India–France Defence Dialogue: Modi and Macron to Inaugurate Helicopter Assembly Line
Rajnath Singh, French Defence Minister to Co-Chair 6th Annual Strategic Talks
New Delhi: India and France are set to hold a crucial defence dialogue aimed at strengthening military technology cooperation and expanding strategic preparedness. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will represent India, while France’s Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin will participate from the French side.
The sixth annual India–France Defence Dialogue will take place in Bengaluru on February 17, where both defence ministers will jointly chair the meeting. The talks are expected to comprehensively review bilateral defence cooperation, with particular emphasis on expanding industrial partnerships in the defence sector.
During the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron will virtually inaugurate the Tata Airbus H125 helicopter assembly line in Vemagal, Karnataka. The facility marks a significant milestone in Indo-French defence manufacturing collaboration.
Officials indicate that the defence agreement between the two nations may be extended for the next 10 years. Discussions are also likely to include a potential agreement for the joint production of HAMMER missiles and announcements regarding cross-posting of military officers between the two countries.
According to the Defence Ministry, defence cooperation has always been a cornerstone of India–France relations. The two nations regularly conduct joint military exercises such as Shakti (Army), Varuna (Navy), and Garuda (Air Force), reinforcing operational synergy. This will be Catherine Vautrin’s first visit to India after assuming office in October 2025.
High-level exchanges in recent years have further strengthened strategic ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the Guest of Honour at France’s Bastille Day celebrations in July 2023, while President Emmanuel Macron attended India’s Republic Day parade in 2024 as the chief guest.
Notably, just days earlier, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Rajnath Singh, approved the procurement of multi-role fighter aircraft Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force in a key meeting held in New Delhi on February 12. The approval also covers modern combat missiles and High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS).
The Rafale deal with France is considered a major boost to India’s air combat capabilities. During last year’s ‘Operation Sindoor’, Rafale aircraft were reportedly used to target terrorist infrastructure across the border in Pakistan. The induction of additional Rafale jets is expected to significantly enhance long-range precision strike capabilities of the Indian Air Force.
The Defence Ministry has emphasized that a substantial portion of the aircraft manufacturing will take place in India, providing momentum to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The Indian Air Force currently operates two Rafale squadrons, which are already an integral part of its combat fleet.
