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THE CONTEXT: On July 14, 2023, in Paris, President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi elevated the ‘Partnership for the Planet’ as a central pillar of the Indo-French Horizon 2047 Roadmap. This decision underscores the deepening cooperation between India and France on critical global issues such as climate change, biodiversity, health, and environmental protection. The partnership reflects a shared vision that socioeconomic development and ecological sustainability can coexist, highlighting the commitment of both nations to bridging North-South divides and finding sustainable solutions for global and national green transitions.
AREAS OF COOPERATION:
- Partnership for the Planet: The elevation of the ‘Partnership for the Planet’ as a vital pillar of the Indo-French Horizon 2047 Roadmap reflects India and France’s commitment to addressing global environmental challenges. This partnership emphasizes the convergence of socioeconomic development and ecological protection views to bridge North-South divides and find sustainable solutions for green transitions.
- French Development Agency (AFD) Projects in India: The French Development Agency (AFD) has supported India’s sustainability goals through various projects. These include One-Horned Rhino Protection in Assam, Pune’s Metro System, and Chandigarh’s Future Water Supply System. Since 2008, AFD has committed over €4 billion to nearly 100 projects in India, focusing on energy transition, sustainable urban development, biodiversity conservation, and reducing inequalities. In 2023 alone, AFD approved €400 million in loans for climate change projects and signed four environmental protection projects.
- Private Sector-Led Projects: Proparco, the private sector arm of AFD, supports private sector-led projects that deliver significant local impact. Notable investments include €11.2 million in Sahyadri, a farmer-led organization that will help 15,000 farmers reduce farm losses and increase yields, and €33 million in Quadria. This Indian private equity firm will address the imbalance between affordable healthcare and growing demand in underserved regions.
- Indo-Pacific Dimension: The Indo-French partnership is increasingly acquiring an Indo-Pacific dimension, focusing on biodiversity protection and green technology development. Initiatives include the Indo-Pacific Parks Partnership and the creation of a joint fund for scaling up green technologies. This dimension underscores the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region for both countries.
- Innovation and Future Initiatives: Innovation is a central theme in the Indo-French partnership, focusing on blending social inclusion with sustainability. The Indo-French Year of Innovation announcement in 2026 aims to spotlight innovative solutions. Additionally, the partnership includes joint research in clean energy, decarbonized hydrogen, digital technology, and precision agriculture.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Scaling Up Renewable Energy Projects: India and France should intensify their collaboration on renewable energy projects, particularly solar and wind energy. The International Solar Alliance (ISA), co-founded by India and supported by France, is a prime example of such collaboration. Expanding this initiative to include more countries and increasing investment in solar infrastructure can significantly contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts.
- Indo-Pacific Parks Partnership and Kiwa Initiative: The Indo-Pacific Parks Partnership, which pools expertise from France, India, and other regional partners, aims to protect biodiversity. Additionally, the Kiwa Initiative, a multi-donor fund, focuses on strengthening the resilience of ecosystems, economies, and communities in Oceania to climate change. Expanding these initiatives to cover more regions and species, such as the one-horned rhino in Assam, can enhance biodiversity conservation efforts.
- Smart Cities and Sustainable Infrastructure: Projects like Pune’s metro system and Chandigarh’s future water supply system, supported by the French Development Agency (AFD), exemplify sustainable urban development. Expanding such projects to more Indian cities can promote low-carbon urbanization, improve public transportation, and enhance water management systems.
- Investment in Green Technologies and Sustainable Agriculture: Proparco’s investments in projects like Sahyadri, a farmer-led organization, and Quadria, a healthcare-focused private equity firm, demonstrate the potential of private sector-led initiatives. Expanding investments in green technologies, such as electric buses, energy-efficient housing, and sustainable agriculture practices, can drive socioeconomic development while protecting the environment.
- Indo-French Year of Innovation 2026: Celebrating 2026 as the Indo-French Year of Innovation will spotlight innovative solutions that blend social inclusion with sustainability. This initiative can foster joint research and development in clean energy, decarbonized hydrogen, and precision agriculture, promoting knowledge exchange and technological advancements.
THE CONCLUSION:
The Indo-French partnership, exemplified by the ‘Partnership for the Planet,’ is a testament to India and France’s robust and dynamic relationship. Both countries are making significant strides towards a greener, more inclusive future through tangible projects and strategic initiatives. As the partnership continues to evolve, with a growing focus on the Indo-Pacific region and innovation, it stands as a model of international cooperation to achieve sustainable development goals. France remains a steadfast ally in India’s journey towards resilience and equity, showcasing the power of collaboration in addressing global challenges.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTION:
Q. The time has come for India and Japan to build a contemporary solid relationship involving global and strategic partnership that will have an excellent significance for Asia and the world.’ Comment 2019
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q. Discuss the significance of the ‘Partnership for the Planet’ as one of the three pillars of the Indo-French Horizon 2047 Roadmap. How does this partnership reflect the convergence of views between India and France on sustainable development and environmental protection?
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