subject: Joint Programs Between France And India [print this page] The joint progress of France and India is not only about tourism and immigration. There are many other aspects that help develop greater cooperation and development between these two nations. Here are some of the following areas where both countries benefit from their mutual cooperation.
Trade. France and India have increased their bilateral trade agreement from 6.5 billion euros in 2007 to 12 billion by 2012. This expansion includes exports of technologies and raw materials between the two countries. This bilateral trade would further be strengthened in the next few years.
Education. The two countries established the Consortium of Indo-French Universities to further strengthen the student exchange and visa programs. Currently there are about 1,300 Indian students in France and knowledge exchange between the countries would also be made and furthered.
Social Security. India has also entered into social security programs with the French government specifically attuned to the Indian population in France. These include expatriation, access to medical services and remittance arrangements have been created to lessen the issues of sending money home to India. Including the Indian citizens in France in the French social security system is a good step for the immigrant population in France.
Science and Technology. Now, India and France has a standing agreement concerning joint programs on cooperation and mutual exchange regarding space research and other technologies. One of the first programs rolled out is the Megha-Tropiques mission where a meteorological research satellite spearheaded by each country's space agencies was placed in orbit to collect data for storm location and tracking. There are many more projects in line that would help both countries in not only meteorology but also astronomy and other sciences.
Strategic Military Partnership. The first step taken in this strategic partnership is through the conduct of joint exercises where India purchased military materiel from France. These include the French Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft and the Scorpene class submarines. While there have been conflicts regarding French supply of war material to Pakistan, the mutual strategic partnership still is maintained as a deterrent against greater conflict in the region.
Nuclear Partnership. When India conducted nuclear tests in 1998, France lent its support to the country. Now, it has a standing agreement to supply nuclear fuel to India and future nuclear reactors to India under an agreement signed with the Indian Prime Minister and the French President. With greater fears about nuclear safety, having French technology, which is far better than the Russian or Japanese technology, makes for better nuclear power and technology choices for the country.
