The 22nd edition of the Air Staff Talks between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF) took place in New Delhi from September 29 to October 1, 2025. The high-level discussions aimed to deepen bilateral defence cooperation, focusing on joint training, combined exercises, professional military education, exchange of best practices, and operational coordination.
The event was co-chaired by Air Vice Marshal SK Taliyan of the IAF and Brigadier General Nicolas Chambaz of the FASF, highlighting the mutual commitment to strengthening strategic ties between the two air forces. According to the Indian Air Force, these talks serve as a crucial platform to enhance interoperability, share expertise, and advance long-term defence collaboration.
The talks align with India and France’s broader strategic partnership, which increasingly incorporates self-reliance in defence production, reviewed regularly through the Annual Defence Dialogue at the ministerial level and the High Committee on Defence Cooperation at the secretary level, as noted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Earlier in September, India and France also convened the second meeting of the India-France Special Task Force on Civil Nuclear Energy in New Delhi. Co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Secretary-General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Anne-Marie Descotes, the meeting reviewed progress in bilateral civil nuclear cooperation and explored opportunities to expand collaboration in innovation, technology, and defence. Discussions also touched on regional issues, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the West Asia crisis.
The MEA emphasized that both nations reviewed advancements in emerging nuclear technologies, particularly Small and Advanced Modular Reactors (SMRs/AMRs), as outlined in the Declaration of Intent signed in February 2025. The two sides agreed to maintain close coordination across civil nuclear initiatives while also exploring cooperation in defence, space, counter-terrorism, and trilateral engagements with third countries.
These developments underscore India and France’s commitment to enhancing strategic, technological, and operational partnerships, reflecting a shared vision for stronger bilateral ties in defence and aerospace sectors while addressing regional and global challenges collaboratively.
