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.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh 's military comprised over French soldiers, three of whom rose to the rank of generals and played key roles in the modernization of the Khalsa Army. Singh also hired many Italian, American, Spanish and Prussian soldiers. The Fauj-i-Khas , also known as the French division of the army had French battle standards with its tricolor and eagle emblem.
India suffered the highest World War I casualties amongst dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates, and other territories of the British Empire. It is estimated that between 64, and 73, Indians died in Europe during the First World War compared to between 59, and 62, Australians and between 58, and 64, Canadians. Marshal Ferdinand Foch , the French Commander at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle which resulted in 4, Indian casualties , acknowledged the contribution of troops from India and said: "Return to your homes in the distant, sun-bathed East and proclaim how your countrymen drenched with their blood the cold northern land of France and Flanders, how they delivered it by their ardent spirit from the firm grip of a determined enemy; tell all India that we shall watch over their graves with the devotion due to all our dead.
