Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh will co-chair the 6th India–France Annual Defence Dialogue with France’s Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Catherine Vautrin in Bengaluru on February 17, 2026. The high-level meeting will review the full spectrum of bilateral defence cooperation, with a strong emphasis on expanding defence-industrial collaboration.
During the dialogue, the two sides are expected to renew the bilateral defence cooperation agreement for another decade. An MoU on a joint venture for the manufacture of HAMMER precision-guided munitions is also likely to be signed in the presence of both Defence Ministers. In addition, announcements are anticipated on reciprocal deployment of officers between Indian Army and French Land Forces establishments, aimed at deepening professional military exchanges.
The ministers are also scheduled to witness the virtual inauguration of the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line of Tata Airbus at Vemagal, Karnataka, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron—a milestone reflecting growing industrial cooperation under the Make in India framework.
Defence remains a central pillar of India–France relations, reinforced by sustained political engagement and robust military-to-military cooperation. The two countries regularly conduct flagship tri-service exercises—Exercise Shakti (Army), Exercise Varuna (Navy) and Exercise Garuda (Air Force)—alongside other engagements. The Bengaluru dialogue will be Ms Vautrin’s maiden visit to India as Defence Minister and is expected to further guide and strengthen the strategic partnership, building on momentum from recent high-level exchanges and the evolving India–EU security framework.
