Context:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of a ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’ with France.

Key Points:

• This step is a historic move toward advancing the ‘Horizon 2047’ roadmap and marks 25 years of the strategic partnership that began in 1998.
• The partnership has now moved beyond a simple ‘buyer–seller’ relationship and is focused on co-development and co-production.

Defense and Security Cooperation (Cornerstone of Ties):

• The partnership has now shifted from a ‘buyer–seller’ relationship to co-development and co-production.
• H125 Helicopter Assembly Line: India’s first private-sector helicopter manufacturing facility was inaugurated in Vemgal, Karnataka, by Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus.
• Rafale and Scorpene: Progress has been made on the procurement of 114 additional Rafale aircraft for the Indian Air Force and 26 Rafale-M (Marine) jets for the Navy. Additionally, under the Scorpene submarine program (P75), the sixth submarine ‘Vagsheer’ was delivered in January 2025.
• HAMMER Missile: A joint venture has been announced with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to manufacture ‘HAMMER’ missiles in India.

Innovation and Future Technology (Year of Innovation 2026):

• The year 2026 has been declared the ‘India-France Year of Innovation.’
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Both countries participated in the ‘AI Impact Summit 2026’ and launched the ‘Indo-French Center for AI in Health’ at AIIMS, New Delhi.
• Critical Minerals: A joint declaration was signed to cooperate on critical minerals and rare earth elements for clean energy and advanced manufacturing.

Energy and Climate Change:

• Nuclear Energy: In addition to the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project, both countries agreed to develop SMR (Small Modular Reactors) and AMR (Advanced Modular Reactors).
• Renewable Energy: Cooperation in solar energy and green hydrogen is being further strengthened through the International Solar Alliance.

Strategic Autonomy and Multipolar World (Strategic Significance):

• Multipolarity: Both India and France support ‘strategic autonomy,’ meaning they aim to maintain independent foreign policies without aligning with any major power bloc.
• Indo-Pacific Region: France is a maritime neighbor of India due to its overseas territories such as Réunion Island. Both countries are working together to ensure freedom of navigation and security in the region.
• Global Platforms: France has invited India to the G7 Summit to be held in 2026, reflecting India’s growing role in global governance.

Horizon 2047: India–France Strategic Roadmap:

• Objective: To outline the future of India-France relations by 2047, marking the centenary of India’s independence and diplomatic relations.
• Adopted: July 2023, during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to France.

Key Areas:

• Defense: Expand cooperation and strengthen joint projects.
• Space: Strengthen ISRO–CNES cooperation.
• Nuclear Energy: Focus on sustainable energy solutions through the Jaitapur project and modular reactors.
• Innovation and Technology: Promote progress in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure.
• Sustainable Development: Promote climate action, blue economy, and clean energy.
• Cultural Exchange: Strengthen people-to-people ties.
• Indo-Pacific: Prepare a dedicated roadmap for regional cooperation.
• Goal: Ensure strategic autonomy, jointly address global challenges, and promote innovation.

France:

• Located in both the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres
• Capital: Paris
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Official Language: French

Bordering Countries:

• Belgium – to the north
• Luxembourg – to the northeast
• Germany – to the east, along the Rhine River
• Switzerland – to the east, separated by the Jura Mountains
• Italy – to the southeast, separated by the Alps
• Monaco (southeastern enclave)
• Andorra – to the southwest, located in the Pyrenees
• Spain – to the southwest, with the Pyrenees mountain range forming the border

Strategic Maritime ‘Chokepoints’ and Islands:

• Strait of Dover: The narrowest part of the English Channel, separating France (Calais) from Britain (Dover).
• Corsica: A large Mediterranean island of France, located north of Italy’s Sardinia island.
• Maritime Zone: Due to its territories, France possesses the world’s second-largest Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (over 11 million sq. km), most of which lies in the Indo-Pacific region.