HAL, BEL, Cochin Shipyard in focus amid Macron’s India trip; Are defence stocks set for a big move?HAL, BEL, Cochin Shipyard in focus amid Macron’s India trip; Are defence stocks set for a big move?

Introduction

Leading defence sector stocks gained as French President Macron visited India. Talks focus on 114 Rafale jets procurement and renewing India-France defence cooperation for ten years.

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Defence Stocks Rise on Macron Visit

Shares of defence equipment makers rose on February 17, 2026, as French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in India for a four-day visit, boosting defence sector activity on the share market.

The India Defence index increased up to 1.25%, with all 18 constituent stocks trading higher on expectations of progress in India-France Rafale fighter jet discussions.

India and France are set to advance defence cooperation during President Macron’s visit, including discussions on India’s plan to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets under a government-to-government framework.

The 6th Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru is expected to renew the India-France defence cooperation agreement for ten years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet President Macron in Mumbai today.

“At around 3:15 PM on 17 February, the two leaders will hold bilateral engagements at Lok Bhavan, Mumbai. During these engagements, they will review the progress made in the India-France Strategic Partnership. Their discussions will focus on cementing the strategic partnership and further diversifying it into new and emerging areas. Prime Minister Modi and President Macron will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance,” Prime Minister’s Office said in a press release.

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Here’re the defence stocks that in focus for the India-France development:

HAL

On February 17, 2026, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd opened at ₹4,226.05, unchanged from its previous close. The stock reached a high of ₹4,295.00 (1.62%) and a low of ₹4,225.00. By 12:32 PM, it traded at ₹4,255.00, a 0.69% increase, with a market cap of ₹2,84,563.76 crore.

BEL

On February 17, 2026, Bharat Electronics Ltd opened at ₹441.05, up 0.68% from its previous close of ₹438.05. The stock reached a high of ₹445.30 (1.65%) and a low of ₹440.25. By 12:32 PM, it traded at ₹444.50, a 1.47% increase, with a market cap of ₹3,24,919.67 crore.

Cochin Shipyard

On February 17, 2026, Cochin Shipyard Ltd opened at ₹1,550.00, up 5.56% from its previous close of ₹1,468.20. The stock reached a high of ₹1,575.00 (7.28%) and a low of ₹1,527.10. By 12:33 PM, it traded at ₹1,537.00, a 4.69% increase, with a market cap of ₹40,435.52 crore.

Paras Defence

On February 17, 2026, Paras Defence and Space Technologies Ltd opened at ₹632.05, down 0.20% from its previous close of ₹633.30. The stock reached a high of ₹652.70 (3.12%) and a low of ₹632.05. By 12:33 PM, it traded at ₹641.30, a 1.26% increase, with a market cap of ₹5,168.07 crore.

Mtar Technologies

On February 17, 2026, MTAR Technologies Ltd opened at ₹3,756.20, up 1.23% from its previous close of ₹3,710.75. The stock reached a high of ₹3,820.50 (2.96%) and a low of ₹3,638.85. By 12:33 PM, it traded at ₹3,721.25, a 0.28% increase, with a market cap of ₹11,446.41 crore.

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Disclaimer: The above article is written for educational purposes, and the companies’ data mentioned in the article may change with respect to time. The securities quoted are exemplary and are not recommendatory.

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