New Delhi: Like the rest of the world, in France, too, a new political scenario has emerged. It is for the first time in almost six decades that voters have rejected the established political parties — The Republicans and Socialist Party. Now, as the two contenders for the run-off — centrist Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen — await voting on May 7, India is gearing up for a change of regime in Paris.
A political newcomer but one who seems determined to change the course could infuse more energy into India-France relations. Those in New Delhi keenly watching the developments say that the India-France relationship is strongly growing and they expect it to continue in all spheres. Macron is aware that India is France's first strategic partner in Asia and would like to maintain this good relationship.
At multilateral forums, India can expect a backing from France under Emmanuel Macron. He is in favour of India being a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and that should strengthen India’s case as it continues to push for reforms in the UN in keeping with the current global realities.
India has purchased 36 Rafale fighter jets in fly-away condition for $8.8 billion as against the original plan of 126 jets. Despite protracted negotiations India curtailed its order owing to the cost. Even though follow-on orders look difficult at the moment, analysts believe that the France India defence tie-up could see steady pace. A French Attorney at Law with Adamas Avocats Associés, Amair Farooqui says, “Macron has the support of the Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian who has been one of the major pillars to the India-France collaboration in the defence sector. So it will be correct to say that if he is appointed as Macron’s minister, we can expect more on Make in India from Macron.”
As India professionals and students remain concerned about their future in America with Trump’s ‘Buy American, Hire American’ pitch and post-Brexit in UK, Macron’s presidency could open up new avenues. Amair adds, “Contrary to his rival, Macron is in favour of a France promoting the acceptance of immigrants in our societies especially towards students and professionals willing to work in France since he will be facilitating Skill/Talent visa in order to attract great foreign knowledge, so Indian students and professionals would most likely be welcomed.” Le Pen has run down Macron calling him an “immigrationist” but Macron has said "I hope that in a fortnight I will become your president. I want to become the president of all the people of France - the president of the patriots in the face of the threat from the nationalists,” giving a clear indication of his intent. ALSO READ | French Presidential Elections: A Look at the Candidates
India and France have already upped their cooperation on combating terrorism. In the joint statement in January, 2016 when President Hollande visited India it stated, “Agreeing on the imperative of having a comprehensive approach to address terrorism, India and France resolved to step up their bilateral cooperation, under the supervision of annual strategic dialogues and joint working group on counter-terrorism meetings, to counter violent extremism and radicalization, disrupt recruitment.” Both sides are likely to continue on the same path under Macron too. Macron has often voiced his concern at inequalities in the society fuelling radicalization and terrorism; it is therefore believed he will have both a military as well as political approach in countering radical forces.
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