External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has issued a compelling call for India and France to intensify their collaborative efforts in order to bring much-needed stability to a turbulent global political landscape. He made these significant remarks during a high-profile interaction with the Indian community in Paris on Monday, November 11.
A Shared Vision in a Multipolar World
Jaishankar emphasized that the current era of global politics is characterized by significant instability and transition. He positioned India and France as two major powers with a profound responsibility to shape a more balanced and multipolar world order. The minister underscored that both nations share a deep commitment to strategic autonomy, a principle that allows them to pursue independent foreign policies while engaging constructively on the world stage.
"We believe that a multipolar world is in the making," Jaishankar stated, highlighting the natural alignment between New Delhi and Paris. He pointed out that this shared perspective makes them ideal partners to work together in various international forums, including the United Nations and other multilateral bodies, to address pressing global challenges.
Deepening the Strategic Partnership
The minister's address detailed the multifaceted nature of the India-France relationship, which extends far beyond diplomacy. He highlighted robust cooperation in critical domains like defence, security, space, and nuclear energy. Jaishankar specifically noted the successful partnership in building six Scorpene submarines in India and the ongoing collaboration on fighter jet engines, showcasing a high level of mutual trust and technological sharing.
On the economic front, Jaishankar pointed to growing trade and investment ties. He revealed that over a thousand French companies are now actively operating within India, contributing to job creation and technological exchange. This economic interdependence forms a strong foundation for the broader strategic partnership between the two countries.
The Indo-Pacific and Global Implications
A substantial portion of Jaishankar's remarks focused on the crucial Indo-Pacific region, where both India and France have significant interests and presence. He framed the partnership as a stabilizing force in this geopolitically vital area. The minister articulated a clear vision where India and France, along with other like-minded nations, can ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains free, open, and inclusive, countering unilateral actions that threaten regional balance.
Jaishankar also connected the bilateral partnership to larger global issues. He argued that effective collaboration between India and France is essential not just for their mutual benefit but for addressing worldwide concerns such as climate change, sustainable development, and maritime security. Their joint efforts, he suggested, can set a positive example for international cooperation based on shared values rather than bloc politics.
In conclusion, Jaishankar's message was one of urgent opportunity. He portrayed the India-France strategic partnership as a cornerstone for a new, more stable global architecture. By leveraging their shared belief in strategic autonomy and a rules-based order, the two nations are poised to play a decisive role in navigating the complexities of 21st-century geopolitics and fostering a truly multipolar world.
