Beyond Bilateral: India, France, and the Multilateral Security Architecture of the Indo-Pacific

India and France have emerged as pivotal strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific, driven by a shared commitment to a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based regional order. This study examines their collaboration in crucial areas, including maritime security, defence industry partnerships, multilateral engagements, technological advancements, and their broader strategic role in the region. A central aspect of their collaboration is maritime security and defence cooperation, where both nations engage in joint naval exercises, enhance naval interoperability, and strengthen Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) through satellite surveillance and intelligence sharing. Additionally, their trilateral and multilateral initiatives such as partnerships with Australia and the UAE to align with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). These contribute to regional security, economic connectivity, and sustainable development, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Technological collaboration is another point of convergence in the Indo-Pacific outlooks of India and France, encompassing advancements in space-based surveillance, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, and underwater exploration. These developments bolster maritime capabilities and enhance their strategic presence in the region. Furthermore, this study explores how India-France cooperation aligns with broader regional frameworks like the Quad, assessing their shared security interests, collaborative initiatives, and areas of divergence. Although France is not a Quad member, it engages closely with its members through bilateral and trilateral partnerships, participates in naval exercises such as Malabar, and contributes to defence technology cooperation, regional security, and infrastructure development. France’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean further solidifies its role as a key actor in ensuring regional stability. Hence, India-France cooperation fosters a secure, rules-based, and sustainable Indo-Pacific order, balancing strategic autonomy with multilateral collaboration.