New Delhi: Raksha Rajya Mantri (RRM) Mr Sanjay Seth will lead a high-level Indian delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate in the third edition of the World Defence Show (WDS) 2026, scheduled to be held on February 08–09, 2026. The event is expected to host over 700 exhibitors and around 400 official delegations from across the globe.
High-Level Indian Delegation with Defence and Armed Forces Officials
The Indian delegation accompanying the Raksha Rajya Mantri will comprise senior officials from the Department of Defence Production and representatives from the Indian Armed Forces. India’s participation underscores its growing engagement with global defence platforms and its commitment to expanding international defence cooperation.
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First-Ever India Pavilion to Be Inaugurated at WDS 2026
A key highlight of India’s participation at the World Defence Show will be the inauguration of the first-ever India Pavilion by RRM Mr. Sanjay Seth. The Pavilion, spread across 400 square meters, will serve as a comprehensive showcase of India’s indigenous defence manufacturing and technological capabilities.
Showcasing India’s Defence Manufacturing Strength
The India Pavilion will feature major Indian public sector defence enterprises, including:
- Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL)
- Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL)
- Munitions India Limited (MIL)
- Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
- India Optel Limited (IOL)
- Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
- Yantra India Limited (YIL)
These entities will exhibit a wide range of defence products, including tanks, artillery gun systems, missiles, ammunition, radars, and advanced defence electronics, highlighting India’s rapid progress under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
Bilateral Defence Engagements on the Sidelines
On the sidelines of WDS 2026, a bilateral meeting between Raksha Rajya Mantri Mr. Sanjay Seth and his Saudi Arabian counterpart is planned. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening defence cooperation, enhancing industrial collaboration, and exploring new avenues for technology transfer and joint ventures.
RRM will also interact with representatives of leading Saudi Arabian industry bodies, aiming to deepen defence-industrial ties and encourage partnerships between Indian and Saudi defence companies.
Strategic Importance of World Defence Show for India
The World Defence Show is a biennial international defence exhibition hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and has emerged as a key global platform for defence diplomacy and industrial collaboration.
For India, WDS holds significant strategic importance, offering an opportunity to:
- Showcase indigenous defence technologies and manufacturing capabilities
- Promote defence exports
- Strengthen international partnerships
- Integrate India more deeply into the global defence ecosystem
India’s presence at WDS 2026 reinforces its position as a reliable defence manufacturing and technology partner on the global stage.
