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India & France to Hold Key Defence Cooperation Dialogue In Bengaluru on February 17

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to meet his French counterpart, Catherine Vautrin, for high-level defence talks in Bengaluru on February 17. The two leaders will co-chair the sixth India–France Annual Defence Dialogue—a structured, ministerial-level bilateral forum aimed at reviewing progress and shaping the future of defence and security cooperation.

During the meeting, the bilateral defence cooperation agreement is expected to be renewed for another 10 years. An MoU on a joint venture for the manufacturing of HAMMER missiles is also likely to be signed.

“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 Shri Narendra Modi and French President Mr Emmanuel Macron at Vemagal, Karnataka,” a statement mentioned.

The dialogue will review the full spectrum of bilateral defence cooperation, with a focus on expanding industrial collaboration between the two countries, officials said.

An announcement is also expected regarding the reciprocal deployment of officers at Indian Army and French Land Forces establishments, the ministry added. Over the past few years, India–France relations have deepened significantly, with defence cooperation emerging as a key catalyst in strengthening this strategic partnership.