New Delhi: Milipol India 2025, organised by PHDCCI in collaboration with Interads Exhibition and France’s COMEXPOSIUM, opened on April 23, 2025.
At the three-day defence and homeland security expo, India and France reaffirmed their strategic partnership and joint commitment to counterterrorism. Reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance against terrorism, India deepened its strategic cooperation with France in homeland security. Top leaders from both nations convened at the Milipol India 2025 conference being held at Yashobhoomi, IICC, Dwarka in New Delhi. The event witnessed powerful affirmations of bilateral defence ties amid heightened concerns following the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
Inaugurated by Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs, the three-day conference and expo (April 23–25), brings together global defence leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to advance cooperation in security, technology, and innovation.
Condemning the Pahalgam attack that left 26 tourists dead and declared, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai speaking at the inaugural session, said, “The Modi government follows a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. India is committed to eliminating terrorism in collaboration with global partners.” He extended gratitude to the French government for expressing solidarity after the incident.
He emphasised India’s expanding defence cooperation with France, highlighting projects such as the DRDO office in France and the deployment of Indian security dogs at the 2024 Paris Olympics. “This 27-year-old strategic partnership is now focused on self-reliance and innovation, enabling MSMEs and startups from both countries to collaborate in defence technologies,” he added.
The Indo-French partnership has grown far beyond traditional defence ties. Highlighting key milestones in its 27th year, Nityanand Rai noted, “Our partnership now spans critical areas of innovation, research, and self-reliance. This is about building stronger national frameworks together.”
Francois-Noël Buffet, representing the French Ministry of Interior, echoed India’s stance on terrorism and praised the evolving Indo-French relationship. Describing the bilateral relationship as vital on the global stage, he said, “France stands with India in the fight against terrorism.”
Highlighting France’s €10 billion investment footprint in India, Buffet encouraged reciprocal Indian investments in France. He also reaffirmed France’s support for India’s bid for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council, citing the shared political and environmental goals of both nations. Extending condolences, Francois-Noel Buffet, Minister attached to France’s Ministry of Interior, also reiterated France’s support to India in counterterrorism efforts.
The second edition of Milipol India, supported by the Ministries of Home and External Affairs from both India and France, will feature over 180 international exhibitors and attract more than 5,000 security professionals. As a landmark event, Milipol India 2025 is set to showcase a significant convergence of international expertise and innovation in homeland security.
The event will highlight cutting-edge solutions across various domains, including artificial intelligence, surveillance technologies, cyber resilience, and tactical equipment. As India and France exemplify global leadership through their collaboration, Milipol India 2025 reinforces the importance of strategic diplomacy and technological exchange in tackling today’s pressing security challenges.
Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Sanjeev Kumar Jindal spoke about the critical role of technology in addressing India’s evolving internal security landscape, particularly in the context of the rapid advancement of AI and other emerging technologies. “Equipping our Central Armed Police Forces with advanced, future-ready tools is our top priority,” Jindal stated.
Additionally, Co-Chair of the PHDCCI Defence & Homeland Security Committee, MK Gupta emphasised the necessity of public-private partnerships in developing a robust and tech-driven security infrastructure. “India is building a resilient, tech-powered security ecosystem. From MSMEs to global OEMs, we must co-create, co-invest, and co-secure our future,” he remarked.
Vaibhav Gupta, also Co-Chair of the Committee, reinforced the significance of the event by expressing gratitude and labelling Milipol India 2025 as a benchmark for international collaboration and innovation in homeland security.
Milipol India 2025 stands as a testament to the shared commitment of nations to enhance security through advanced technologies and cooperative frameworks.
