New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will co-chair the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue with French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin in Bengaluru on February 17, amid expectations of a major announcement regarding India’s acquisition of 114 additional Rafale fighter jets.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the two sides are scheduled to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a joint venture for manufacturing Hammer precision-guided missiles in India. The Hammer air-to-ground weapon system is already integrated with the Indian Air Force’s existing fleet of Rafale aircraft.
The dialogue will cover the full spectrum of bilateral defence cooperation, with particular emphasis on expanding industrial partnerships under India’s “Make in India” initiative. French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the Rafale jets, is expected to play a central role in the proposed production of the additional aircraft in India.
Engine manufacturer Safran already operates a joint venture with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for helicopter engine production, reflecting deepening industrial collaboration between the two countries.
During the meeting, Singh and Vautrin are also expected to renew the bilateral defence cooperation agreement, which is likely to be extended for another decade. An announcement regarding reciprocal deployment of officers at Indian Army and French Land Forces establishments is also anticipated.
The ministers will further witness the virtual inauguration of the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line at Vemagal, Karnataka. The facility, set up by Tata Airbus, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Defence cooperation has long been a cornerstone of India-France relations. The momentum in bilateral ties was evident in recent high-level engagements, including Modi’s participation as Guest of Honour at France’s Bastille Day Parade in July 2023 and Macron’s role as Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations in January 2024.
The India-France Annual Defence Dialogue serves as a structured ministerial platform to review and steer defence and security collaboration. The fifth edition of the talks was held in France in October 2023. This will mark Vautrin’s first visit to India since assuming office in October 2025.
