• Source:JND
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India-France Allies: India and France elevated their relations to a "special global strategic partnership", vowing to boost cooperation in key sectors of defence, trade and critical minerals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron described the bilateral ties as a "force for global stability" in the midst of geopolitical volatility.

The two sides inked a total of 21 agreements and documents providing for deepening cooperation in an array of areas, including critical minerals, defence, high technology, renewable energy, and health. 

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India-France Partnership Is A Force For Global Stability: PM Modi

Terming the India-France partnership a force for global stability, PM Modi said the world is going through a period of uncertainty and in such an environment, the ties may play a key role in world order. The prime minister said the two countries share a "very special relationship" and that France is one of India's oldest strategic partners. Based on this trust and shared vision, today we are establishing our relationship as a 'special global strategic partnership', he asserted.

What Macron Said On India-France Ties

Calling India France's most trusted partner, Macron said from Rafale jets to submarines, the two countries are expanding defence cooperation, and both nations firmly believe in the rule of law, and will continue to cooperate to combat terrorism. Through the establishment of a 'Special Global Strategic Partnership', India and France are committed to deeper cooperation and coordination at bilateral, regional and global levels, guided by the India-France Horizon 2047 Roadmap.

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Diplomatic Wordplay

Such diplomatic wordplay is very common during a visit by a nation-head to India. A visiting leader often terms the ties between the two nations as 'special'. In reality, do they really share special ties or deliver on commitment? It is difficult to say 'yes'. In hours of need, most nations remain silent or show neutrality. During and even after the 'Operation Sindoor', India witnessed that very few countries came forward with clear-worded support. So, what does 'Special Global Strategic Partners' mean, and how is it different from 'Allies'?

What Does 'Special Global Strategic Partners' Mean?

A Special Global Strategic Partnership is a high-level diplomatic designation used in international relations, particularly to describe an elevated, multifaceted bilateral relationship. It signifies a long-term, comprehensive collaboration that goes beyond traditional ties, encompassing defence, security, technology, economy, innovation, nuclear energy, climate action, and global issues. The "Special" word expresses an exceptional trust, shared vision and ties for a rules-based world order. However, it is different from 'allies'.

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What Does 'Allies' Mean?

Allies are committed members of a pact/treaty or agreement. They can be a member of a group or bilateral. Usually, they are bound to act as per the agreement or code signed by two or more nations. For example, the NATO members are codified by a formal treaty under Article 5 to act for each other. One of the clauses says that if one ally is attacked, the others are legally bound to join the fight.

Historically, India usually avoids from being an ally of a country or bloc to prevent from the cold-war like situation.


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