India, France Set for Crucial Defence Dialogue on February 17 to Deepen Strategic Ties

India and France are set to deepen defence cooperation as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets French counterpart Catherine Vautrin in Bengaluru on 17 February. Officials expect the talks to deliver a renewed long-term defence pact, a new industrial venture on Hammer missiles, and announcements on closer coordination between the two armies.

The sixth edition of the 'India-France Annual Defence Dialogue' will be co-chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs of France, Catherine Vautrin. The structured ministerial meeting will review existing arrangements and guide future defence and security cooperation across land, sea, air and emerging domains.

India-France defence cooperation: strategic agreements and industrial plans

The defence ministry has indicated that the current defence cooperation agreement between India and France is expected to be extended for another 10 years. At the same meeting, an MoU on a joint venture for the "manufacturing of Hammer missiles" is likely to be signed, with both ministers present for the formalisation.

Industrial collaboration will feature strongly in the dialogue, according to officials. Discussions will focus on expanding joint production, supply chains, and technology partnerships. An announcement is also expected regarding reciprocal deployment of officers between Indian Army formations and French Land Forces establishments, reflecting a push towards deeper operational familiarity and shared training standards.

India-France defence cooperation: high-level visits and political context

The Bengaluru talks will coincide with French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India. Macron is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai on Tuesday, before travelling to New Delhi to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026. These overlapping engagements underline the broader strategic agenda shaping the bilateral defence dialogue.

The defence ministry noted that the "strong and enduring bilateral ties" were evident in 2024-2025 through high-profile ceremonial exchanges. PM Modi was the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade in July 2023, while President Macron attended the Republic Day Parade 2024 in New Delhi as the chief guest, highlighting mutual political confidence.

India-France defence cooperation: joint exercises and military engagement

Military-to-military cooperation between India and France has been rising, supported by regular joint exercises. The two countries hold Exercise Shakti for the Army, Exercise Varuna for the Navy, and Exercise Garuda for the Air Force, along with several other opportunity engagements that test interoperability and operational coordination across different theatres and scenarios.

The ministry added that "The recent India-EU Security and Defence Partnership marks a significant step in deepening collective engagement with European nations," placing the India-France relationship within a wider European security context. Defence has traditionally formed an important pillar of the ties between New Delhi and Paris, and continues to guide shared regional outlooks.

Engagement	Participants	Period / Date
India-France Annual Defence Dialogue, 6th edition	Rajnath Singh, Catherine Vautrin	17 February (Bengaluru)
Bastille Day Parade Guest of Honour	PM Narendra Modi	July 2023
Republic Day Parade Chief Guest	President Emmanuel Macron	2024
Vautrin assumes French defence portfolio	Catherine Vautrin	12 October 2025

The defence ministry stated, "The two ministers are also expected to witness the virtual inauguration of the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly of Tata Airbus by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron at Vemagal in Karnataka," underscoring the emphasis on joint manufacturing and localisation within India’s aerospace sector.

The meeting in Bengaluru will be Vautrin's first official visit to India since taking charge as the French defence minister on 12 October 2025. The fifth edition of the India-France Annual Defence Dialogue took place in France from 11-13 October 2023, and the current round is expected to build on that agenda, officials and agency reports said.

FAQs

What is the expected duration extension for the India-France defence cooperation agreement?

The current defence cooperation pact is expected to be extended for another 10 years.

What industrial venture related to missiles is likely to be formalised during the talks?

An MoU on a joint venture for manufacturing Hammer missiles is likely to be signed.

How is the defence dialogue planning to enhance interoperability between the two militaries?

There is a plan for reciprocal deployment of officers between Indian Army formations and French Land Forces establishments to deepen familiarity and training standards.

Which joint exercises demonstrate India-France military cooperation across services?

Exercises Shakti (Army), Varuna (Navy), and Garuda (Air Force) illustrate ongoing interoperability and coordination.

In what broader political context is the Bengaluru talks taking place?

The discussions coincide with French President Macron’s visit to India and the India AI Impact Summit 2026, highlighting the wider strategic bilateral agenda.