India-France Defence Dialogue 2026: Rajnath Singh and French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin Meet in Bengaluru

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin will review bilateral defence cooperation, including industrial partnerships, missile manufacturing, and officer exchange programs during the India-France Annual Defence Dialogue

Bengaluru, Karnataka | 17 February 2026: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will co-chair the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue with French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, Ms Catherine Vautrin, in Bengaluru. The meeting will cover the full spectrum of bilateral defence cooperation, with particular focus on expanding industrial collaboration between the two nations.

Officials expect the renewal of a decade-long defence cooperation agreement and the signing of an MoU on a joint venture for Hammer missile manufacturing in the presence of both Ministers. The dialogue is also expected to announce reciprocal postings of officers at Indian Army and French Land Forces establishments.

During the event, both Ministers will witness the virtual inauguration of the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and French President Mr Emmanuel Macron at Vemagal, Karnataka. Defence ties have been a cornerstone of India-France relations, strengthened through high-profile visits, military exercises like Shakti, Varuna, and Garuda, and the recent India-EU Security & Defence Partnership. This marks Ms Vautrin’s first visit to India since taking office in October 2025.

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