The article observes that despite significant differences—France as a NATO member with a colonial past and India as a former British colony with no formal alliances—both nations share a self-perception as independent actors in a multipolar world. France’s commitment to “strategic autonomy” and India’s long-standing policy of non-alignment have fostered a growing strategic partnership, particularly since 1998 when France supported India following nuclear tests that drew U.S. sanctions. This partnership has deepened across technological, economic, and military domains, including joint exercises, arms sales (notably French Rafale fighters and submarines), and a 2023 strategic plan termed Horizon 2047, which outlines collaborative efforts in advanced defense technologies.
The author argues that while France and India have developed closer ties, partly due to shared apprehensions about U.S. policies—such as American tariffs and strategic decisions like the AUKUS agreement—this burgeoning relationship should not supplant their connections with Washington. The piece contends that France’s nuclear umbrella should complement, not replace, the U.S. deterrent, and India, as a key Asian power, should align with U.S. efforts to counter China’s aggression. The article concludes that the strengthening Franco-Indian partnership ought to enhance, rather than undermine, existing U.S. alliances. [Source: Yahoo News](https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/opinion-india-france- ties-not-143000608.html)