Lessons from 2020 - Next Steps for the France-India Partnership

On December 8-9, Institut Montaigne and the Observer Research Foundation co-organized the closed-doors track 1,5 dialogue Moving Forward the France-India Partnership. On the basis of the discussions, Prof. Harsh V. Pant and Mahika Sri Krishna from ORF present their analysis of possible next steps forward for Franco-Indian relations. 

One of the most striking features of year 2020 has been the paradox between a growing need for multilateralism juxtaposed with increasing weaknesses of existing multilateral institutions. France and India have shared a common belief in the importance of multilateralism and have a common respect for international rules and regulations. These shared beliefs can form the basis for a cooperation agenda, in particular in four areas: strengthening multilateralism, carving out a roadmap for the Indo-Pacific region, dealing with the increasing role of geotechnology and furthering climate governance.

The global order and multilateralism

The Covid-19 pandemic has accentuated the emergence of cracks in various multilateral institutions. The use of these institutions as a space for competition instead of cooperation has resulted in calls for reform and inclusivity, in order to effectively deal with urgent global risks. The need for reformed and well-resourced multilateral bodies with equitable approaches has increased, as opposed to existing structures which largely benefit more powerful countries. Newer challenges to the global order have been global public health, climate and technology - all areas in which existing institutions have indicated the need for reform to be effective.

France and India can pave the way on this front, considering their most recent multilateral success - the International Solar Alliance (ISA). Coordinated efforts by France and India to engage with developing nations resulted in a platform for effectively addressing issues specific to these countries. The action-oriented and issue-specific nature of the ISA enables results at scale for the countries involved, as opposed to standard multilateral models. Additionally, France and India can work towards building strengthened coalitions within existing multilateral systems. 

The ongoing debate on the Covid-19 vaccine being a global public good has demonstrated a lack of leadership on a multilateral level to ensure its equitable distribution. By cooperating within frameworks such as COVAX and ACT, France and India can work towards engaging with and defending the interests of Lower and Middle Income Countries (LMICs) who have been side-lined in multilateral forums addressing the current Covid-19 crisis. The organic evolution of issue-based multilateral institutions such as the ISA, Alliance for Multilateralism, ACT and COVAX have left room for leadership - where France and India must aim to step in.

A roadmap for action in the Indo-Pacific

The idea of the Indo-Pacific is being increasingly operationalized, both by countries in the region, and those with interests within the region. Similarities between India and France’s definition of the Indo-Pacific strategy being one of inclusivity, sovereignty, engagement and freedom of navigation creates room for cooperation.