India and France will review defence ties, renew a 10-year cooperation pact, and advance joint manufacturing initiatives at their 6th Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and France’s Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Catherine Vautrin will co-chair the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on February 17, 2026.
The structured ministerial-level meeting will assess the entire gamut of bilateral defence and security cooperation, with a focus on expanding industrial collaboration between the two countries.
Renewal of defence pact and joint venture
A defence cooperation agreement is expected to be renewed for another 10 years during the dialogue. An MoU on a joint venture for the manufacture of Hammer missiles is also likely to be signed in the presence of both defense ministers.
An announcement is also anticipated regarding the reciprocal deployment of officers at Indian Army and French Land Forces establishments.
Helicopter assembly inauguration
The two Ministers are expected to witness the virtual inauguration of the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly of Tata Airbus at Vemagal, Karnataka. The event will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Defence cooperation has traditionally formed an important pillar of India-France relations. The strength of bilateral ties was reflected in 2024-2025 through a series of high-profile exchanges.
PM Modi attended the Bastille Day Parade in July 2023 as Guest of Honour, and President Macron was the Chief Guest at the Republic Day Parade 2024.
The recent India-EU Security and Defence Partnership marked a significant step in deepening engagement with European nations. Military-to-military cooperation between India and France has been increasing.
The two countries regularly conduct three major exercises: Exercise Shakti between the armies, Exercise Varuna between the navies, and Exercise Garuda between the air forces, along with several other engagements.
This will be Catherine Vautrin’s first visit to India since she took over as French Defence Minister on October 12, 2025.
The 5th edition of the India-France Annual Defence Dialogue was held in France from October 11-13, 2023.
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