Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will co-chair the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue with his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin in Bengaluru on February 17. The high-level meeting is expected to review the full spectrum of bilateral defence cooperation and chart the course for the next phase of strategic engagement between the two nations. The dialogue underscores the growing importance of defence collaboration within the broader India-France partnership.
A major highlight of the discussions is likely to be the renewal of the bilateral defence cooperation agreement for another decade. Both sides are also expected to formalise an MoU for a joint venture to manufacture Hammer missiles in India, strengthening indigenous production capabilities. Additionally, an announcement regarding reciprocal deployment of officers between the Indian Army and the French Land Forces is anticipated, signalling deeper operational coordination.
The ministers are also scheduled to witness the virtual inauguration of the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line of Tata Airbus at Vemagal, Karnataka. The event will be presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. The project represents a significant milestone in defence industrial cooperation and aligns with India’s push for joint manufacturing and technology transfer.
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Defence remains a cornerstone of India-France relations, which have steadily expanded in recent years. Prime Minister Modi attended France’s Bastille Day Parade as Guest of Honour in 2023, while President Macron was the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day Parade in 2024. Regular joint military exercises such as Exercise Shakti (Army), Exercise Varuna (Navy), and Exercise Garuda (Air Force) further reinforce the strong military-to-military ties.
This will mark Catherine Vautrin’s first visit to India since assuming office in October 2025. The Annual Defence Dialogue serves as a structured ministerial platform to review and guide cooperation in defence and security. With expanding collaboration across industrial production, joint exercises, and strategic alignment, the upcoming meeting is expected to further solidify the long-standing India-France defence partnership.
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