What happened
On October 2, 2025, the 22nd edition of Air Staff Talks between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF) concluded in New Delhi, after deliberations from September 29 to October 1. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation through joint training, combined exercises, professional military education, sharing best practices, and improving operational coordination. The meeting was co-chaired by Air Vice Marshal SK Taliyan from the IAF and Brigadier General Nicolas Chambaz from FASF.
Why it matters to India
The talks strengthen India’s strategic partnership with France in aerospace and defence, improving interoperability and knowledge exchange. They also complement broader bilateral engagement, including civil nuclear cooperation, emerging technologies like Small and Advanced Modular Reactors (SMRs/AMRs), and collaboration on regional security issues, reinforcing India’s position as a key global defence and innovation partner.