Riyadh/New Delhi: India highlighted its growing indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities at the World Defence Show (WDS) 2026 held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The high-level Indian delegation was led by Raksha Rajya Mantri (RRM) Sanjay Seth on February 8–9.
India Pavilion Debuts at WDS 2026
Seth inaugurated the first-ever India Pavilion, showcasing the technological advancements and manufacturing strengths of Indian Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private defence companies. He also participated in the opening ceremony of the global defence exhibition and visited exhibition areas of Saudi Arabia Military Industries (SAMI) and the Ministry of Defence, Saudi Arabia, to review the latest indigenous defence technologies.
Read also: From Missiles to Radars: What India Will Showcase at World Defence Show 2026 in Saudi Arabia
Strengthening India–Saudi Arabia Defence Cooperation
On the sidelines of WDS 2026, RRM Seth held high-level bilateral meetings with Saudi officials to enhance defence cooperation:
- Dr Khaled bin Hussein Al-Biyari, Assistant Minister of Defence for Executive Affairs, discussed deeper engagement across the armed forces.
- Dr Faleh bin Abdullah Al-Sulaiman, Governor of the General Authority for Defence Development (GADD), explored co-development opportunities and was invited to visit India’s R&D facilities.
- Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, Governor of the General Authority of Military Industries (GAMI), focused on strategic cooperation and strengthening defence supply chain ecosystems, with a proposal for a joint GAMI-led delegation visit to India.
Promoting Global Defence Partnerships
At an interaction organised at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, Seth addressed heads of Indian and Saudi defence companies, emphasizing joint cooperation to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing. He reiterated India’s commitment to the “Make in India, Make for the World” vision, highlighting India as an emerging global defence manufacturing and export hub.
Cultural and Community Engagement
During his visit, RRM Seth also toured Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the Saudi state. He addressed the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia, highlighting India’s socio-economic progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including initiatives in women’s empowerment, healthcare, and digital literacy, and commended embassy officials for supporting the Indian community abroad.
The World Defence Show 2026 provided India with a global platform to demonstrate its indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and foster stronger bilateral defence ties with Saudi Arabia, reflecting the country’s growing role as a reliable defence partner and technology exporter.
Read also: RRM Sanjay Seth to Lead Indian Delegation to Saudi Arabia for 3rd World Defence Show 2026
