India-France partnership has become a crucial stabilising force amid rising global uncertainty, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said on Friday. He made the remarks while speaking at the Indo-French Legal and Business Conference.
CJI Surya Kant warned that growing geopolitical tensions and disruptive forces threaten the foundations of international cooperation. In such a scenario, he described the India-France partnership as “not a luxury but a lifeline.” He emphasised that the relationship between the two nations goes far beyond diplomacy.
The Chief Justice noted that India and France share a multi-dimensional partnership covering defence, security, sustainable development, and advanced technology. He highlighted strong economic ties and pointed out that bilateral trade more than doubled over the last decade, rising from $6.4 billion in 2009-10 to $15.11 billion in the previous financial year.
Speaking on cross-border dispute resolution during the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, Justice Kant stressed the need for modern and principled legal frameworks. He proposed joint arbitration and mediation panels with experts trained in both civil and common law traditions.
He also called for deeper cooperation between Indian arbitral institutions and Paris-based centres. According to him, shared standards and joint training can strengthen trust and efficiency.
Drawing a cultural parallel, CJI Surya Kant compared the Ganges and the Seine, saying both rivers symbolise the shared civilisational depth and values that bind India and France.
