Editorial: India-France tango uplifts the mood
French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India underscores the deepening alignment between the two democracies in advancing a multipolar, rules-based global order
In an era marked by uncertain global diplomacy and the rise of protectionist tendencies, the deepening strategic partnership between India and France provides a sense of comfort and stability. The steadily expanding bilateral cooperation encompasses virtually every area — from the deep oceans to the tallest mountains, from defence and high technology to AI, critical minerals, renewable energy, and health. French President Emmanuel Macron’s ongoing visit to India — his fourth since assuming office in 2017 — carries significance that goes beyond atmospherics and the Modi-Macron personal chemistry, and reaffirms the growing convergence of ideas between the two democracies on pursuing a multi-polar and rules-based global order. The elevation of bilateral ties to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership”, announced after a meeting between the two leaders in Mumbai, is hugely important, particularly coming at a time when international geopolitics is undergoing a churn. The two sides inked a total of 21 agreements and documents providing for deepening of cooperation in an array of areas, including the one on defence cooperation and another on a joint venture between Bharat Electronics Ltd and French defence giant Safran to produce Hammer missiles in India. The purchase of a second tranche of Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene submarines means that after Russia, France has become India’s second-largest defence partner. The inauguration of the assembly line for H-125, the world’s only helicopter capable of flying to the heights of Mount Everest, demonstrates the deepening trust between the two countries.
The delivery of the first ‘Made in India’ H125 is expected in early 2027. It will also be available for export in the South Asian region. Another illustration of the deepening strategic bond is the ‘Horizon 2047’, a long-term roadmap unveiled in 2023 that commits both countries to collaboration in defence, technology, space, energy and the Indo-Pacific through 2047, when India marks the centenary of independence. India’s move to expand its Rafale fleet and the French readiness to produce some of them in India, along with the planned assembly of helicopters and joint jet-engine cooperation, point to a consequential bilateral defence industrial partnership. The Indian private sector is expected to play a larger role in the transformation of the domestic aerospace ecosystem in collaboration with France. The visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in January, the presence of the European Union leadership at this year’s Republic Day celebrations, and the signing of the long-negotiated free trade agreement highlight the growing salience of Europe in India’s strategic thinking. Strategic experts are of the view that India’s multipolar strategy now runs through Europe. In an era where America has abandoned the spirit of multilateralism and turned largely protectionist under Donald Trump’s leadership, the deepening ties between New Delhi and Paris provide an elbow room to assert strategic independence. On AI, both countries share similar views, seeking regulatory frameworks that protect sovereignty while encouraging innovation.
