**Executive Summary**
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth led an Indian delegation to the World Defence Show (WDS) 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, held on February 8-9, 2026. The purpose of the visit was to showcase India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, enhance cooperation with Saudi Arabia, and explore opportunities for co-development of defence technologies. Shri Sanjay Seth also addressed the Indian diaspora.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **World Defence Show (WDS) 2026 Participation:**
* India showcased its manufacturing prowess via a pavilion featuring Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private Indian companies.
* RRM Sanjay Seth reviewed the latest technological developments at the Saudi Arabia Military Industries (SAMI) and the Ministry of Defence, Saudi Arabia exhibition areas.
* **Bilateral Discussions:**
* Discussions were held with Dr Khaled bin Hussein Al-Biyari to enhance cooperation between the armed forces of India and Saudi Arabia.
* India's emergence as a global export hub was highlighted in a meeting with Dr Faleh bin Abdullah Al-Sulaiman; GADD officials were invited to visit India's R&D facilities.
* Discussions with Mr. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali focused on strategic cooperation and strengthening the supply chain ecosystem of both countries.
* A joint GAMI-led delegation was proposed to visit India.
* **Key Addresses:**
* RRM emphasized joint cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia to achieve self-reliance in defence requirements in an address to Indian and Saudi defence companies.
* RRM highlighted India's commitment to global support under the "Make in India, Make for the World" vision.
* Addressed the Indian diaspora highlighting India's growth and advocated for a ‘Nation First' approach.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Defence Companies & DPSUs**
* **Impact:** Opportunity to showcase capabilities at WDS 2026 and explore collaborative ventures with Saudi Arabian entities.
* **Action Required:** Follow up on potential collaborations and agreements discussed during the event.
**Saudi Arabian Defence Entities (SAMI, Ministry of Defence, GAMI, GADD)**
* **Impact:** Potential for increased cooperation with India in defence technology development, manufacturing, and supply chain strengthening.
* **Action Required:** Consider the invitation to visit India's R&D facilities and further explore areas of strategic cooperation.
**Indian Community in Saudi Arabia**
* **Impact:** Awareness of India's growth and development under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
* **Action Required:** Continue to support the Indian Embassy's efforts and engage with India's initiatives.
Key Entities Referenced
World Defence Show 2026: A defence exhibition held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where India showcased its indigenous defence capabilities.
Ministry of Defence: The Indian ministry responsible for defence matters, involved in the delegation to the World Defence Show.
Saudi Arabia: The country hosting the World Defence Show and engaging in bilateral discussions with India regarding defence cooperation.
Make in India, Make for the World: A vision emphasized by the Raksha Rajya Mantri, promoting India's self-reliance and global support.
Ministry of Defence
India Showcases Indigenous Defence Might at
World Defence Show 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia
Posted On: 10 FEB 2026 2:41PM by PIB Delhi
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth led a high-level Indian delegation to the World Defence Show
(WDS) 2026, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 8-9, 2026. 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 by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private
Indian companies. The RRM also visited the exhibition areas of Saudi Arabia Military Industries (SAMI)
and the Ministry of Defence, Saudi Arabia, to review their latest indigenous technological developments.
Shri Sanjay Seth held discussions with Dr Khaled bin Hussein Al-Biyari, Assistant Minister of Defence
for Executive Affairs, Saudi Arabia, enhancing cooperation and engagement across the armed forces of
both the countries. He also met with 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. RRM invited GADD officials to visit India’s R&D facilities to explore opportunities for the
co-development of defence technologies.
Shri Sanjay Seth met with the Governor of the General Authority of Military Industries (GAMI), Saudi
Arabia, Mr. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, and discussions were held with regard to common areas of
strategic cooperation and strengthening the supply chain ecosystem of both 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 Indian Embassy, the RRM
emphasized 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 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. In his address, he highlighted
India's growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi across sectors, including
women's empowerment, health, and digital literacy. RRM advocated for a ‘Nation First’ approach and
commended embassy officials for their support to the Indian community residing in Saudi Arabia.
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