Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France marks a significant milestone in the close relations between India and France. This visit aims to reinforce the strategic partnership between the two nations, with key focuses on defense, trade, and cooperation in various domains. Let us delve into the details of this visit and explore the historical and contemporary aspects of India-France relations.
Historical Ties
India and France share a deep-rooted history that dates back centuries. From the 17th century until 1954, France maintained a colonial presence in Puducherry, India. The architectural influence and remnants of French culture in Puducherry still stand as a testament to this shared history.
Modern Era of Bilateral Cooperation
The establishment of a strategic partnership in 1998 marked a turning point in India-France relations. Since then, both countries have witnessed significant progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation. Regular high-level exchanges between Heads of State and Heads of Government have fostered growth in commercial and strategic exchanges, including defense and nuclear cooperation.
Trilateral Maritime Exercise and Naval Cooperation
Prior to Prime Minister Modi’s visit, India, France, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) conducted their first trilateral maritime exercise in the Gulf of Oman. This exercise aimed to enhance cooperation between the three navies, addressing conventional and non-conventional threats in the maritime environment. The successful exercise paved the way for further collaboration and cemented the 25-year India-France Strategic Partnership.
Prime Minister Modi’s Foreign Policy Shift
Prime Minister Modi brought a significant change to India’s foreign policy in 2016 when he hosted the then French President Francis Hollande in Chandigarh instead of Delhi. This change aimed to showcase other culturally significant cities of India, including Ahmedabad, Banaras, Chandigarh, Bangalore, and Tamil Nadu, to visiting dignitaries. The meeting in Chandigarh held particular significance as it allowed for discussions on architecture between Le Corbusier, the designer of Chandigarh, and Prof. JK Chowdhary, who gained valuable experience from working with French architects. During this visit, France promised India 33 Rafale fighter jets.
France as India’s Trusted Partner
France has emerged as a trusted friend and partner for India in the Western world. The support from France on key international issues, such as India’s stand on Kashmir at the United Nations and the ban on global terrorist Masood Azhar, has strengthened the bilateral relationship. After the Pulwama attack, India received significant diplomatic support from France, the United States, and Britain in isolating Pakistan and calling for action against Masood Azhar and his organization, Jaish-e-Mohammed.
Countering Terrorism and Strengthening Ties
Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and influence have garnered support and respect, both domestically and internationally. India’s fight against terrorism, particularly against Jaish-e-Mohammed and its leader Azhar Masood, has become a paramount concern. India seeks to eliminate terrorism and enemies of humanity like Masood Azhar from the world. In this regard, cooperation between India and France plays a crucial role in addressing these shared concerns.
Learning from Each Other
While the recent communal violence in France is an internal matter, India, with its experience in effectively managing communal tensions, can provide informal advice to France. Given India’s history of handling similar challenges since 1946, sharing insights and lessons learned can contribute positively to addressing such issues in France.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France signifies the strengthening of India-France relations on multiple fronts. From defense and trade agreements to cooperation on counterterrorism, energy security, and defense, both countries are forging a deeper partnership. The historical ties between India and France, combined with shared values and mutual interests, pave the way for a promising future of collaboration and friendship. As they work towards eliminating terrorism and promoting peace, India and France can learn from each other’s experiences to build stronger, more inclusive societies.
