Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
communities of the two countries. He defined his visit as 'a confidence vote' in
favor of 'a new India, modern, inventive, creative, liberating its initiatives and
eager to occupy its due place in the world economic scene'.
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In New Delhi he
proposed to India to build up with France 'a global partnership developed on
[our] complementarities and [our] shared interests'. France, 'the fourth world
economic power', was eager to 'reinforce considerably its industrial, trade and
financial links with India'. As a world leader in nuclear energy, France, said
Chirac, could also address this field 'if certain conditions were met'. The point,
particularly sensitive because of international regulations, was to be commented
upon at length by the Indian press.
Besides a vast panorama of scientific and technical cooperation, and the
creation of an Indo-French Initiative Forum expected to elaborate 'a common
Franco-Indian vision',
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Paris was officially proposing, in a significant move, to
set up a strategic group, in order to facilitate 'a better understanding of our
defence doctrines and an increased military cooperation'.
At the global level, Paris favored a regular consultation between India and the
G8 on issues related to IMF and WTO. It pleaded, as did New Delhi, for a regulated
globalization respectful of the existing cultural and linguistic diversity, and
recognized that India was a global power. The treaties and the practices which
regulate the international political order should consequently' be altered: a
restrained but clear support for India's quest for a permanent member seat in an
enlarged UN Security Council.
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These propositions were well received in India. A leading commentator
concluded that 'Chirac visit restores warmth in bilateral relations', and added:
'his call for a strategic and political dialogue with India was backed by appropriate
statements'.
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Beyond statements, the real issue was implementation.
I.K.Gujral's transition government then in power could not do much, as it was
running current affairs and preparing the next general elections. Once the BJP
came to power two months after Chirac's visit, and decided a few weeks later to
conduct nuclear tests adverse to the global dominant security order, Paris could
have decided to revise its policy. It did not, and choose on the other hand to
confirm, as it has done during the presidential visit, that France was eager to
engage India as such, and not a particular regime in power.
After the Nuclear Tests
Among all Western powers, France was by far the most understanding after the
new BJP-led government conducted two rounds of nuclear tests at Pokhran on 11
and 13 May 1998. Paris did join other members of G8, European Union, and UN
Security Council in their condemnation of the tests. But the tone of statements
emanating from Paris as such was different, although India was said to be 'on the
wrong path'.
