The relationship between India and France has moved beyond strategic and economic ties and both the countriesThe recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to France has once again underlined the depth and significance of the India-France relationship. The relationship between the two countries is considered as one of the most enduring and trusted partnerships in India’s foreign policy. The two nations have developed close ties over the decades spanning from defense, technology, trade, culture and global diplomacy thus making France the most reliable strategic partner of India.

The friendship between these countries dates back to the years following the independence of India. France happens to be the first major Western country to acknowledge and initiate diplomatic relations with the independent India immediately after the culmination of British rule in 1947. Both India and France have since then steadily strengthened their engagement based on mutual respect, strategic autonomy and shared democratic values.

At a time when several countries imposed sanctions on India following its nuclear tests in 1998, the relationship between India and France witnessed a new dimension in terms of a strong strategic partnership. Contrary to other countries France adopted a fair and kind approach which laid the........

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