What's New

FRANCE: INDIA’S STEADY PARTNER IN GREEN GROWTH

Relevance: GS 2 – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Why in the News?

• On July 14, 2023, in Paris, President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi elevated the ‘Partnership for the Planet’ as a key pillar of the Indo-French Horizon 2047 Roadmap.
  • This decision underscores deepened Indo-French cooperation in addressing global challenges like climate change, biodiversity, health, and
• India has been a top priority partner for the AFD Group, with over €4 billion committed to nearly 100 projects since 2008.

More about News

• France and India align on integrating socioeconomic development with environmental protection, aiming to bridge global North-South divides.
• Joint initiatives like the International Solar Alliance highlight their commitment to sustainable global solutions.
• The ‘Partnership for the Planet’ includes specific projects in India aimed at promoting a greener, more inclusive future.

AFD Group’s Impact in India:

The French Development Agency (AFD), along with its arms Proparco and Expertise France, implements France’s international partnership strategy through over 4,200 projects across 150 countries.

• AFD prioritizes India, engaging in sectors like energy transition, sustainable urban development, biodiversity conservation, resilience of territories, and reducing inequalities.
• Financial Commitment:
  • Since 2008, AFD has allocated over €4 billion to nearly 100 projects in India, making it their top financial partner globally.
  • 83% of AFD’s portfolio in India focuses on climate change mitigation and adaptation, with 63% addressing gender equality.
• Recent Projects (2023):
  • Approved €400 million for climate change projects, including credit lines to Indian banks and disaster risk management in Himachal Pradesh.
  • Launched four environmental protection projects, such as increasing forest cover in Rajasthan and enhancing sanitation in Himachal Pradesh’s small towns.
  • Implemented projects under CITIIS for solid waste management in 18 cities and a green credit line with the State Bank of India for electric buses and energy-efficient housing.
  • Achievements: Completed projects include metro rails in Nagpur and Pune, showcasing successful Indo-French collaborations benefiting communities and the environment.

France’s Private Sector Impact:

• On Farmers: Proparco, alongside co-investors, invested €11.2 million in Sahyadri, the first international equity investment in an Indian farmer-led organization.
  • This initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce pesticide use, and improve produce quality for 15,000 farmers.
• On Health: Proparco approved a €33 million equity investment in Quadria in 2023.
  • This supports healthcare mid-caps in South and Southeast Asia, addressing the gap in affordable quality healthcare in underserved regions.
• Bilateral and Innovative Initiatives:
  • Indo-Pacific Parks Partnership focusing on biodiversity protection and plans for a joint fund to scale up green technologies in the region.
  • Innovation is central to AFD’s strategy in India, emphasizing solutions that blend social inclusion with sustainability.
    • The Indo-French Year of Innovation in 2026 will highlight these innovative approaches.

Way Forward: Approach for the Bilateral future

• Strategic Alignment in Green Initiatives:
  • Strengthen cooperation in renewable energy, sustainable urban development, and climate-resilient infrastructure projects.
  • Promote joint research and technology transfer in green technologies and innovation.
• Biodiversity and Conservation Efforts:
  • Expand collaboration in biodiversity conservation, including protected area management and sustainable agriculture practices.
  • Support initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Parks Partnership to enhance regional biodiversity protection.
• Economic Engagement:
  • Enhance economic ties through investments in clean energy, green finance, and circular economy initiatives.
  • Facilitate partnerships in sectors such as electric mobility, sustainable tourism, and eco-friendly industries.
• Cultural and Educational Exchanges:
  • Foster cultural diplomacy through exchange programs, joint exhibitions, and cultural festivals promoting environmental awareness.
  • Expand educational collaborations focusing on environmental studies and sustainable development.
• Global Leadership on Climate Action:
  • Advocate jointly for ambitious climate goals and commitments in international forums like COP and G7.
  • Support the implementation of the Paris Agreement through shared initiatives and capacity-building projects.
• Innovation and Technology Cooperation:
  • Promote collaboration in green innovation hubs, supporting startups and research initiatives in clean technologies.
  • Enhance cybersecurity cooperation to safeguard green technologies and digital infrastructure.
• Multilateral Engagement:
  • Strengthen joint efforts in global health, pandemic preparedness, and sustainable development goals.
  • Advocate for a rules-based international order emphasizing environmental sustainability and inclusive growth.

Associated articles

https://universalinstitutions.com/potential-for-cohabitation-in-france/

https://universalinstitutions.com/understanding-the-india-france-strategic-partnership/

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/france-indias-steady-partner-in-green-growth/article68358833.ece

Mains question

Discuss the evolving strategic partnership between India and France and the significance of bilateral initiatives in the Indo-Pacific. Assess the role of cultural diplomacy, economic ties, and collaborative efforts in addressing global challenges. (250 words)