Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has embarked on a five-day official visit to France from February 24 to 27, to deepen bilateral military cooperation and explore new avenues of strategic collaboration. This visit comes at a crucial juncture as France is reportedly in advanced negotiations with India to acquire the indigenously developed Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system, a deal that could significantly bolster defence ties between the two nations.
During his visit, Gen Dwivedi will engage in high-level discussions with his French counterpart, General Pierre Schill, at Les Invalides, Paris. The meeting will commence with a ceremonial Guard of Honour, followed by deliberations on joint military initiatives, future combat capabilities, and defence modernization efforts. His itinerary includes a visit to the École Militaire, where he will be briefed on France’s Future Combat Command (CCF), along with insights into the latest military innovations at the Technical Section of the French Army (STAT) and the Battle Lab Terre in Versailles.
On February 25, Gen Dwivedi will travel to Marseille to visit the 3rd Division of the French Army. He will receive briefings on the bilateral exercise Shakti, India-France training cooperation, and the Scorpion modernisation programme there. A key highlight of his visit will be the dynamic demonstration of the Scorpion Division’s capabilities, including live-firing exercises, at Carpiagne on February 26.
He will address officers at the École de Guerre, the French Joint Staff College, sharing insights on the evolving landscape of modern warfare and India’s strategic defence vision on February 27.
#GeneralUpendraDwivedi, #COAS proceeded on an official visit to #France today. The visit aims at further strengthening mutual understanding, exchanging views on aspects of common interest and strengthening bilateral #DefenceCooperation between the two nations.… pic.twitter.com/7WZ33hpxlh
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) February 22, 2025
The backdrop of this visit is particularly significant given India’s recent offer of the Pinaka MBRL system to the French Army. During his visit to Paris earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s capability in indigenous defence production and its commitment to strengthening global military collaborations. The potential Pinaka deal is expected to be a major milestone in Indo-French defence relations, enhancing interoperability and self-reliance in the military sector.
Further underscoring the importance of the Pinaka system, General Pierre Schill had visited India from February 27 to 29, where he witnessed a live demonstration of the weapon system in Rajasthan. The advanced negotiations on the Pinaka deal highlight France’s growing interest in India’s cutting-edge defence technology, reinforcing the robust strategic partnership between the two countries.
With the ongoing discussions on joint military projects and technology transfer, General Dwivedi’s visit is poised to further cement Indo-French defence ties and open new frontiers for collaboration in modern warfare and defence innovation.
Team BharatShakti
