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India recently acquired its 36th Rafale Fighter Jet from France and now has two squadrons of the same in the Indian Air Force. The much-discussed aircraft is one of the most important deals made, highlighting the close partnership enjoyed by France & India, but one shouldn’t restrict themselves to the shimmering new Rafales and look at the past and the near foreseeable future before reaching any conclusion.
France Historical :
France historically has enjoyed warm relations with India. From procurement of aircraft like the Mirage and Rafales, working on building Scorpène class submarines in India to standing in India’s support after the Nuclear tests in Pokhran. In recent days, with the concept of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” gaining impetus, India and France have found themselves in a unique position where their geopolitical needs complement each other like no other.
India and France surprisingly share a similar definition of the Indo-Pacific and both the nations have major stakes and a keen interest in the region and have similar adversaries too. Considering these factors, the only response policymakers in New Delhi and Paris could have for a cordial relationship is simply: Bienvenue!
The French have the largest network of islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans in extremely strategic locations. On the other hand, one can not dispute the fact that India is the only country that can rise to the position of the ‘Net-Security Provider’ in the Indian Ocean.
The French do enjoy the privilege of having multiple overseas naval bases and having a navy that is well equipped, but India’s navy as per many experts still needs a few more vessels to reach the position it rightfully deserves. The French can prove to be a very important ally and defence partner for India to help bridge its gap and after the whole fiasco caused by the sudden announcement of AUKUS, the defence cooperation has only accelerated.
Nuclear Powered Sunmarines(SSN) :
As per media reports on her visit to New Delhi, the Minister of the Armed Forces, Florence Parly had tabled the idea of exporting the new Barracuda-class submarines to help India’s plan to add 6 Nuclear Powered Submarines (SSN). These to-be-inducted SSN Submarines would serve along with the Arihant Class of SSBN Submarines.
The Barracuda class was also offered to Australia but Australia chose to scrap the deal and opt for American submarines. The very fact that after Australia, India was offered these cutting-edge submarines speaks volumes for itself.
Similarly, reports of India’s keen interest to procure more Rafales for the Crown Jewel of the Indian Navy, INS Vikrant show that New Delhi seeks new opportunities to enhance their cooperation and is opting for French Arms over proposals made by Russia. India has also been working on installing 6 new Nuclear Reactors in Maharashtra, in a push to be more energy-independent & work on transitioning to cleaner sources of energy, a contract that is expected to land in the hands of the French.
Geo Strategic Autonomy :
This further propels the idea of ‘Geo-Strategic Autonomy’ for India a concept that even France has been pushing for which country other than France could suit India more? As Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit India by March, one surely would look at how the French are doing everything that the erstwhile Soviet Union has done and think if France is the new Soviet Union for India.
