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CEREMONY, SUBSTANCE

India and France built on past agreements in a show of symbolism

Relevance:

GS 2

• Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
• Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

Why in News:

• French President Emmanuel Macron is on visit to India

Source- Forbes

Ceremony: Symbolism in Macron’s Visit to India

• Backdrop: French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India, coinciding with the Republic Day celebrations, was imbued with symbolic importance. His participation filled the gap left by U.S. President Joseph Biden’s declined invitation.
• Historical Significance: Macron became the sixth French President to attend India’s Republic Day, underscoring the ceremonial aspect of the visit.
• Strategic Partnership Anniversary: The visit followed the 25th anniversary of the India-France strategic partnership, during which Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Macron had multiple meetings in 2023.

Substance: Building on Past Agreements

• Previous Agreements: Prior to the visit, India and France had already established a comprehensive “Horizon 2047” relationship roadmap, including agreements on joint military hardware production, technology transfers, and new deals for French military and civilian equipment.
• Diplomatic Challenge: The visit required swift diplomatic preparation, given the extensive pre-existing agreements and the short time frame.
• Speculations: There were discussions on whether India could have diversified its international engagement by inviting leaders from other regions, considering the frequent high-level interactions with France.

Announcements and Agreements During the Visit:

• Defence and Space Partnership: The visit saw the announcement of a “Defence industrial” roadmap, aiming to enhance collaboration in co-designing, developing, and producing defence hardware across various domains.
• MoUs in Various Sectors: Memorandums of Understanding were signed in agriculture, digital health, and science and technology.
• Airbus-Tata Helicopter Deal: A significant private sector agreement was the assembly-line manufacture of civilian helicopters by Airbus-Tata.
• Joint Statement on Global Issues: India and France issued a joint statement addressing international concerns, showing consensus on issues like terrorism, humanitarian assistance, and regional stability.

Areas of Cooperation Between India and France

Geo-Political Cooperation:

• UNSC Support: France has been a consistent supporter of India’s bid for membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and advocates for UN reforms.
• International Group Accessions: France played a crucial role in India joining the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), Wassenaar Arrangement (WA), and Australia Group (AG).

Geo-Strategic Collaboration:

• Indo-Pacific Engagement: France has extended strategic assets in the Indo-Pacific, including allowing Indian Air Force deployment on Reunion Island.
• Regional Partnerships: France’s involvement in the Indian Ocean Commission and the India-France-Australia Trilateral Dialogue supports a free and open Indo-Pacific.
• Support on Regional Issues: France backs India on Jammu and Kashmir, countering Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, and enhancing India’s strategic position against China.

Defence and Security Partnership:

• Key Defence Partner: France is a major defence supplier to India, providing advanced military equipment like Rafale and Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft, and Scorpene submarines.
• Joint Military Exercises: India and France regularly conduct joint exercises, including Varuna (Naval), Garuda (Air Force), and Shakti (Army).
• Maritime Cooperation: The two nations engage in joint patrolling and maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean Region.

Economic Cooperation:

• Trade Relations: Bilateral trade has peaked at USD 13.4 billion, with Indian exports exceeding USD 7 billion.
• French Investment: France is a significant foreign investor in India, with investments totaling USD 10.49 billion.

Energy and Climate Change Collaboration:

• Nuclear Energy Support: France supported India’s NSG exemption in 2008 for civil nuclear cooperation.
• NSG Membership Support: France actively backs India’s entry into the NSG.
• International Solar Alliance: Both countries were instrumental in establishing the International Solar Alliance.

Science and Technology Partnership:

• Space Cooperation: Enhanced collaboration between France’s CNES and India’s ISRO, including the Joint Vision for Space Cooperation.
• Joint Missions: Collaborative efforts on the TRISHNA Earth Observation Mission, Joint Mars Mission, and space debris removal.
• Nuclear Project: Joint construction of the world’s largest nuclear park in Jaitapur, Maharashtra.
• Digital Payments: France is the first European nation to adopt India’s UPI payment system.

Ongoing Collaborations and Future Prospects:

• Continued Dialogue: Despite the lack of immediate breakthroughs in defence deals, nuclear cooperation for the Jaitapur project, and small modular reactors, the ongoing discussions indicate a sustained partnership.
• Mutual Respect and Strategic Autonomy: Macron emphasized the partnership’s foundation on mutual respect for strategic autonomy, combining tradition and innovation.
• Swift FTA Realization: India and France should promptly materialize the India-EU BTIA.
• Migration Agreement Implementation: Both nations must enhance mobility and counter irregular migration.
• Boost Trade and Investment: Focus on increasing bilateral trade and cross-border investment.
• Expedite Stalled Projects: Establish a joint working group to accelerate projects like Jaitpur Nuclear Power Plant.

In conclusion, President Macron’s visit to India was a blend of ceremonial symbolism and substantial continuation of previously established agreements, reflecting the deepening strategic and diplomatic ties between India and France.

Source

The Hindu

Mains Question

Q Analyze the significance of President Macron’s visit to India in the context of the India-France strategic partnership, focusing on the ceremonial aspects and the substantive agreements that were discussed.