India highlighted its growing indigenous defence manufacturing strength at the World Defence Show (WDS) 2026 held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth leading a high-level Indian delegation on February 8 and 9. The participation marked a significant step in projecting India’s defence industrial capabilities on a major global platform and deepening strategic engagement with Saudi Arabia.
A key highlight of India’s presence at the event was the inauguration of the first-ever India Pavilion at WDS. The pavilion showcased the country’s expanding defence manufacturing ecosystem, featuring products and technologies developed by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) alongside leading private Indian companies. The display underscored India’s progress in indigenous design, development, and production of advanced defence systems, in line with its long-term goal of self-reliance in defence.
Mr Seth joined international dignitaries at the opening ceremony of the World Defence Show, which has emerged as one of the world’s premier exhibitions for defence and aerospace technologies. During his visit, he also toured the exhibition areas of Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and the Saudi Ministry of Defence, where he reviewed the Kingdom’s latest indigenous technological developments and initiatives aimed at strengthening domestic defence production.
On the sidelines of the exhibition, the Defence Minister of State held a series of high-level bilateral engagements aimed at enhancing defence cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia. He met Dr Khaled bin Hussein Al-Biyari, Assistant Minister of Defence for Executive Affairs, Saudi Arabia, and discussed ways to deepen cooperation and engagement across the armed forces of both countries. The discussions reflected a shared intent to expand collaboration in training, capacity building, and defence industrial partnerships.
Mr Seth also met Dr Faleh bin Abdullah Al-Sulaiman, Governor of the Saudi Arabian General Authority for Defence Development (GADD). During the interaction, he highlighted India’s emergence as a global defence manufacturing and export hub, driven by policy reforms, increased private sector participation, and a strong focus on innovation and indigenisation. The two sides explored opportunities for collaboration in defence research, development, and technology transfer.
In another significant meeting, Mr Seth held discussions with Mr Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, Governor of the General Authority of Military Industries (GAMI), Saudi Arabia. The talks focused on identifying common areas of strategic cooperation and strengthening the defence supply chain ecosystem of both countries. Emphasising the value of closer industrial linkages, Mr Seth proposed a visit by a joint GAMI-led delegation to India to gain first-hand exposure to India’s defence manufacturing capabilities and industrial infrastructure.
As part of his engagements, the Defence Minister of State addressed heads of Indian and Saudi defence companies at an interaction organised at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. In his address, Mr Seth stressed the importance of joint cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia to achieve self-reliance in defence requirements. He reiterated India’s commitment to supporting global partners under the “Make in India, Make for the World” vision, calling for deeper collaboration in co-development, co-production, and supply chain integration.
India’s participation at WDS 2026 reflects its broader strategy of leveraging international defence exhibitions to promote exports, forge strategic partnerships, and position itself as a reliable defence manufacturing partner. The engagements in Riyadh underscored the growing convergence between India and Saudi Arabia in the defence sector, anchored in shared interests, industrial collaboration, and a mutual focus on building resilient and self-reliant defence capabilities.
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