India–France Defence Dialogue to Be Co-Chaired in Bengaluru
India and France are set to further solidify their strategic partnership as Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh joins French Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, Ms Catherine Vautrin, for the 6th edition of the India–France Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on February 17, 2026.
The high-level meeting will comprehensively assess ongoing defence cooperation and explore fresh avenues for collaboration, particularly in defence manufacturing and industrial partnerships.
A key highlight is expected to be the extension of a long-standing defence cooperation agreement for another decade. Additionally, an MoU concerning a joint venture for the production of HAMMER missiles is likely to be formalised in the presence of both Defence Ministers. Discussions are also anticipated to result in an announcement regarding the reciprocal deployment of officers between the Indian Army and the French Land Forces.
The two leaders are further scheduled to witness the virtual inauguration of the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line of Tata Airbus at Vemagal, Karnataka. The ceremony will be jointly presided over by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and French President Mr Emmanuel Macron.
Defence cooperation has consistently been a cornerstone of India–France relations. The strength of this partnership was evident in recent years, marked by prominent diplomatic engagements. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Bastille Day Parade in July 2023 as Guest of Honour, while President Emmanuel Macron was the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations in 2024.
The evolving India–EU Security & Defence Partnership has also contributed to strengthening India’s strategic engagement with European nations. Military collaboration between India and France continues to deepen through regular joint exercises, including Exercise Shakti (Army), Exercise Varuna (Navy), and Exercise Garuda (Air Force), alongside several other coordinated activities.
This marks Ms Catherine Vautrin’s first official visit to India since assuming office as French Defence Minister on October 12, 2025. The Annual Defence Dialogue serves as a structured ministerial-level platform to review, enhance, and steer bilateral defence and security cooperation. The previous edition of the dialogue took place in France in October 2023.
Read more:
Indian Navy Assumes First-Ever Command of Combined Task Force 154
Indian Navy’s ₹70,000-Crore Project 75(I) Submarine Programme Nears CCS Approval
