French President Emmanuel Macron visited India at the invitation of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi to grace India’s 75th Republic Day as Chief Guest. As India and France celebrate the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, this visit marks a high degree of convergence on several fronts, including economy and defence. In this edition of The Asia Roundtable, we seek to explore the outcomes of President Macron’s visit to India and encapsulate the multifaceted dimensions of Strategic Partnership, with speakers Payal S. Kanwar (Director General, Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Mohan Kumar (Former Indian Ambassador to France and Professor, OP Jindal Global University) and Dr. C. Raja Mohan (Non-Resident Distinguished Fellow, Asia Society Policy Institute). The session was moderated by Akshay Mathur, Senior Director, ASPI Delhi.

Here are some key takeaways from the discussion —

• The roundtable assessed the current state of India-France relations and explored potential engagement in the evolving geopolitical landscape.

• With the rise of China and the relative decline of the United States; India and France look at taking interest in managing regional geopolitics.

• France and other non-resident powers support India’s efforts to provide security and prosperity in the Red Sea region as it deploys its navy as a public international good.

• Europe must secure resources and partnerships to defend its borders.

• France’s increased presence in the Indo-Pacific and its support to Ukraine shows its commitment to tackling challenges posed by Russia and China.

• The cooperation in defence & security, space and nuclear between the two countries has emerged as the bedrock for the strategic partnership.

• The headway made in maritime security, cyber-security and counter-terrorism highlight convergence in dealing with piracy, dark net, and conflicts.

• Indian and French governments recently inked the Defence Industrial Partnership Roadmap, showcasing alignment by agreeing on joint production of military vehicles, civilian helicopters and potential technology transfer for jet engine manufacturing in India.