The Russia-Ukraine War caused changes in many sectors in the context of global relations and indirectly affected military-defence cooperation. It is known that Russia is a significant defence exporter for India, which draws attention to its relations with Russia and its ties with the West. However, New Delhi’s governance has started to attach more magnitude to developing relations with other actors in such partnerships after the war. In this context, the ties it established with France gained importance.
The 36th India-France Dialogue Meeting was held on January 5, 2023, between India and France, who have been “Strategic Dialogue Partners” for years. The meeting, hosted by New Delhi, came to the fore with the two countries’ joint activities in the design and production of warplanes and submarines.[1]
Meeting on the occasion of the meeting and chairing the dialogue, French President’s Diplomatic Advisor Emmanuel Bonne and India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval consulted on many issues such as ways to end the Russia-Ukraine War and tensions on the India-China border.[2] At the same time, the current global situation was also discussed. However, the parties agreed to deepen the India-France strategic partnership in counterterrorism, civil nuclear energy, space, and cyber security.[3]
In the statement made after the meeting, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of India stated that India and France reiterated their decisions to advance their strategic partnerships to ensure peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific.[4]
One of the issues supposed to be discussed before the meeting was held was the cooperation between the parties on the submarine issue. It was expected that the issue of producing “Kalvari” class submarines will be on the agenda. The Kalvari class submarine is known as an adaptation of the French Scorpene submarines.[5] India’s goal is to ensure submarines stay underwater longer to minimize the negative effects that may occur when they come to the surface for refuelling. New Delhi, which wants to add an Air Independent Propulsion System (Air-Independent Propulsion-AIP) to the Klavari class submarines, wishes to do this with the support of Paris.[6]
Another point that makes the strategic dialogue important in the development of the India-Russia partnership is aircraft engines. India wants to produce engines for domestic twin-engine warplanes. However, there is also a search for technology transfer to enable the design and development of new-generation military and civilian engines for future combat and transport platforms.
The India-based Tata group has partnered with Airbus to produce the C295 tactical transport aircraft in Gujarat. Expanding this partnership to include the production of other civil and military aircraft through a joint venture with France was one of the agenda items of the meeting.[7]
India has close relations with Russia in terms of military and defense partnerships. Nevertheless, the Russia-Ukraine War necessitated cooperation with alternative actors in this regard. On the other hand, the war brought its efforts to increase China’s defense and military capabilities. Therefore, in the face of China’s increasing military activities, it is seen that India has started to develop its cooperation with France.
Due to the AUKUS Agreement, some of France’s plans for Australia and the Asia-Pacific were interrupted. At this point, the Paris governance turns to defense cooperation with New Delhi, another power in the region. It is known that the two allies formed a tripartite group with the United Arab Emirates to ensure the security of the geography stretching from the eastern coast of Africa to the Pacific.[8]
Nonetheless, the foundations of the strategic partnership between Paris and New Delhi can be traced back to 1998. The parties first announced their strategic partnerships this year. There is an Asia-Pacific-oriented strategic cooperation between the two countries. This partnership was reinforced at the previous “Strategic Dialogue Meeting” held in Paris in November 2021.
An essential output of the meeting is that the talks also laid the groundwork for French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India. In addition, the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting will be held in India in March 2023. For high-level visits from France, this also means a door.
At this point, it can be said that steps will be taken to deepen the cooperation on the Paris-New Delhi line. As a matter of fact, in a news published in the French publication La Tribune on January 4, 2023, it was stated that during Macron’s planned visit to New Delhi in March 2023, more than 26 contracts could be signed for the sale of Rafale Marine fighter jets. However, any announcement like this has been made by the Government of India or the Indian Navy.[9]
It is seen that military cooperation between New Delhi and Paris is advancing. The question is which of the parties is benefiting from this partnership more. Another question mark concerns the Russian activity in the Indian military mechanism. It is known that Russia is the only country that supplies nuclear submarines to India. Moreover, most India’s warplanes and about 90% of its battle tanks are of Russian origin. India bought the sole aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya from Russia in 2004.[10] Therefore, India, which wants to diversify its defense purchases through agreements with various countries, especially France, is not expected to give up on Russia completely.
[1] “India-France to Join Hands in Fighter and Submarine Design and Manufacturing”, Hindustan Times, https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indiafrance-to-join-hands-in-fighter-and-submarine-design-and-manufacturing-101672890137294.html, (Date of Accession: 05.01.2023).
[2] “India, France Hold Talks on Ukraine War, Expanding Military Partnership”, Business Standart, https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/india-france-hold-talks-on-ukraine-war-expanding-military-partnership-123010600480_1.html, (Date of Accession: 06.01.2023).
[3] “India and France Holds the 36th Strategic Dialogue”, News on Air, https://newsonair.com/2023/01/05/india-and-france-holds-the-36th-strategic-dialogue/, (Date of Accession 06.01.2023).
[4] “India, France Discuss Defence and Security Cooperation”, Hindustan Times, https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-france-discuss-defence-and-security-cooperation-101672955552151.html, (Date of Accession: 06.01.2023).
[5] “India, France Hold Talks…”, op. cit.
[6] “France, India Hold Talks to End Russia-Ukraine War, to Expand Military Partnership”, The Meghalayan, https://themeghalayan.com/france-india-hold-talks-to-end-russia-ukraine-war-to-expand-military-partnership/, (Date of Accession: 06.01.2023).
[7] “India-France Strategic Dialogue”, GK Today, https://www.gktoday.in/topic/india-france-strategic-dialogue/, (Date of Accession: 06.01.2023).
[8] “India, France Hold Talks…”, op. cit.
[9] “India, France to Sign Deal for Rafale-M Fighters in March During Macron’s Visit to New Delhi-French Media”, Eurasian Times, https://eurasiantimes.com/india-france-to-sign-deal-for-rafale-m-fighters-in-march/, (Date of Accession: 06.01.2023).
[10] “India Unsure of Russian Arms Imports to Meet Regional Threats Following Moscow’s Invasion of Ukraine”, The New Arab, https://www.newarab.com/news/india-unsure-russian-arms-meet-china-pakistan-threats, (Date of Accession: 06.01.2023).
