India and France Strengthen Defence Ties in Bengaluru Meeting
In a significant display of international cooperation, Indian Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh and French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, Ms. Catherine Vautrin, co-chaired the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue on February 17, 2026, in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The two leaders engaged in discussions covering a wide range of security and defence issues, focusing on co-development and co-production of advanced military equipment, marking a pivotal step towards enhancing bilateral defence relations.
Strengthening Ties Through Military Cooperation
During the meeting, both ministers reiterated their commitment to deepening military-to-military collaborationPIB considering it a fundamental component of their strategic partnership. Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the recent India-EU Security & Defence Partnership, recognizing it as a crucial advancement in collective security engagement. The ministers agreed to utilize this framework not only bilaterally but also in a broader European context to foster regional stability and enhance joint military capabilities.
New Initiatives and Agreements
In a display of expanded cooperation, both nations announced the reciprocal deployment of officers at Indian and French military establishments. Additionally, they finalized a renewal of their 10-year defence cooperation agreement, signed by India’s Defence Secretary and France’s Deputy Director General for International Relations and Strategy. Furthermore, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to establish a joint venture for the manufacturing of Hammer missiles in India, underlining the industrial collaboration between Bharat Electronics Limited and Safran Electronics and Defence.
Highlighting Security Challenges
Shri Rajnath Singh welcomed Ms. Vautrin to India and expressed his appreciation for France’s commitment to strengthening European defence capabilities, particularly during these challenging times in global security. The French Defence Minister noted the enhancement of Exercise Shakti, transitioning it from a biennial to an annual event, indicating a commitment to joint military training and preparedness.
Acknowledging Regional Responsibilities
In the context of regional security, the Indian Defence Minister emphasized India’s role as a ‘Net Security Provider’ in the Indian Ocean Region, highlighting the nation’s readiness to assist neighboring countries in bolstering their defence capabilities. Shri Rajnath Singh also addressed the ongoing threat of terrorism, attributing it to historical patterns of cross-border terrorism fostered by Pakistan, which undermines peace in the region.
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