Defence ministers of India, France to co-chair 6th annual defence dialogue in Bengaluru | India News
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will co-chair the 6th India-France Annual Defense Dialogue with French Minister of Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Catherine Vautrin in Bengaluru on February 17, according to an official statement by the Ministry of Defence.
The statement stated that the entire scope of bilateral defense cooperation will be reviewed at the meeting, with a focus on expanding industrial cooperation. During the dialogue, the defense cooperation agreement is expected to be renewed for another 10 years.
The Memorandum of Understanding on a joint venture for the production of Hammer missiles is also expected to be signed in the presence of both Ministers of Defense.
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An announcement regarding mutual deployment of officers to Indian Army and French Army installations is awaited.
The two Ministers are also expected to witness the virtual inauguration of Tata Airbus’ H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Vemagal, Karnataka, the statement said.
Defense has traditionally been an important pillar of the India-France relationship. Strong bilateral ties were reflected through a series of high-profile exchanges in 2024-2025.
Prime Minister Modi was the Guest of Honor at the Bastille Day Parade in July 2023 and the President of France attended the Republic Day Parade 2024 as the Chief Guest.
The recent India-EU Security and Defense Partnership was an important step in deepening relations with European countries.
Military-to-military cooperation is increasing, with India and France regularly holding three major exercises – Exercise Shakti (Army), Exercise Varuna (Navy) and Exercise Garuda (Air Force) – and many other engagements.
This will be Catherine Vautrin’s first visit to India since assuming office as French Minister of Defense on 12 October 2025.
The India-France Annual Defense Dialogue is a structured bilateral meeting at the ministerial level that reviews and guides defense and security cooperation. The 5th edition of the dialogue was held in France on 11-13 October 2023.
