India and France are set to take their defence relationship to new heights as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to meet with his French counterpart, Catherine Vautrin, in Bengaluru on February 17. The meeting is expected to yield significant outcomes aimed at enhancing bilateral defence cooperation between the two nations.
Key Areas of Discussion
The bilateral dialogue will focus on renewing the defence cooperation agreement for another decade, marking a critical step in strengthening the long-standing ties between India and France in the defence sector. The ministers are also expected to witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning a joint venture to manufacture Hammer missiles. This collaboration is expected to further boost the defence manufacturing capabilities of both countries.
The partnership is set to be highlighted with the virtual inauguration of the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly in Vemagal, Karnataka. The ceremony will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, underscoring the close defence and industrial ties between India and France.
Annual Defence Dialogue
Rajnath Singh will co-chair the sixth India-France Annual Defence Dialogue alongside Vautrin in Bengaluru. This meeting will review all aspects of bilateral defence cooperation, with a special focus on expanding industrial collaboration. The dialogue is anticipated to pave the way for further initiatives aimed at strengthening defence manufacturing and technological exchanges between the two countries.
Future Collaboration and Exchanges
Another key point of discussion will be the reciprocal deployment of officers between the Indian Army and French Land Forces establishments, a move that will facilitate better coordination and sharing of expertise in defence matters.
Defence has always been a cornerstone of the strategic partnership between India and France, and the upcoming dialogue further reinforces the strong and enduring bilateral ties. These ties were vividly reflected in 2024-2025, with high-profile exchanges highlighting the shared commitment to defence collaboration.
As India and France continue to strengthen their defence partnership, the February 17 meeting marks a crucial moment in solidifying their military and industrial cooperation. With the expected signing of the missile manufacturing MoU and other initiatives, this dialogue is set to chart the course for an even closer defence relationship between the two nations.
