India and France: United over strategic autonomy

Dipak Kurmi

(The writer can be reached at dipaknewslive@gmail.com.)

Last week, the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to France, spanning July 13–14, held special significance as it commemorated 25 years since the pivotal moment when Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and French President Jacques Chirac elevated the bilateral relationship to a strategic level. This transformative decision came about following India’s 1998 nuclear tests, where France, steadfast and resolute, stood as India’s staunch ally, demonstrating unwavering support during a critical juncture. The recent visit, which included Prime Minister Modi’s presence as the esteemed chief guest at the Bastille Day celebrations, served as a momentous occasion to reflect upon the enduring bond between the two nations.

In contrast to the customary practise observed during India’s annual Republic Day parade in New Delhi, where a diverse array of foreign dignitaries is invited each year, the French adopt a distinctive approach, extending such invitations on a more sporadic basis. Rather than adhering to a predictable pattern, the French reserve this honour for select occasions, rendering each invitation all the more remarkable and noteworthy. This unique approach adds an element of anticipation and prestige to the occasions when France extends its gracious invitation, further accentuating the significance of such gatherings.

The foundation of the extraordinary and intimate bond between India and France can be traced back to the early years following India’s independence in 1947. Amid a climate where the United States and Britain exercised stringent control over the sharing of nuclear technology, the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) boldly initiated collaborations with India’s Atomic Energy Commission. This alliance flourished, defying the barriers imposed by global powers. Furthermore, in stark contrast to the dramatics surrounding Portugal’s resistance to relinquishing Goa, the French gracefully and quietly handed over their Indian colonial possessions, including Puducherry, on November 1, 1954. This unassuming act of goodwill further cemented the spirit of mutual respect and understanding between the two nations.

The origins of the ongoing discourse between France and the United States surrounding sovereignty and alliances can be traced back to the 1950s, when France expressed its reluctance to place its military resources under a joint command led by the US. The establishment of the Fifth Republic by President Charles de Gaulle in 1958 was driven by the vision of safeguarding France’s strategic autonomy. Intriguingly, during the same period, post-Independence India embarked on a similar trajectory towards attaining strategic independence, mirroring the aspirations of newly decolonized nations worldwide. This shared yearning for autonomy and self-determination laid the foundation for the non-aligned movement, uniting nations that sought to navigate their own course amidst the polarising influences of the Cold War era.

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi held a profound admiration for France, not only for its significance as a vital source for diversifying India’s defence acquisitions but also due to her personal affinity for the French language, which she acquired during her schooling days in Switzerland. This deep connection to France resonated on multiple levels, as it encompassed both strategic considerations for strengthening India’s defense capabilities and a genuine appreciation for the cultural richness embodied by the French language. Indira Gandhi’s fondness for France served as a driving force in fostering bilateral relations, symbolising the interweaving of diplomatic pursuits and personal affinity.

The visions of Presidents John F. Kennedy and Charles de Gaulle diverged notably when it came to the latter’s pursuit of greater strategic autonomy, particularly concerning control over strategic nuclear capabilities. While France shared common values with the United States, there existed a fundamental disagreement regarding the extent of Europe’s reliance on the US for defense against the Soviet Union at that time. This harmonious yet discordant symphony continues to resonate in contemporary times, as President Emmanuel Macron intermittently echoes a similar sentiment. The quest for asserting strategic independence while upholding shared values persists, shaping the ongoing narrative between France and the United States.

In the wake of India’s peaceful nuclear tests in 1974, the United States led efforts to curtail the transfer of dual-use technologies, leaving India in search of alternative sources for advanced technologies. In this quest, France emerged as a steadfast ally, consistently occupying the position of the third nation that India sought for technological advancements. With a shared commitment to scientific progress and technological collaboration, France became a trusted partner, offering valuable expertise and resources to fulfill India’s technological aspirations. Over the years, this enduring partnership has served as a testament to the mutual trust and cooperation between the two nations, bridging the gap created by restrictions on technology transfer and fostering a fruitful exchange of knowledge and innovation.

In the aftermath of the 1971 conflict, as India relied heavily on the Soviet Union to fulfil its defence needs, it became evident that maintaining a strong relationship with France was imperative. When the United States opted to provide F-16 aircraft to Pakistan following its alignment with the US-Saudi initiative against the Soviet military intervention in Afghanistan in 1979, India turned its attention to France. To bolster its air power, which was predominantly reliant on Soviet MIGs at the time, India introduced Mirage-2000 aircraft into its fleet in 1985. This strategic move not only diversified India’s sources of military capability but also reinforced the significance of the enduring Indo-French alliance. By keeping the French door open, India ensured a reliable and valuable defence partnership that complemented its defence requirements, further strengthening its defence capabilities on the global stage.

