India-France Relations

In 1998, India tested nuclear weapons and much of the world frowned. France did not condemn the tests. That trust turned into a partnership that now covers fighter jets, nuclear power, space, the Indian Ocean and technology.

Think of three questions as you read. Why did France stand by India in 1998? What did India buy and build with France? And what changed in 2026?

1How did the friendship begin in 1998?

India and France launched a Strategic Partnership in January 1998, during President Jacques Chirac’s visit. It was India’s first strategic partnership with a Western nation, and France’s first with a non-Western nation. The date commonly given is 26 January 1998, when Chirac was Republic Day chief guest. (Source: Embassy of India, Paris)

In May 1998 India carried out nuclear tests at Pokhran. Many countries criticised India and some imposed sanctions. France did not condemn the tests. It also backed India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.

India needed friends who would talk, not just punish. France saw India as a big, stable power with its own foreign policy. That trust later made defence and nuclear deals possible.

• Strategic Partnership: January 1998.
• France did not condemn Pokhran-II.
• Trust led to defence and nuclear deals.

2What is the Jaitapur nuclear project?

India and France signed a civil nuclear agreement on 30 September 2008, during PM Manmohan Singh’s visit. France began nuclear trade with India after the Nuclear Suppliers Group waived its rules.

The Jaitapur plan in Maharashtra has six EPR reactors of 1650 MW each, 9900 MW in all. The French firm EDF supplies the reactors. India’s NPCIL would run the plant. If built, it would be the world’s largest nuclear plant by capacity.

Work has stalled for years, partly over nuclear liability and cost. If a reactor has an accident, someone must pay. India’s law lets the operator claim from the supplier in some cases, and foreign suppliers dislike that.

• Agreement: 30 Sept 2008.
• 6 EPR × 1650 MW = 9900 MW.
• Stuck on liability and cost.

3Why did India buy the Rafale, twice?

India first wanted 126 jets. In 2015 the plan became a direct government-to-government buy. India signed for 36 Rafale jets in 2016 for the Air Force. France finished delivering them in 2022.

On 28 April 2025, India signed a deal for 26 Rafale Marine jets for the Navy. The cost is about ₹63,000 crore, or roughly $7.5 billion. Twenty-two are single-seat and four are two-seat. Deliveries are due to finish by 2030. (Source: Breaking Defense) (Source: PIB)

These jets are built to land on aircraft carriers. The deal also covers training, simulators and weapons, and repair facilities in India. India is the first export customer for the Rafale Marine.

• 2016: 36 Rafale, Air Force. Delivered by 2022.
• 28 April 2025: 26 Rafale Marine, ~$7.5 bn.
• Deliveries due by 2030.

4How do the navies, exercises and space tie in?

A 2018 naval agreement lets each navy use the other’s bases in the Indian and Pacific oceans. France has territories in the Indian Ocean, like La Réunion. Six Scorpène submarines of the Kalvari class were built at Mazagon Docks in Mumbai with French design. (Source: Embassy of India, Paris)

There are three exercises, one per force. Shakti is the army exercise, Varuna is the navy exercise, and Garuda is the air force exercise.

INS Trishul reached Toulon on 22 September 2026 for the 24th Varuna, which ended on 28 September. (Source: The Tribune)

In space, ISRO and France’s CNES have worked together for about four decades. Joint satellites include Megha-Tropiques and SARAL.

• Shakti army, Varuna navy, Garuda air force.
• Scorpène subs built in Mumbai.
• ISRO–CNES: Megha-Tropiques, SARAL.

5What did Macron’s 2026 visit change?

President Macron visited India from 17 to 19 February 2026. It was his fourth visit. The two sides raised ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership. They also launched the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 in Mumbai. (Source: India-France joint statement, Elysée)

The visit brought a renewed defence cooperation agreement. A Safran-BEL joint venture will make Hammer missiles, and H125 helicopters will be assembled in Karnataka. The Horizon 2047 roadmap sets goals up to 100 years of India’s independence.

PM Modi was in Europe from 13 to 18 June 2026. In Nice he and Macron launched “Bharat Innovates”. He then attended the 52nd G7 summit at Évian.

Trade was about $15.81 billion in 2025-26. France is the 11th largest foreign investor in India, with about $12 billion invested between April 2000 and December 2025. (Source: Embassy of India, Paris)

• Macron visit: 17–19 Feb 2026; Special Global Strategic Partnership.
• Hammer missiles and H125 helicopters made in India.
• Trade $15.81 bn in 2025-26.

6Why does France need India too?

In 2021 Australia cancelled a French submarine deal and chose AUKUS instead. So steady orders from India matter greatly to French defence firms.

• Australia dropped a French sub deal for AUKUS in 2021.
• India is a steady, large customer.

7What are the exam traps?

• Partnership came before Pokhran-II (Jan vs May 1998).
• 36 Rafale in 2016; 26 Rafale Marine in 2025.
• Jaitapur: 6 EPR reactors, 9900 MW, built by EDF.
• Shakti army, Varuna navy, Garuda air force.
• 2026 status: Special Global Strategic Partnership.