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India Showcases Defence Prowess at Riyadh's World Defence Show 2026

Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth inaugurated the first-ever India Pavilion at the World Defence Show 2026 in Riyadh, showcasing the capabilities of Indian defence PSUs and private firms. He held high-level meetings with Saudi defence officials, including Assistant Minister Khaled bin Hussein Al-Biyari and GADD Governor Faleh bin Abdullah Al-Sulaiman, to enhance bilateral cooperation and explore joint technology development. Seth emphasized India's role as a global defence export hub under the "Make in India, Make for the World" vision during talks with industry heads. The visit also included engagement with the Indian diaspora, where he highlighted India's progress under the current leadership.

Key Points: India's Defence Showcase at World Defence Show 2026 in Riyadh

  • India Pavilion debut at WDS
  • Talks on co-developing defence tech
  • Push for 'Make for the World' exports
  • Strengthening India-Saudi supply chains
  • Engagement with Indian diaspora
2 min read

India showcases indigenous defence might at World Defence Show 2026 in Riyadh

Minister Sanjay Seth leads delegation, inaugurates India Pavilion, and holds strategic talks with Saudi officials to boost defence cooperation.

"joint cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia to achieve self-reliance in defence requirements - Sanjay Seth"

Riyadh, February 10

Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth led a high-level Indian delegation to the World Defence Show, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

He joined international dignitaries to witness the opening ceremony of WDS and inaugurated the first-ever India Pavilion at the event, which showcased India's manufacturing prowess through Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private Indian companies, according to an official release by the Ministry of Defence.

The RRM also visited the exhibition areas of Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and the Ministry of Defence to review their latest indigenous technological developments.

The release stated that Sanjay Seth held discussions with Khaled bin Hussein Al-Biyari, Assistant Minister of Defence for Executive Affairs of Saudi Arabia, on February 8-9, to enhance cooperation and engagement between the armed forces of both countries.

He also met with Faleh bin Abdullah Al-Sulaiman, Governor of the Saudi Arabian General Authority for Defence Development (GADD), and highlighted India's emergence as a global export hub. RRM invited GADD officials to visit India's R&D facilities to explore opportunities for co-developing defence technologies.

The release added that Sanjay Seth met with the Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) in Saudi Arabia, Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, and discussed areas of strategic cooperation and strengthening the supply chain ecosystem between the two countries.

RRM also proposed a visit by a joint GAMI-led delegation to India to gain first-hand experience of India's defence capabilities.

In his address to heads of Indian and Saudi defence companies, held at the Indian Embassy, the RRM emphasised the importance of joint cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia to achieve self-reliance in defence requirements and highlighted India's commitment to global support under the "Make in India, Make for the World" vision.

The release noted that the RRM also visited Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the Saudi state.

Later, he addressed the Indian diaspora at an event at the Indian Embassy, highlighting India's growth under Prime Minister Narendra Modi across sectors, including women's empowerment, health, and digital literacy.

RRM advocated a 'Nation First' approach and commended embassy officials for their support to the Indian community residing in Saudi Arabia.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an expat following Indian news, this is impressive. Building strategic partnerships with Saudi Arabia is smart geopolitics. The focus on co-development, not just buyer-seller relationships, shows maturity in our foreign policy.
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Priya S
Wonderful to see our DPSUs and private companies getting this platform. But I hope the focus is on genuine tech transfer and creating high-quality jobs back home, not just signing MOUs. The real test is delivering on these partnerships.
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Vikram M
Atmanirbhar Bharat in action! This is how we reduce our massive defence import bill. Selling to a nation like Saudi Arabia, which has high standards, is a huge endorsement of the quality of 'Made in India' defence equipment.
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Rohit P
Good step. But alongside these big shows, we need to ensure our armed forces are equipped with the latest indigenous gear first. Priority should be our own defence preparedness. Hope the deals materialise quickly.
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Kavya N
Love the cultural diplomacy touch – visiting Diriyah and addressing the diaspora. It builds a stronger, multi-layered relationship beyond just business. Our soft power combined with hard tech is a winning formula.

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