The changing patterns of Indo-French relations: From Cold War estrangement to strategic partnership in the twenty-first century

This article analyses the changing patterns of Indo-France relations and traces issues of conflict and cooperation, and continuity and change between the two countries. It argues that although France's traditional-cultural relations with pre-independent India had been good, diplomatic and political relations during the entire Cold War period were far from being friendly; rather they were formal, commercial and business oriented. Nevertheless, as a result of certain factors, France was the main country that India relied upon next to the Soviet Union. The end of the Cold War ushered in new challenges for India, compelling it to undertake a thorough revision of its foreign policy. India's neo-realist aspirations to play a more active role in global politics, the French strategic support to India during the Pokharan nuclear tests, the far-reaching changes in Europe and the desire of both countries for an all-round intensification of cooperation have led to a transformation of Indo-French relations from a 'buyer-seller syndrome' to a strategic partnership in the twenty-first century. Going by the current trend, the future of Franco-India relations look promising.