Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi Embarks on Official Visit to France

New Delhi: General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), has departed for a four-day official visit to France from February 24 to 27, 2025, marking a significant step in India-France defence cooperation. The visit is set to bolster military ties, enhance training collaborations, and explore advancements in modern warfare strategies between the two nations.

Strengthening Bilateral Military Relations

General Dwivedi’s visit will commence on February 24 at Les Invalides, Paris, where he will receive a Guard of Honour and engage in high-level discussions with General Pierre Schill, Chief of the French Army (CEMAT). These talks will focus on enhancing defence collaboration and strengthening strategic military partnerships between India and France.

As part of his itinerary, General Dwivedi will visit the École Militaire, a prestigious French military institution, where he will be briefed on Future Combat Command (CCF). His engagements will also include visits to the Technical Section of the French Army (STAT) and the Battle Lab Terre in Versailles, both of which play crucial roles in military innovation and technology development.

Focus on Joint Training and Modernisation

On February 25, the COAS will travel to Marseille, where he will visit the 3rd Division of the French Army. Discussions will revolve around bilateral training exercises, including Exercise SHAKTI, as well as France’s military modernisation programme, Scorpion. These interactions will provide insights into advanced combat training and operational preparedness, reinforcing the growing defence synergy between the two countries.

The following day, on February 26, General Dwivedi will visit Carpiagne, where he will witness a dynamic demonstration of the Scorpion Division, including live firing exercises. This segment of the visit will showcase France’s cutting-edge military capabilities and offer opportunities for joint learning and future collaborations.

Honouring India’s Military Heritage

On February 27, General Dwivedi will visit the Neuve Chapelle Indian War Memorial, where he will lay a wreath in tribute to the Indian soldiers who fought bravely in World War I. This solemn ceremony will honour the historical ties between India and France, reflecting on the sacrifices made by Indian troops in European battlefields.

Later in the day, the COAS will deliver an address at École de Guerre, the French Joint Staff College, where he will speak on the evolving landscape of modern warfare and India’s strategic vision. His address is expected to emphasize India’s growing role in global security, defence innovation, and military diplomacy.

A Step Towards Stronger Strategic Partnerships

General Dwivedi’s visit to France underscores India’s commitment to deepening military ties with key global allies. His engagements with the French Army leadership, defence institutions, and training divisions will pave the way for enhanced cooperation in defence technology, joint training, and strategic military operations.

As India continues to modernize its armed forces and expand global partnerships, this visit is expected to strengthen defence diplomacy, foster technological collaboration, and reaffirm India-France military cooperation in the years ahead.