NE DEFENCE BUREAU
BENGALURU, FEB 17
In a decisive push to elevate strategic military cooperation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Catherine Vautrin co-chaired the 6th India–France Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru on February 17, 2026, reinforcing one of India’s most trusted and high-impact global defence partnerships.
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh and France’s Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Ms Catherine Vautrin co-chaired the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru on February 17, 2026. The leaders reviewed key bilateral security and defence priorities, with… pic.twitter.com/8Anb36J0r7
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) February 17, 2026
The high-level dialogue resulted in the renewal of the India–France Defence Cooperation Agreement for another 10 years, reaffirming the long-term commitment of both nations to deepen military collaboration, co-development, and co-production of advanced defence technologies.
- India–France Renew Landmark Defence Cooperation Pact for 10 Years, Boost Strategic Military Synergy
- BEL–Safran Electronics & Defense MoU to Manufacture HAMMER Missiles in India Accelerates Aatmanirbhar Bharat Defence Vision
- Reciprocal Deployment of Officers Between Indian Army and French Land Forces Signals Deeper Operational Integration
- Defence Minister Calls India ‘First Responder’ in Indian Ocean, Flags Cross-Border Terrorism Threat to Regional Peace
Both Defence Ministers held extensive discussions on bilateral security priorities, emphasising closer defence industrial integration and enhanced collaboration in niche and emerging technologies. They reiterated their commitment to strengthening military-to-military engagement as a core pillar of the India–France Strategic Partnership.
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh and his French counterpart Ms Catherine Vautrin today co-chaired the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru, reaffirming their deepening strategic partnership. The Defence Cooperation Agreement was renewed for another 10 years,… pic.twitter.com/AEDcdDrnUP
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) February 17, 2026
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the growing convergence in strategic outlook, stating that the India-EU Security & Defence Partnership marks a significant milestone in expanding collective engagement. Both sides agreed to leverage this framework to achieve tangible outcomes that strengthen regional stability, enhance joint operational capabilities, and reinforce the enduring Indo-French strategic alignment.
A major highlight of the dialogue was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics & Defense for a joint venture to manufacture HAMMER missiles in India. This move represents a critical step toward boosting indigenous defence manufacturing and advancing India’s self-reliance in high-precision weapon systems.
In another landmark decision, both countries announced the reciprocal deployment of officers between Indian Army and French Land Forces establishments, enabling deeper operational coordination, enhanced knowledge exchange, and strengthened interoperability.
Congratulating Ms Catherine Vautrin on assuming office and welcoming her on her maiden visit to India, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “Ms Catherine Vautrin’s tenure comes at a critical moment for European and global security, and India deeply appreciates France’s steadfast commitment to strategic autonomy and a robust European defence posture.”
The French Defence Minister appreciated India’s decision to convert Exercise Shakti into an annual military exercise, reflecting the growing operational synergy between the armed forces of both nations.
Reaffirming India’s regional leadership, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised that India has been the “First Responder” and “Net Security Provider” for countries in the Indian Ocean Region, consistently extending assistance in defence, maritime, and security domains to strengthen regional capabilities and counter emerging threats.
On terrorism, he issued a strong warning, stating, “Pakistan has a long history of nurturing, nourishing, and promoting cross-border terrorism to create disturbance and violence in India.”
He added that such actions pose a serious threat to regional peace and stability.
The Annual Defence Dialogue serves as a structured ministerial-level platform to review, guide, and expand bilateral defence and security cooperation. Earlier, Ms Catherine Vautrin was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour upon her arrival at HAL Airport in Bengaluru.
The outcomes of this high-impact dialogue signal a decisive strengthening of India–France defence ties, accelerating joint manufacturing, operational integration, and strategic coordination amid evolving global security challenges.
