Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has embarked on an official visit to France from 24 to 27 February, aiming to enhance defence cooperation between the two nations.
The visit began with engagements at Les Invalides in Paris, where General Dwivedi was welcomed with a Guard of Honour.
He then held discussions with his French counterpart, General Pierre Schill, Chief of Staff of the French Army (CEMAT). The meeting focused on strengthening military ties and exploring avenues for collaboration.
As part of his itinerary, General Dwivedi visited the École Militaire, France’s prestigious military school and training institution. He was briefed on the Future Combat Command (CCF), a key aspect of France’s modern military strategy.
He also received an overview of the Technical Section of the French Army (STAT) and visited the Battle Lab Terre in Versailles, which plays a crucial role in defence innovation and technology development.
On 25 February, General Dwivedi travelled to Marseille to visit the 3rd Division of the French Army. He was given a briefing on its mission and operational role, as well as the India-France bilateral exercise SHAKTI.
Discussions also covered ongoing training cooperation and the French Army’s modernisation programme, known as Scorpion.
The following day, he visited Carpiagne, where he observed a live demonstration of the Scorpion Division. The exercise showcased advanced combat tactics and live-fire drills, providing insights into France’s evolving military capabilities.
On 27 February, General Dwivedi paid tribute to Indian soldiers who fought in World War I by laying a wreath at the Neuve Chapelle Indian War Memorial. The memorial honours thousands of Indian troops who fought on French soil during the war.
Later, he addressed officers at the École de Guerre, the French Joint Staff College. His talk focused on the evolving nature of modern warfare and India’s strategic vision for defence cooperation.
General Dwivedi’s visit underscores the deepening defence ties between India and France. The two countries have maintained strong military cooperation through joint exercises, technology sharing, and strategic dialogues.
This visit is expected to further strengthen their partnership, paving the way for enhanced collaboration in defence modernisation and security initiatives.
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