In 2009, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had the privilege of being the esteemed chief guest at the Bastille Day parade, a testament to the significance of the Indo-French relationship. France has demonstrated remarkable adeptness in aligning commercial interests with strategic imperatives, recognising the interplay between economic cooperation and geopolitical considerations. Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to France takes on a broader context, emphasising that foreign policy is an ongoing process rather than a mere sequence of managed events. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that President Macron is currently facing internal challenges, with widespread opposition manifested through street protests over incidents involving the French police and discontent over proposed pension reforms. These circumstances have inevitably contributed to a diminished political stature for President Macron. Nonetheless, the dynamic nature of politics necessitates a nuanced understanding of the complexities and evolving dynamics shaping international relationships.

During the Bastille Day celebrations, the air resonated with anti-Macron chants, reflecting the discontent simmering within certain segments of French society. Meanwhile, in the European Parliament, concerns were raised and deliberations were held regarding the state of Indian democracy and the situation in Manipur. Notably, a negative resolution was passed just prior to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Paris, underscoring the complexities of the political landscape. Adding to the intricacies, a French magistrate took steps to further complicate matters by seeking information from India pertaining to alleged bribery in the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets. These developments highlight the multifaceted nature of diplomatic relations, where diverse issues intertwine and shape the dynamics between nations. It underscores the need for astute diplomacy and adept handling of complexities to foster constructive engagement and mutual understanding.

The recently concluded visit culminated in the issuance of a comprehensive joint statement, addressing a broad range of issues and setting forth a vision for the next 25 years in a roadmap titled “Horizon 2047”. As India approaches its centenary of independence, both nations have underscored their commitment to deepening collaboration in the co-production and co-development of advanced defence technologies. Notably, the statement highlights the sharing of Safran helicopter engine technology for India’s Multi-Role Helicopter Project, a significant stride in strengthening bilateral defence ties. While there were earlier speculations regarding the sharing of jet engine technology, it appears that separate agreements between France and the United States have been pursued, perhaps exercising discretion in light of recent developments. These commitments reflect the shared commitment of both nations to foster strategic partnerships and drive technological advancements in the defence sector.

Amidst the array of commitments outlined in the joint statement, France has reiterated its support for the inclusion of the G-4 countries, namely Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan, as permanent members of the UN Security Council. Multilateralism, Indo-Pacific security, and counterterrorism efforts also feature prominently, emphasising the shared commitment to global peace and stability. Notably, there is an ambitious target for France to host 20,000 Indian students by 2027, underscoring the importance of educational and cultural exchanges between the two nations. While France holds the distinction of being the first major power to sign a nuclear cooperation agreement with India following the Nuclear Suppliers Group waiver, the realisation of concrete projects has encountered challenges. Issues surrounding the certification of France’s next-generation nuclear reactor technology have posed a hurdle, albeit not as significant as the liability concerns faced by American partners. In this regard, the French government’s involvement as a foreign partner, rather than the private sector, alleviates some of the obstacles. On a positive note, the Scorpene submarine project has demonstrated successful collaboration thus far and is poised for a potential extension, reflecting the fruitful defence cooperation between India and France.

The convergence of Indo-French interests encompasses a complex range of factors. When it comes to China, President Macron leans toward engagement rather than complete de-linking, driven by France’s economic considerations and the significant market potential at stake. In contrast, India finds itself aligned with the United States within the Quad framework, alongside Australia and Japan, highlighting a shared strategic approach towards China. Regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, President Macron has made attempts at mediation, albeit with limited success. However, his stance on this matter aligns more closely with India’s position than that of NATO. France’s displeasure stems from the US’s disruption of its submarine deal with Australia, where the offer of nuclear submarines and technology has created tensions. These various dynamics underscore the intricate interplay of geopolitical interests, economic considerations, and strategic alignments in the Indo-French relationship.

Australia holds a pivotal role in the United States’ strategy to counter China’s influence, positioning it as a frontline state in this endeavour. President Macron’s call for European strategic autonomy, which questions the reliability of the United States, sparked a significant debate. This argument echoes the historical De Gaulle-style argument that advocates for greater European independence. However, critics of President Macron within his own country perceive his foreign policy posturing as a diversion from his domestic political challenges. Despite his campaign promise of a “Revolution” in 2017, his reform efforts have encountered obstacles within France as he seeks to assume a leadership role in a post-Brexit European Union. While he attempts to leverage German hesitancy, he often finds himself outmanoeuvred by a broader European consensus on key issues. This dynamic highlights the complexities and tensions within European politics and the challenges faced by President Macron in achieving his vision for both France and the European Union.

When placed within the larger framework of shifting global power dynamics and the consequential contestation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France cannot be perceived solely as a diplomatic coup. Rather, it represents a natural progression for two nations actively pursuing strategic autonomy. In a world marked by significant power transitions, India and France are taking logical steps to strengthen their partnership and navigate this evolving landscape. The visit signifies their shared commitment to independent decision-making and the pursuit of mutual interests amidst the complex geopolitical challenges of our time.