Is France the brand new ‘Soviet Union’ for India ?
India lately acquired its thirty sixth Rafale Fighter Jet from France and now has two squadrons of the identical within the Indian Air Power. The much-discussed plane is likely one of the most vital offers made, highlighting the shut partnership loved by France & India, however one shouldn’t limit themselves to the shimmering new Rafales and take a look at the previous and the close to foreseeable future earlier than reaching any conclusion.
France Historic :
France traditionally has loved heat relations with India. From procurement of plane just like the Mirage and Rafales, engaged on constructing Scorpène class submarines in India to standing in India’s help after the Nuclear checks in Pokhran. In latest days, with the idea of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” gaining impetus, India and France have discovered themselves in a novel place the place their geopolitical wants complement one another like no different.
India and France surprisingly share an identical definition of the Indo-Pacific and each the nations have main stakes and a eager curiosity within the area and have related adversaries too. Contemplating these components, the one response policymakers in New Delhi and Paris may have for a cordial relationship is just: Bienvenue!
The French have the most important community of islands within the Indian and Pacific Oceans in extraordinarily strategic places. However, one can’t dispute the truth that India is the one nation that may rise to the place of the ‘Internet-Safety Supplier’ within the Indian Ocean.
The French do benefit from the privilege of getting a number of abroad naval bases and having a navy that’s properly outfitted, however India’s navy as per many consultants nonetheless wants just a few extra vessels to succeed in the place it rightfully deserves. The French can show to be an important ally and defence accomplice for India to assist bridge its hole and after the entire fiasco attributable to the sudden announcement of AUKUS, the defence cooperation has solely accelerated.
Nuclear Powered Sunmarines(SSN) :
As per media reviews on her go to to New Delhi, the Minister of the Armed Forces, Florence Parly had tabled the concept of exporting the brand new Barracuda-class submarines to assist India’s plan so as to add 6 Nuclear Powered Submarines (SSN). These to-be-inducted SSN Submarines would serve together with the Arihant Class of SSBN Submarines.
The Barracuda class was additionally provided to Australia however Australia selected to scrap the deal and go for American submarines. The actual fact that after Australia, India was provided these cutting-edge submarines speaks volumes for itself.
Equally, reviews of India’s eager curiosity to acquire extra Rafales for the Crown Jewel of the Indian Navy, INS Vikrant present that New Delhi seeks new alternatives to boost their cooperation and is choosing French Arms over proposals made by Russia. India has additionally been engaged on putting in 6 new Nuclear Reactors in Maharashtra, in a push to be extra energy-independent & work on transitioning to cleaner sources of power, a contract that’s anticipated to land within the fingers of the French.
Geo Strategic Autonomy :
This additional propels the concept of ‘Geo-Strategic Autonomy’ for India an idea that even France has been pushing for which nation apart from France may go well with India extra? As Emmanuel Macron is predicted to go to India by March, one absolutely would take a look at how the French are doing every part that the erstwhile Soviet Union has completed and assume if France is the brand new Soviet Union for India.
