India and France

Let us display the finest Indian tradition to the French President.

Asheesh Shah

Understanding local customs and culture is paramount in building relationship with any country – more so if the country happens to be France, which has a distinctive style of running its international affairs and a vibrant social environment. The French are fiercely independent and are known to take a line completely separate from the United States and its influenced groups. Therefore, while Tony Blair toed the US line to the hilt during the Iraq crisis, the French policymakers decided on prudence to the extent of upsetting the US.

France's terms with India, on the other hand, have been marked by cooperation and kinship – it was one of the first countries to lift sanctions US-led worldwide against India after the 1998 Pokhran nuclear test…

France along with Germany is the undisputed leader of the European Union and represents a powerful international lobby. It has excellent relationship with China and the Arab world, which has been an eyesore to many. The combination of Sarkozy and Bernard Kouchner, the French minister of foreign affairs, is looking towards taking diplomacy to new levels. Both these leaders are different in their approach and can bring radical changes to the way world leaders think and act.

Sarkozy and Kouchner have visited several troubled areas that include a surprise visit to Afghanistan in December 2007. The recent visit by Colonel Gaddafi of France is also a case in point. The French have taken the initiative to bring respectability to Libya, which was largely shunned by the West. In fact, France has promised investment in Libya thus placing more trust in Gaddafi than any other western world leader.

Similarly, the French foreign minister visited Iraq and created ripples in many world capitals. The visit was engineered to bridge differences between the Arab and the western worlds. The French minister expressed solidarity with Iraqis and promised them support. Such high stake diplomatic missions are not seen often and underscore the new thinking in the French government.

As for India's national interest, the French regard India as an important ally. Sarkozy's visit will be the third in a series, after French higher education minister Valerie Pecresse and the benevolent foreign minister Kouchner came calling in the last six months. Recently, the Indian government cancelled a multi-billion dollar defence deal with France. However, taking the loss in his stride, Kouchner said, "We are definitely hurt but there is no use complaining. We shall bid again."
Loss of such a deal could have frozen bilateral ties with any other country but the French have showed remarkable diplomacy and their problem solving approach.
Although India and France have increased bilateral trade, there is vast scope for more joint ventures. Many French companies have a presence in India, the latest being the auto giant Renault while the retail chain leader Carrefour may join soon. France is an acknowledged world leader in nuclear technology, besides traditional and upcoming sectors like aviation, railways and biotechnology. Many French citizens visit India every year and swear to return again. In fact, there is an emotional relationship between India and France, the potential of which has not been explored to the fullest.
Recently the French president appointed Dr Amartya Sen as one of his government's economic advisor. Sarkozy is known to take bold and surprising decisions that could change the dynamics of any relationship. It is therefore necessary that India is able to exploit the opportunity during his visit to the fullest.
India should seek increased French cooperation in joint research and scientific activities. Just like our CSIR, the French have CNRS and INRIA laboratories which are involved in advanced research works. Both the countries can benefit through active collaboration between these organizations, besides academic and student exchange programs. Presently French immigration and labour laws are not very conducive towards foreigners. India can ask for higher concessions in this direction to increase student mobility. France will be more than happy for any joint nuclear and defence cooperation. India can use the French connection as leverage against over- dependence on certain other blocks and can cement some concrete deals. France can help India in sorting issues related to WTO and other sticky issues with the European Union. Finally, to add some flavour, Indian wine makers can always ask for the secrets behind Moet and Chandon, Dom Perignon etc.