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India’s Defense Dynamics with France and the U.S. Amidst Geopolitical Tensions

6 minutes read

India’s Defense Dynamics with France and the U.S. Amidst Geopolitical Tensions

6 minutes read

In a recent podcast on NHS Media, Dr. Qamar Cheema shed light on the evolving strategic partnerships between India, France, and the United States, analysing their geopolitical implications. 

Key Points:

  • India and France are strengthening their defense partnership, particularly through significant offers from France to assist in building nuclear submarines and transferring advanced military technologies.
  • The recent court summons against India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval created diplomatic strain between India and the U.S., prompting India to reassess its strategic options, including closer ties with France.
  • Both India and France advocate for “strategic autonomy,” aiming to develop defense and technological partnerships independently from U.S. influence, which complicates the trilateral relationship.
  • France has maintained a consistent defense dialogue with India, focusing on annual meetings to discuss cooperation in defense and joint technological projects, enhancing collaboration in areas such as space technology and advanced military hardware.
  • The geopolitical landscape, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, is crucial for India’s defense relations, with both countries collaborating to counter Chinese influence and establish security in the region while positioning India as a key player in the emerging Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

 

Apart from the U.S., India is being closely watched by France due to their growing defense cooperation, which includes critical technologies like nuclear submarines, jet engines, and underwater drones. Dr. Cheema highlighted France’s significant offer to support India in constructing nuclear submarines and transferring 100% technology related to these defense capabilities. This follows the backdrop of strained relations between India and the U.S. after a New York district court issued a summons against India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. Dr. Cheema explained that this legal summons, which coincided with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the U.S., stirred tension in Indian diplomatic circles. Modi and his team were cautious, balancing their strong ties with the U.S. while also signaling to France that India could explore alternative strategic options.

Dr. Cheema drew attention to France’s previous setback in 2021 when it lost a nuclear submarine deal with Australia to the U.S., which was a blow to French defense aspirations. France, learning from that incident, is now keen on cementing a deeper relationship with India. However, India is also juggling its defense needs, often favoring U.S. technology over French, despite the latter’s offer of advanced military capabilities.

According to Dr. Cheema, France has been closely observing the strategic behavior of the U.S. and India, particularly in the context of their cooperation on critical and emerging technologies. The Indian and U.S. administrations, especially through dialogues involving Ajit Doval and U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, have focused heavily on high-tech defense products. Dr. Cheema suggested that this is a delicate balancing act for India, as it continues to explore advanced defense technologies from both the U.S. and France.

India’s pursuit of “strategic autonomy,” a concept both France and India endorse, is further complicating this trilateral relationship. France, which champions strategic autonomy within Europe, is keen to develop defense and technological partnerships with India independently of the U.S. This was illustrated by France’s offer to transfer nuclear submarine technology, an area where the U.S. has traditionally held a competitive advantage.

The court summons against Ajit Doval introduced a diplomatic wrinkle in India-U.S. relations. Dr. Cheema elaborated that, though the summons were formal, they were seen as a significant affront to India’s national security apparatus. This legal issue not only put the Modi administration in a tight spot, but also led to Indian diplomatic efforts to reassure France, especially as Modi’s government seeks alternatives should the U.S.-India ties falter.

Dr. Cheema noted that France has historically maintained a close defense dialogue with India, with annual meetings that discuss their defense cooperation and joint technological projects. This dialogue, he remarked, has intensified, with France aiming to further strengthen its role as a defense partner for India. The recent agreement between India and France to enhance cooperation in space technology and defense, including Indian purchases of Rafale jets and submarines, underscores this deepening partnership.

The broader geopolitical landscape, especially in the Indo-Pacific, also plays a crucial role in shaping India’s defense relations. Dr. Cheema emphasized France’s strategic interest in the Indo-Pacific region, where it sees itself as a critical player. India and France have been collaborating through joint exercises and dialogues aimed at ensuring security in the region, particularly as both nations have vested interests in countering Chinese influence.

Additionally, Dr. Cheema touched on the emerging Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, where India is positioning itself as a key player. This development further underscores India’s strategic importance not only to the U.S. and France but also to other global powers.

Dr. Qamar Cheema concluded by reiterating that India is at a crossroads, carefully balancing its defense relations with the U.S. and France. While the U.S. remains India’s preferred partner in certain defense technologies, France has been actively positioning itself as a reliable alternative. The court summons against Ajit Doval, though a diplomatic hiccup, might push India to explore deeper cooperation with France, especially in sectors where the U.S. has been slow to deliver. France’s willingness to offer advanced defense technology and India’s desire for strategic autonomy ensure that the Indo-French relationship will continue to grow. However, the extent of this partnership will depend on how both nations navigate their ties with the U.S. and respond to the changing global geopolitical environment.

 

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