Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
the fact that, apart from the quest for a global balance, 'India does not fall within
France's direct range of interest'?
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Beyond these uncertainties, a few facts must nonetheless be noted. First, the
image of India has changed in the past decade. Liberalization and nuclear
weapons have drawn French attention to India as never before. The trend does
not affect only economic and strategic analysts. Contemporary India is entering
the French market not just through government policies or textiles imports. In the
field of culture, be it dance, music, cinema or literature, India has now found a
larger audience and readership than in the past. Whatever questions may be
raised about the sustainability of growth, the pace of reforms, or New Delhi's
South Asian policy, this cultural visibility, not just confined to the traditional
legacy, is an asset, a testimony of creativity, which have benefited Japan and
China when their own images changed decades ago.
The balance sheet, furthermore, must not be evaluated at a bilateral level only.
Behind the hyperbole of official speeches celebrating what makes India and France
close to each other, their present rapprochement tells us more than a mutual (re)
discovery, more than immediate shared interests. It offers a testimony of the new
emerging world, where a complex geometry of international relations unfolds
itself, still informed by the hegemonic network of the US 'hyperpower'
(Védrine), but eager to celebrate 'the global cultural diversity' (Singh). Despite
differences, a true comprehensive dialogue is carried on, just as India conducts
other dialogues with very diverse countries, from old Russian friend to old
Chinese foe. No best friends, only best interests? A cooperative multipolarity
serves in fact the interests of all.
This is perhaps the conclusion one may draw from the recent interaction
between a 60 million European nation and a billion-plus emerging India. By
developing her relations with France, India is not guided only by
economic considerations or access to defence technologies. Paris offers to New
Delhi not an alternative to the US hegemony, but another way to look at global
affairs, and an additional entry point to the European Union. This remains true after
a new French government, headed by Jean-Pierre Raffarin, came to power in
May 2002, following the re-election of Jacques Chirac as French President.
Three months later, the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dominique de Villepin,
was in South Asia. He reiterated to the Indian Press that the bilateral dialogue
was held 'in a climate of great trust and openess'
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and underlined how it helps
'to forge new strategic balances'.
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The visit of the new French Prime Minister in
India, planned for February 2003, confirms the willingness of both countries to
carry on their positive relationship, not affected by the growing closeness
between New Delhi and Washington.
The dialogue on international politics is clearly the leading thread between the
two countries, stronger than trade interests. This reminds us that ideas, not just
power, do matter. Beyond shared interests and an expanding cooperation, the
