India-France ties should not replace relations with Washington

On its face, France and India do not have much in common. France is a NATO ally; India has remained outside any alliance system. France had numerous colonies around the world and maintains relations with many of them since they achieved independence. India was not one of those countries — it was the jewel in the British crown. 

Yet both states have a common self-perception as independent poles in a multipolar world.

Despite its membership of NATO, France’s long-standing refusal to join NATO’s nuclear planning group reflects both its determination to maintain the independence of its nuclear deterrent and policy of what president Emmanuel Macron calls “strategic autonomy.” And he is extending a French nuclear umbrella to other European states.

India, like France, is a nuclear power. It too has long pursued an independent national security policy. New Delhi did have close military and economic relations with the Soviet Union and still is a major purchaser of Russian oil. Nevertheless, the former leader of the non-aligned group of nations has no formal alliances and does not seek any. 

Although France and India have maintained good relations since India achieved independence in 1947, their ties reached a turning point in 1998. That was when India conducted five nuclear tests and Washington issued sanctions against India. France did not. Indeed, France upgraded its strategic relationship with India that year.

Since the turn of the century, France and India have increasingly strengthened their technological, economic and especially military relations. Apart from counterpart visits by leading military and civilian officials, as well as naval visits, the two countries have........

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