To France - from India with love
As 400 handpicked Indian troops from the Army, Navy and the Air Force march down Champs-Elysées in Paris today to commemorate Bastille Day, one can’t help but feel a strong undercurrent in International Politics.
Let us jog back in history a bit. The French played a rather insignificant role in Indian politics during the days of the Raj by helping pit princely states in the north against the British. By 1915 things and positions had changed considerably even though the roles remained insignificant. Indian soldiers, under the British command, were helping the French successfully drive away Germans in Neuve-Chapelle.
Today, France is seeking contracts to supply weapons and civilian nuclear technology. The French firm Dassault Aviation is in the race for a mammoth contract to supply 126 fighters to the Indian air force for over 12 billion dollars. The state-controlled Areva has signed a draft accord for the sale of up to six nuclear reactors to India. It has already put in bids for two 1650MW reactors to be built in Maharashtra.
India has a primary role on the international scene, and that we support India’s candidacy to become a UN Security Council permanent member.
The carrot at the end of the line seems to be recent comment by Mr Sarkozy’s office: India has a primary role on the international scene, and that we support India’s candidacy to become a UN Security Council permanent member. The current permanent members: China, United States, United Kingdoms, Russia and France have the power to veto resolutions. These nations also form a tightly-knit nuclear club that refuse other countries’ right to nuclear arms. Reforms have long been suggested, but they haven’t had much headway.
A lot is on the line for India, right from reducing reliance on coal and oil based energy, to modernizing defense mechanisms; and most importantly, giving its citizens a sense of future and a greater say in international politics.
India’s bid is unequivocally backed by permanent members France, Russia and the United Kingdom. The Chinese government in Beijing has recently advocated the candidacy, albeit minus the right of veto. The United States is unclear, but wants to support India (translates to membership without right to veto).
Off late, Sarkozy has failed to work his magic on Obama when he was in Paris. It is said their relationship is at an historic low. On the other hand, India, the world’s largest democracy is already the largest troop contributor to UN peacekeeping missions.
If made a permanent member, a rising India will have undertake greater military burdens in the maintenance of global order. But without the right to veto, India’s position will simply continue to be that of a troop supplier.
On the face of it, the Areva deal looks good, but French fighter jets loose charm. Lets hope Mr Singh knows how to play his cards right.