France in the Indo-Pacific

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.

New Delhi and Paris have much to do in the year ahead.

Even as the two celebrate cultural ties, political and economic tensions remain in the foreground.

France and Japan are looking to hold bilateral military exercises in the Indo-Pacific.