India demonstrated its growing defence manufacturing strength at the World Defence Show 2026 held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 8–9, 2026, with Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth leading a high-level Indian delegation at the global defence exhibition.
The Raksha Rajya Mantri joined international dignitaries at the opening ceremony and inaugurated the first-ever India Pavilion, which showcased India’s defence manufacturing capabilities through Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private Indian companies.
During the visit, he also toured the exhibition areas of Saudi Arabia Military Industries (SAMI) and the Ministry of Defence, Saudi Arabia, reviewing their latest indigenous technological developments.
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India’s Engagement at World Defence Show 2026
During the World Defence Show 2026, Sanjay Seth held discussions with Dr Khaled bin Hussein Al-Biyari, Assistant Minister of Defence for Executive Affairs, Saudi Arabia, focusing on enhancing cooperation and 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), and highlighted India’s emergence as a global export hub in defence manufacturing.
The Raksha Rajya Mantri invited GADD officials to visit India’s research and development facilities to explore opportunities for co-development of defence technologies.
In another meeting, Sanjay Seth met Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, Governor of the General Authority of Military Industries (GAMI), Saudi Arabia.
Discussions focused on identifying common areas of strategic cooperation and strengthening the defence supply-chain ecosystem of both countries.
The Raksha Rajya Mantri proposed a joint GAMI-led delegation visit to India to gain first-hand experience of India’s defence capabilities.
World Defence Show 2026: Importance of Joint Cooperation Between India and Saudi Arabia
At an interaction with heads of Indian and Saudi defence companies held at the Indian Embassy, Sanjay Seth emphasized the importance of joint cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia to achieve self-reliance in defence requirements.
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During his visit, the Raksha Rajya Mantri toured Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the Saudi state.
He later addressed members of the Indian diaspora at an event organized at the Indian Embassy, highlighting India’s growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi across sectors such as women’s empowerment, health, and digital literacy.
