Friendship with Europe is good
for India
Why is India not interested in a pure buyer-seller
relationship with France in the hi-tech domain? Visit to India by French
Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius recently was an attempt by French to lift some of the barriers that may be
blocking the emergence of a full-blown strategic partnership between the two
countries.
It was clear that Fabius meant business. It was not
just a friendly visit. It would be
wise on the part of Indian government to bolster its military preparedness by
taking advantage of French hi-tech industries. In fact, India did succeed in clinching the multibillion dollar Rafale
aircraft deal, and the stalled contract for two French nuclear reactors. This deal will not only boost French
nuclear commerce, but also make a vital contribution to satisfying India’s
energy hunger. The induction of the 126 Rafale fighter jets would also help
cement the air-dominance doctrine of the Indian Air Force (IAF). This deal will also provide greater
scientific and technical exposure to Indian personnel to Light Water Reactor
(LWR) technology that the French have mastered.
New Delhi should
not hesitate to advance its ties with continental Europe, which revolves around
a Franco-German core. After all, Europe, even today is a major player in a multipolar world. Friendship with Europe will raise the
status of India at the international level.
France was always a reliable partner for India.
During India's nuclear tests, France
stood beside us. France always supported us for a permanent seat in UNO. The
visit of French foreign minister is significant and also heralds a new
partnership between France and India in trade, advanced technology transfer,
strategic relationship, and latest defence equipments. France can play significant
role in making India a real world power.
Another thing is it is high time our Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took relevant steps on development of
the renewable energy sources. We should introspect about our manufacturing
position so that we don’t have to depend
on other countries for our own protection. We have to become self-reliant. We
can not always depend upon foreign supplies. India has to learn to manufacture
its own armaments, generate it own nuclear power and to be self sufficient.
The greatest tragedy of India was always that from
middle age we have been purchasing arms from Western countries. We never tried
to manufacture them ourselves in India. From the time of Alexander’s invasion and
the conquest by British we were defeated because of our inferior arms. We lived
1200 years in slavery but never improved our arms. After 65 years of
independence we are still purchasing arms from Western countries.
The fact is no power in the world will sell us the
latest technology it has. We will have
to create our own most advanced technology. Let us not be just buyers, let us
be the creators, the producers and thereby the sellers.
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