France in the Indo-Pacific

The broader context behind Germany and France’s participation in Australia’s “Pitch Black” air force exercise.

France has sovereignty, citizens, and broader interests at stake in the region, but its military presence remains small and outdated.

India and France, amid intensifying geopolitical trends in the Indo-Pacific region, are likely to build an even closer partnership.

France has continued to remain one of India’s trusted strategic partners, with cooperation extending across many issues.

Insights from Frédéric Grare.

France has emerged as one of India’s closest strategic partners and the relationship is likely to bloom further in the coming years. 

Japan is seeking to expand its military ties beyond its alliance with the United States to include "like-minded" countries such as France.

“In a strategic context focused on the growing competition between the U.S. and China, France could be a credible alternative for many countries in Southeast Asia,” says Rear Admiral Jean-Mathieu Rey.

France is rarely mentioned as an important actor in the Indo-Pacific, but its vast EEZ in the region underpins its interests.

The India-France-Australia trilateral is only the latest of the many minilaterals that are taking shape in the Indo-Pacific region.

With a wide range of activities and capabilities, France is making contributions to maritime security throughout the Indo-Pacific region.