India-France Defence Pact Renewed For A Decade, Reciprocal Army Deployment Announced

Updated: February 17, 2026 17:27

Image Source: The Tribune

India and France have renewed their defence cooperation agreement for another 10 years at the 6th Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru. The two nations also announced reciprocal deployment of Army officers and advanced plans for joint manufacturing of HAMMER missiles in India, strengthening strategic and industrial ties.

India and France reaffirmed their long-standing defence partnership during the 6th Annual Defence Dialogue held in Bengaluru on February 17, 2026. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and France’s Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Catherine Vautrin co-chaired the meeting, which marked a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation.

The renewed 10-year defence pact underscores the commitment of both nations to deepen military collaboration, enhance industrial cooperation, and strengthen strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific region. The dialogue also highlighted reciprocal Army deployments, a move aimed at fostering operational synergy and mutual trust between the two forces.

Key Highlights

Renewal of Defence Cooperation Agreement for another 10 years, ensuring continuity in strategic collaboration between India and France
Announcement of reciprocal deployment of Army officers at Indian Army and French Land Forces establishments, enhancing interoperability and joint training opportunities
Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for manufacturing HAMMER missiles in India, boosting defence industrial collaboration and indigenous production capabilities
Focus on expanding industrial partnerships, including joint ventures and technology transfers, to strengthen defence manufacturing ecosystems in both countries
Strategic emphasis on Indo-Pacific security cooperation, reflecting shared concerns over regional stability and maritime security

The dialogue also reinforced the importance of defence industrial collaboration, with plans to expand joint ventures and technology sharing. The HAMMER missile manufacturing initiative is expected to bolster India’s defence production capabilities while creating new avenues for industrial cooperation with France.

This renewed pact and reciprocal deployment mark a new chapter in India-France defence relations, combining strategic vision with industrial strength to address evolving global and regional challenges.

Sources: ANI, Times of India, Odisha Diary, Firstpost

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