France–India Desk

Indian counsel for French law firms, CAC 40 companies, and French investors in India

France and India have a longstanding strategic partnership, and French companies are active investors in India across defence, aerospace, luxury goods, energy, and financial services. French law firms advising CAC 40 companies with Indian operations routinely require trusted Indian co-counsel who can operate seamlessly within ICC arbitration workflows and French legal practice conventions. RevLaw's France Desk serves French law firms, French chambers of commerce active in India, and French companies navigating Indian regulatory and transactional matters. We provide advice in a format consistent with the demands of French corporate legal practice and ICC proceedings.

Bilateral Context

The France-India strategic partnership encompasses defence (Rafale aircraft, submarine cooperation), civil nuclear energy, space, and digital connectivity. Bilateral trade stood at approximately €13 billion in 2022, with French FDI in India concentrated in energy, financial services, retail, and aerospace. The France-India bilateral investment treaty (BIT) was terminated by India following its 2016 model BIT revision; a replacement treaty has not entered into force. French investors should seek specific legal advice on available investment protections and dispute options. France and India are both parties to the New York Convention — French ICC awards are enforceable in India, and the Delhi and Bombay High Courts have a strong track record of enforcement.

Typical Mandates

ICC arbitration support — Indian law co-counsel for Paris-seated and other ICC proceedings involving Indian parties

French luxury goods and retail company market entry into India — FDI compliance and franchise structuring

French energy company investment into Indian renewable energy projects — PPA structuring and regulatory approvals

Cross-border M&A: Indian due diligence for French acquirers of Indian targets

Defence offset obligation advisory for French defence contractors with India programme exposure

FEMA and Companies Act compliance for French wholly-owned subsidiaries in India

Key Legal Frameworks

ICC Rules (Court of Arbitration of the ICC)

The most frequently used institutional framework for France-India arbitrations; RevLaw serves as Indian co-counsel.

FDI Policy (DPIIT)

Governs French company investment into Indian entities — including sector-specific rules for defence, insurance, and media.

New York Convention 1958

France-seated ICC awards are enforceable in India; enforcement proceedings before the relevant High Court.

India-France DTAA

Double taxation avoidance agreement governing dividend withholding, royalties, and PE characterisation for French investors.

Get in Touch with the France–India Desk

Write to us or book a call to discuss your FRANCE–India matter.

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