The two nations are traditionally characterised by a close and special relationship. Puducherry , one of its former Indian territories, remains a popular destination for French tourists visiting India.
Since the establishment of the strategic partnership in , bilateral cooperation between France and India has witnessed notable advancements.
These exchanges include strategic areas such as defence, nuclear energy, and space. France became the first country to enter into a nuclear energy agreement with India, following the waiver granted by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
This enabled India to resume full civil nuclear cooperation with the international community. There also exists a growing and wide-ranging cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, culture, science and technology, and education. France has consistently supported India's goals for a multipolar world, led by regional democracies. During the 18th century, France was actively involved in the European colonial powerplay in the Indian Ocean region.
These relationships were beneficial to the French. The French experienced both victories and defeats during this period. They triumphed in the Battle of Madras , and alongside the Indian forces, overcame Anwaruddin in However, setbacks occurred with their failure in the Battle of Arcot in , leading to surrender in With the Treaty of Paris in , France lost its prominence in India, although it maintained five trading posts, leaving opportunities for disputes and power-play with the British.
