Relevance: GS II (International Relations – Bilateral Agreements) | Source: The Hindu / MEA
1. The Context: Horizon 2047
In February 2026, India and France elevated their relationship to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership.”
- The Roadmap: The ties are currently guided by “Horizon 2047,” a roadmap set to celebrate 100 years of India’s independence and 50 years of the partnership.
- Why is France Special? France is considered India’s most “all-weather” friend in the West. It was the first country to sign a civil nuclear deal with India (2008) and, unlike others, did not sanction India after the 1998 nuclear tests.
2. Key Outcomes (Moving from Buying to Making)
The relationship has shifted from a “Buyer-Seller” model to “Co-Development” (making things together). Key agreements from the recent summit include:
- Helicopters: Inauguration of India’s first private sector helicopter assembly line near Bengaluru. It is a joint venture between Tata and Airbus to produce the H-125 helicopter.
- Missiles: A deal between Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and French company Safran to manufacture Hammer air-to-ground missiles in India.
- Rafale Jets: India is pushing to increase “indigenous content” (Indian-made parts) in Rafale jets to 50%, ensuring technology transfer.
3. Strategic Concepts
- Strategic Autonomy: Both nations believe in independent foreign policy. They do not want the world to be dominated by just two superpowers (USA and China). They want a “Multipolar World” where countries like India and France have their own voice.
- Indo-Pacific Security: France is actually a neighbor of India in the Indian Ocean (via its overseas territories like Réunion Island). Both countries work together to ensure safety and freedom of navigation in these waters.
UPSC Value Box
| Concept / Term | Relevance for Prelims |
| Horizon 2047 | The strategic roadmap guiding India-France ties for the next 25 years. It stands on three pillars: Partnership for Security, Planet, and People. |
| Hammer Missile | A “Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range” weapon. It is a precision-guided missile used on Rafale jets to hit ground targets from a distance. |
| H-125 | The model of the helicopter being manufactured by the Tata-Airbus joint venture. It is the first time a private Indian company is assembling helicopters. |
Q. With reference to the “Special Global Strategic Partnership” between India and France, consider the following statements:
- France was the first country to conclude a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with India.
- The “Horizon 2047” document is a roadmap for bilateral cooperation in defence, space, and technology.
- The H-125 helicopter assembly line in Bengaluru is a joint venture between HAL (public sector) and Airbus.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: (a)
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