Voting patterns of France in the UN Security Council on matters of core interest to India has endeared the country as '' all-weather friend '' of India . France was one of the few nations who did not condemn India 's nuclear tests in 1998 and has supported India 's bid to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council as well as G-8 . France is one of the largest suppliers of nuclear fuel to India , and signed a " Framework Agreement for Civil Nuclear Co-operation " in January 2008 . After India 's waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group ( NSG ) , both nations signed an agreement that would pave the way for the sale of French-made nuclear reactors to India on 30 September 2008 . France is a major supplier of military equipment to India . Procurement of Dassault Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft and a squadron of DCNS s ( called s ) are examples of strategic defence acquisitions . The armed-services of both nations conduct joint-exercises on an annual basis . France and India also maintain a discreet " strategic dialogue " that covers joint cooperation against terrorism . The strategic autonomy of the French '' Force de frappe '' resonates well within Indian strategic circles
nuclear tests
Pokhran-II
France–India relations