Context: This article is based on an Editorial “Indo-French relations gets Republic Day boost” which was published in the Hindustan Times. France President Emanuel Macron will attend the 75th Republic Day celebration 2024 as a chief guest.

• Previous French Presidents at the Republic day Parade:  Jacques Chirac, Nicolas Sarbozy and Francois Hollande.

Continue Reading: France President Emanuel Macron to be the Republic Day Chief Guest 2024

Indo-French Relations: Significance of Inviting French President to Republic Day Parade

• One, this is the first time President Macron is being bestowed this honor;
• Two, the French President agreed to the invitation at short notice Knowing that he was filling in for the United States (US)  President Joe Biden who could not make it for a variety of reasons.
• Third: It also comes close on the heels of the honor bestowed on PM Modi on Bastille Day celebrations on July 14, when Indian armed forces marched past the Champs Elysees. 

About Indo-French Relations

• All-Party Consensus: There is an all-party consensus in both countries about the overriding importance of the Indo-French strategic partnership as a pillar of stability in an international order characterized by strategic turbulence. 
• Irreversibly Excellent Bond: The Indo-French relationship is a partnership devoid of any contention  and one characterized by irreversible excellence. 
• Areas of Cooperation:Earlier, the cooperation was marked by cooperation in the defense, space and nuclear dossiers. 
• Access to global commons: Indo-French cooperation is aimed at advancing economic and security interests, ensuring equal and free access to global commons, building sustainability partnerships and advancing the rule of international law based on sovereignty and territorial Integrity.
• Green Hydrogen: A roadmap on Green Hydrogen to establish a reliable and sustainable value chain aimed at both countries being world leaders in decarbonised hydrogen.
• Space: The Horizon 2047 document puts space at the heart of the strategic relationship and asserts that access to space, space technologies and applications using space capabilities are at the center of innovation, scientific development and economic growth.
• Convergence of Interests: France is a resident power in the Indian Ocean with a large amount of real estate. India has strong strategic interests in the Indian Ocean.
  • Both countries thus have vital stakes in the Indian Ocean and have adopted an Indo-Pacific Roadmap.

Continue Reading: India-France Relationship, here.

Why are Indo-French Relations Flourishing?

• First and foremost is the strategic congruence between the two countries with similar underpinnings of strategic autonomy and an independent foreign policy.
• Second is the total trust and reliability factor that has guided the relationship, whether it was the period post-1998 Indian nuclear tests, support for India in multilateral forums or fully respecting our security concerns when it comes to defense supplies.
• Third, there is mutual understanding between the two countries about total non-interference in the internal affairs of the other country.

Conclusion

The decision by President Macron to visit India on January 26,  shows rare magnanimity  and a special commitment to the Indo-French strategic partnership.