When Napoleon wanted to conquer India

Napoleon Bonaparte's fascination with the Orient, rooted in his early years, gained momentum with a profound interest in India. His admiration for Alexander the Great's conquests in Asia fueled his ambition. The turning point occurred in 1798 during the Egyptian expedition, where Napoleon aimed to threaten Britain, the foremost adversary of the French empire, and disrupt emerging British trade with India.

Expressing his strategic vision, Napoleon informed the Directoire before departing for Egypt that once in control, he intended to establish relations with Indian princes. His plan included forming alliances to collectively challenge the British in their Indian possessions. A notable aspect of this vision was Napoleon's keenness to collaborate with Tipu Sultan, aspiring to join forces and expel the British from India. This intricate strategy showcased Napoleon's intricate geopolitical thinking and his aspirations to reshape the balance of power in the Indian subcontinent.