India-France Annual Strategic Dialogue

India and France held their annual strategic dialogue in New Delhi.

What are the key takeaways from the India-France Annual Strategic Dialogue?

The countries mainly focused on COVID-19 vaccines, nuclear, Indo-Pacific, space, environment, maritime safety, digital economy, environment and defence sectors.

Why is France important to India in terms of Indo Pacific?

France has a deep presence in the Indian Ocean Region. The territories of Mayotte Island and Reunion Island are under French control. These overseas areas provide France an area of 28 lakh square kilo metres in the Indian Ocean Region as Exclusive Economic Zone under the UNCLOS Treaty.

China has increased its presence in the Indian Ocean with its presence in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Djibouti and Maldives. On the other hand, the French has established permanent Naval Bases in Abu Dabi and Djibouti.

What are the recent military agreement signed by India and France?

India and France recently signed a logistics sharing agreement. This enables the countries to use the military facilities of the other. This is highly significant in terms of growing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean Region.

About India-France Strategic Dialogue

The India-France Strategic dialogue is held annually with the countries alternating as hosts. The India-France Strategic Dialogue, 2020 was held in Paris.

India-France Trade

French companies are one of the top investors of India. India-France trade stands at 13 billion USD. The French imports from India are helicopters, satellites, airplanes, spacecraft launch vehicles.

India-France Relations

The countries have “Special Relationship” with each other. India and France signed the landmark Nuclear Agreement in 2008. According to the Agreement, France constructed six European Pressurised Reactors each of 1,650 MW.

France was the first country to sign a nuclear deal with India following India-specific NSG waiver.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2021