India-France Strategic Pact: Defence, Nuclear & IMEC Cooperation: Sample Q&A

1. Defence & Security: Cornerstone of Ties
Rafale Jets: 36 already operational; negotiations for 26 more Marine Rafales for INS Vikrant.
Joint Exercises: Varuna (Navy), Garuda (Air Force), and Shakti (Army) enhance interoperability.
Counter-Terrorism: France backed India after Pahalgam attack, supporting “right to self-defence.”

2. Energy & Technology Partnerships
Nuclear Power: France to build 6 EPR reactors in Jaitapur (Maharashtra) – world’s largest nuclear site (9.6 GW capacity).
Space Collaboration: Joint satellite launches (TRISHNA), ISRO-CNES climate research.
Renewables: Focus on green hydrogen and SMRs (Small Modular Reactors).

3. IMEC: Geoeconomic Game-Changer
Connectivity: Rail/port corridor linking India-UAE-Saudi Arabia-Israel-Europe.
Strategic Value: Counters China’s BRI; cuts cargo transit time by 40% vs. Suez Canal.
Challenges: Funding gaps, Gaza conflict disruptions, and complex multilateral approvals.

4. Trilateral Cooperation & Global Alignment
UAE/France/India: Joint projects in solar energy and desert farming.
Indo-Pacific: Joint patrolling to ensure FOIP (Free & Open Indo-Pacific).
Multilateral Support: France backed India’s UNSC permanent seat bid & NSG membership.


5 Key Takeaways
Trust Factor: France is India’s oldest Western ally (no sanctions post-Pokhran-II).
Balancing Powers: Diversifies India’s partnerships beyond US/Russia.
IMEC’s Viability: Hinges on Israel-Saudi normalization and EU investment.
Nuclear Leap: Jaitapur project can meet 7% of India’s energy needs by 2035.
Terror Diplomacy: France-India intelligence sharing targets cross-border groups.


Sample Q&A for UPSC Mains
Q: “India-France ties transcend buyer-seller dynamics.” Analyse with recent developments.
A: Co-development of Shakti engine, joint satellite launches, and IMEC planning reflect strategic co-creation beyond defence imports.
Q: How does IMEC strengthen India’s position against China’s BRI?
A: Offers alternative trade route with democratic standards, transparency, and sustainable infra – countering BRI’s debt-trap diplomacy.
Q: Discuss France’s significance in India’s civilian nuclear programme.
A: Provides tech for 6 Jaitapur reactors (9.6 GW), SMR expertise, and fuel supply – crucial for clean energy transition.
Q: Why is France a key partner in India’s Indo-Pacific strategy?
A: Joint naval patrols, French bases in Réunion/Mayotte, and shared vision for ASEAN centrality ensure regional stability.
Q: What challenges could delay the IMEC project?
A: Gaza war spillovers, Saudi-Israel normalization delays, and EU’s funding prioritization of Ukraine reconstruction.