Daily Current Affairs : 15-June-2023
The recent meeting between India and France marked a significant milestone in their bilateral relations. Both nations agreed on a series of new initiatives and agreements that would foster collaboration and cooperation across various sectors. The roadmap for their partnership is built on three key pillars: partnership for security and sovereignty, partnership for the planet, and partnership for the people. Let’s explore each pillar in detail:
Partnership for Security and Sovereignty
Defence Collaboration:
- India and France are deepening their defense ties, evident in the delivery of 36 Rafale jets to the Indian Air Force, enhancing India’s air capabilities.
- The success of the P75 program, which involved the construction of six Scorpene submarines, further solidifies their defense partnership.
Space Collaboration:
- Scientific and commercial cooperation between France’s CNES and India’s ISRO is being strengthened through various agreements.
- Initiatives include the development of reusable launchers, joint Earth observation satellite TRISHNA, and a constellation of maritime surveillance satellites in the Indian Ocean.
- Both nations are committed to protecting their satellites in orbit against the risk of collision.
Civil Nuclear Energy:
- Progress on the 6-EPR power plant project in Jaitapur was welcomed by both sides.
- They have decided to cooperate on small modular reactors and advanced modular reactors, promoting sustainable nuclear energy solutions.
Indo-Pacific Strategy:
- A roadmap for joint actions in the Indo-Pacific region has been adopted, aiming to enhance their comprehensive strategy in the area.
- The nations are working on establishing an Indo-French development fund for third countries to finance sustainable development projects in the region.
Counter-terrorism Efforts:
- Cooperation between France’s GIGN and India’s National Security Guard will be strengthened to combat terrorism effectively.
Advancing Critical Technology:
- Collaboration on cutting-edge digital technologies, including supercomputing, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing, will be reinforced.
Civil Aviation:
- Both nations have signed agreements in civil aviation, supporting the expansion of routes between France and India, which will boost connectivity and tourism.
Partnership for the Planet
Combating Plastic Pollution:
- India and France are committed to adopting an international treaty to end plastic pollution throughout the entire life cycle of plastic products, aiming for a cleaner and sustainable future.
Health Cooperation:
- A Letter of Intent on health and medicine has been signed to structure cooperation in hospitals, medical research, digital technology, biotechnology, public health, and combating micro-bacterial resistance under the One Health approach.
Partnership for the People
Enhancing Student Mobility:
- A new target of welcoming 30,000 Indian students in France by 2030 has been set, encouraging educational exchange and fostering cultural understanding.
- Indian students with a Master’s degree who have studied in France will be issued a 5-year short-stay Schengen visa, easing travel and promoting educational collaboration.
Strengthening Diplomatic Presence:
- To enhance diplomatic ties, India will open a Consulate General in Marseille, and France will open a Bureau de France in Hyderabad.
Boosting Research Collaboration:
- Funding for the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (IFCPAR/CEFIPRA) will be increased, facilitating joint research projects.
Sports and Civil Society Cooperation:
- Both nations will work on structured cooperation in the field of sports, especially regarding major upcoming sporting events.
- The objective is to double the number of solidarity and civic service international volunteers in India and France by 2025, promoting mutual understanding and collaboration.
Important Points
Partnership for Security and Sovereignty:
- Delivery of 36 Rafale jets to the Indian Air Force
- Success of the P75 program (six Scorpene submarines)
- Scientific and commercial space cooperation
- Protection of Indo-French satellites in orbit
- Progress on the 6-EPR power plant project in Jaitapur
- Cooperation on small modular reactors and advanced modular reactors
- Joint actions in the Indo-Pacific region
- Strengthening of counter-terrorism cooperation
- Collaboration on cutting-edge digital technology
- Agreements in civil aviation to expand routes between France and India
Partnership for the Planet:
- Commitment to adopt an international treaty to end plastic pollution
- Letter of Intent on health and medicine for cooperation in the medical and health sectors
Partnership for the People:
- Target of welcoming 30,000 Indian students in France by 2030
- Issuance of a 5-year short-stay Schengen visa for Indian students with a Master’s degree from France
- Opening of a Consulate General of India in Marseille and a Bureau de France in Hyderabad
- Increased funding for the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (IFCPAR/CEFIPRA)
- Cooperation in sports and structured partnership for major sporting events
- Objective of doubling the number of international volunteers in India and France by 2025
Why In News
India and France, in a landmark partnership, have enthusiastically embraced a myriad of innovative initiatives and forged numerous groundbreaking agreements, cementing their strong bilateral ties. This collaborative approach is set to pave the way for enhanced cooperation and mutual progress between the two nations, leaving a lasting impact on global affairs.
MCQs about India and France Forge Stronger Bonds
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What are the three key pillars of the roadmap for India-France bilateral relations?
A. Partnership for Security and Sovereignty
B. Partnership for Trade and Investment
C. Partnership for Innovation
D. Partnership for the Planet
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What is the primary focus of the “Partnership for the Planet” pillar in India-France relations?
A. Combating Terrorism and Extremism
B. Strengthening Space Exploration and Cooperation
C. Addressing Plastic Pollution and Environmental Issues
D. Promoting Sports and Cultural Ties
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What is the significance of the “Partnership for the People” pillar in India-France relations?
A. Enhancing Student Mobility and Cultural Exchange
B. Advancing Critical Digital Technology Cooperation
C. Expanding Defense Collaboration and Security Measures
D. Strengthening Economic and Trade Relations
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What major project in the defense sector was mentioned in the essay that strengthens India-France ties?
A. Development of Joint Earth Observation Satellite
B. Cooperation on Cutting-Edge Digital Technology
C. Delivery of 36 Rafale Jets to the Indian Air Force
D. Launch of an Indo-French Development Fund for Third Countries
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