The India-France Annual Defence Dialogue is a structured ministerial-level bilateral meeting held to review and guide defence and security cooperation. The fifth edition of this meeting was held in France from October 11-13, 2023. This will be Catherine Vautrin’s first visit to India after assuming charge of French Defense Minister on October 12, 2025.
According to a statement issued by the India’s Defence Ministry, during this meeting, the Defence Cooperation Agreement is expected to be renewed for another 10 years. A Memorandum of Understanding on a joint venture for the production of Hammer missiles is also expected to be signed in the presence of the two Defence Ministers. An announcement regarding the mutual deployment of officers between the Indian Army and French Army establishments is also expected.
The Ministry’s release stated that the defence sector has traditionally been an important pillar of relations between the two countries. The strong and enduring bilateral relationship was clearly reflected through several high-level exchanges during 2024-2025.
The recently concluded India-European Union Security and Defence Partnership Agreement marks an important step towards further strengthening cooperation with European countries. India and France regularly conduct three major exercises – ‘Shakti Abhyas’ with the Army, ‘Varuna Abhyas’ with the Navy and ‘Garuda Abhyas’ with the Air Force.
