High-Level Delegation Led by Junior Defence Minister Sanjay Seth.
Sanjay Seth (R) with KSA’s Dr Khaled bin Hussein Al-Biyari at World Defense Show 2026.
World Defense Show 2026: India highlighted its growing defence manufacturing strength at the World Defense Show (WDS) 2026 held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 8–9. Raksha Rajya Mantri (junior defence minister) Sanjay Seth led a high-level Indian delegation to the event and joined international dignitaries at the opening ceremony.
A key highlight of India’s participation was the inauguration of the first-ever India Pavilion at WDS, showcasing advanced platforms and technologies developed by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private Indian defence firms.
India Pavilion Displays Manufacturing Prowess
The India Pavilion presented a broad spectrum of indigenous capabilities, underlining the country’s expanding footprint in defence production and exports. During his visit, Sanjay Seth also toured exhibition areas of Saudi Arabia Military Industries (SAMI) and the Saudi Ministry of Defence to review their latest indigenous developments.
The participation reflects India’s commitment to strengthening defence ties with West Asia and expanding its global defence partnerships.
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World Defense Show, Saudi Arabia.
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Bilateral Talks to Deepen Defence Cooperation
On the sidelines of the event, the minister held discussions with Dr. Khaled bin Hussein Al-Biyari, Assistant Minister of Defence for Executive Affairs, Saudi Arabia, focusing on enhancing engagement between the armed forces of both nations.
He also met Dr. Faleh bin Abdullah Al-Sulaiman, Governor of the Saudi Arabian General Authority for Defence Development (GADD), highlighting India’s emergence as a global defence export hub. Sanjay Seth invited GADD officials to visit India’s research and development facilities to explore co-development opportunities.
In a separate meeting with Mr. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, Governor of the General Authority of Military Industries (GAMI), discussions centered on strengthening strategic cooperation and enhancing the defence supply chain ecosystem of both countries. The minister proposed a joint GAMI-led delegation visit to India to gain first-hand exposure to India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
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Promoting ‘Make in India, Make for the World’
Addressing heads of Indian and Saudi defence companies at an event hosted by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, Shri Sanjay Seth stressed the importance of joint collaboration to achieve self-reliance in defence production. He reiterated India’s commitment to supporting global partners under the vision of “Make in India, Make for the World.”
The engagement aimed at fostering industry-to-industry linkages and expanding bilateral defence industrial cooperation.
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World Defense Show, Saudi Arabia.
Cultural Visit and Diaspora Outreach
During his visit, the minister also toured Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the Saudi state. Later, he addressed members of the Indian diaspora at an event at the Indian Embassy.
In his remarks, he highlighted India’s progress across sectors under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including women’s empowerment, healthcare, and digital literacy. Emphasizing a ‘Nation First’ approach, he commended the Embassy officials for their continued support to the Indian community in Saudi Arabia.
India’s participation at WDS 2026 marks another step in deepening strategic defence ties with Saudi Arabia while showcasing its growing indigenous capabilities on the global stage.
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