Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin will co-chair the 6th India–France Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru on Tuesday, a meeting expected to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations with a renewed emphasis on defence industrial cooperation.
The ministerial-level dialogue will review the entire spectrum of bilateral defence ties, ranging from operational cooperation and joint military exercises to technology transfer and co-production initiatives. Officials indicated that expanding defence manufacturing collaboration and strengthening long-term institutional mechanisms will be central to discussions.
A key outcome anticipated from the meeting is the renewal of the India–France defence cooperation agreement for another ten years, signalling continuity and long-term commitment in bilateral security engagement.
In addition, an important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is likely to be signed for a joint venture to manufacture HAMMER missiles in India, a move aligned with New Delhi’s push for indigenous defence production and greater technological collaboration with trusted partners.
Another expected announcement relates to the reciprocal deployment of officers between Indian Army establishments and French Land Forces institutions, aimed at deepening professional exchanges and enhancing interoperability between the two militaries.
The two defence ministers are also scheduled to witness the virtual inauguration of the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line at Vemagal, Karnataka. The facility, established under the Tata-Airbus partnership, will be jointly inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The project represents a major milestone in defence industrial cooperation, reflecting growing collaboration between Indian and French aerospace sectors and reinforcing India’s ambition to emerge as a global manufacturing hub.
Defence cooperation has traditionally been one of the strongest pillars of the India–France relationship. The depth of ties has been highlighted by high-profile diplomatic exchanges in recent years. Prime Minister Modi attended France’s Bastille Day Parade as Guest of Honour in July 2023, while President Macron visited India as Chief Guest for the Republic Day celebrations in 2024.
Military-to-military engagement has also expanded steadily. The two countries regularly conduct three flagship joint exercises — Exercise Shakti (Army), Exercise Varuna (Navy), and Exercise Garuda (Air Force) — alongside several operational interactions and training exchanges.
The dialogue comes against the backdrop of the recently concluded India–EU Security and Defence Partnership, which marks a broader effort to deepen India’s strategic engagement with European nations amid evolving global security dynamics.
Officials noted that cooperation with France continues to play a leading role within India’s wider European defence outreach, particularly in areas such as maritime security, advanced technology, and joint production.
The Bengaluru meeting also marks the maiden visit of Catherine Vautrin to India since assuming office as France’s Defence Minister on October 12, 2025. The India–France Annual Defence Dialogue serves as a structured mechanism at the ministerial level to review progress and chart the future course of defence and security cooperation.
The previous, fifth edition of the dialogue was held in France from October 11 to 13, 2023.
As geopolitical uncertainties reshape global security priorities, the latest round of talks is expected to reinforce the India–France strategic partnership while advancing practical cooperation in defence manufacturing, military interoperability, and technological collaboration.
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