Historical Background of Relations Between India and France
India and France have a long history of diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations. The roots of their relationship can be traced back to the colonial era when France and Britain were the major European powers with significant interests in the Indian subcontinent.
- An Indian Christian priest, Saint Severus, settled in Vienne, France, in the 5th century, showcasing early cultural and historical connections between India and France.
- François Bernier, a French physician in the 17th century, served as the personal physician of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, demonstrating a direct link between the two nations during this period.
- In the 18th century, France actively participated in European colonial power dynamics in the Indian Ocean region, indicating shared historical interests and involvement.
- French General Dupleix’s alliances in the Deccan and Carnatic Wars were instrumental against the British East India Company, exemplifying collaborative efforts and relationships between Indian and French forces.
- Despite facing defeats, the French military adventurer Benoît de Boigne made significant contributions in battles in India under the Marathas, emphasizing ongoing engagement.
- The Treaty of Paris in 1763 marked a shift, but France maintained trading posts in India, leading to a continued presence and potential power struggles with the British.
- The alliance sealed in 1782 between Louis XVI and the Maratha Peshwa Madhav Rao Narayan showcased diplomatic ties and mutual interests between France and Indian powers.
- Admiral Suffren’s collaboration with Hyder Ali in the Second Anglo-Mysore War and his engagements with the Royal Navy illustrated France’s involvement in Indian conflicts against the British.
- While the British established authority over the Madras Presidency, France retained control of territories like Pondicherry, Karikal, Yanam, and Mahé, demonstrating a lasting geopolitical influence.
- During the British Raj, Indian independence activists sought refuge in French establishments, indicating a shared history of resistance against British colonial authorities.
Relations Between India and France
Relations Between India and France: India and France are close and friendly allies. The strategic relationship between the two countries extends to economic, defense, space, and technological cooperation. The two countries have long-standing cultural and economic ties and share several common values. Diplomatic relations between India and France were established in 1947.
Even during the freedom struggle, many Indian freedom fighters used to take shelter in French India to escape the British. The French had few colonies in India which included Yanam, Karaikal, Mahe, and Puducherry. By the Treaty of Cession, the French ceded all their colonies in 1962 and they were all combined into the Union Territory of Puducherry.
In this article, we will read about relations between India and France in different domains such as technology, defense, etc, and their effect on India and France.
Table of Content
- Historical Background of Relations Between India and France
- Political relations between India and France
- Key Milestones that shaped the relations between India and France
- India’s diplomatic Ties with France?
- Indo-French Military Exercises
- Challenges in Relations Between India and France
- 25th Anniversary of India-France Relations
- Indo-France Joint Military Exercise, FRINJEX-23
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