in India (≈€10.12 billion since 2000).

● India-France CEOs’ Forum: Enhancing business ties in key sectors like energy, manufacturing, and technology.

● Supply Chain Resilience: Strengthening Indo-Pacific trade connectivity and reducing dependence on China.

Key Technology & Innovation Cooperation

● AI & Digital Technology: France supports India’s IndiaAI Mission and digital transformation initiatives.

Space & Nuclear Energy Cooperation

● Space Collaboration: ISRO and CNES (French Space Agency) work on space exploration and satellite technology.

○ Joint missions and agreements on Earth observation (TRISHNA), maritime domain awareness, space situational awareness, and future launch vehicle technologies.

○ Commercial collaboration between Arianespace and NSIL.

● Nuclear Energy:

○ Civil Nuclear Agreement: Collaboration on peaceful nuclear technology for India’s energy security.

○ International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER): India is actively participating in the world’s largest fusion energy project in France.

● Civil Nuclear

● Long-standing cooperation on Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project.

● January 2025: First meeting of India–France Special Task Force on Nuclear Energy.

● SMRs & AMRs:Letters of Intent (Feb 2025) on Small Modular Reactors and Advanced Modular Reactors; training cooperation between Indian and French nuclear institutions.

People-to-People & Diplomatic Engagement

● New Indian Consulate in Marseille: Strengthening diplomatic presence and services for the Indian diaspora.

● Higher Education & Research: Expanding student exchange programs and university collaborations.

● Marseille as a Communication Hub:

○ Marseille is a key global node for undersea internet cables, linking Europe with Asia and Africa.

○ India and France are exploring digital infrastructure cooperation in this domain.

Indo-Pacific & Global Cooperation

● Climate Action & Sustainability:

○ International Solar Alliance (ISA): Launched in 2015 by India and France to promote solar energy globally.

○ Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): Joint efforts in climate-resilient infrastructure.

Read More Notes
Environment Notes	Art and Culture Notes
Science and Tech	History Notes
Geography Notes	Indian Polity Notes
General Knowledge	International Relation