India–France Defence Dialogue to Be Held in Bengaluru on February 17

**New Delhi, February 15, 2026: **India and France are set to deepen their strategic defence partnership as 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 on February 17. The discussions will cover the full spectrum of bilateral defence cooperation, with particular emphasis on boosting defence industrial collaboration. A key long-term defence cooperation agreement is expected to be renewed for another decade. In addition, both sides are likely to formalise an MoU for a joint venture to manufacture HAMMER precision-guided missiles in India. The ministers are also anticipated to announce initiatives related to reciprocal deployment of officers between the Indian Army and the French Land Forces, further strengthening military-to-military engagement. Another highlight of the visit will be the virtual inauguration of the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line at Vemagal, Karnataka, to be jointly unveiled by the leaders of India and France. Defence remains a cornerstone of India–France relations, reinforced by regular joint exercises such as Shakti (Army), Varuna (Navy), and Garuda (Air Force). This visit marks Catherine Vautrin’s first trip to India since assuming office in October 2025.