India showcased its indigenous defence capabilities at the World Defence Show 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth led a high-level Indian delegation at the event on 8th and 9th of this month. During his visit, Mr Seth inaugurated the first-ever India Pavilion that showcased India’s manufacturing prowess by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private Indian companies. He joined international dignitaries to witness the opening ceremony of WDS. He 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.
Mr 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 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.
Defence MoS met with the Governor of the General Authority of Military Industries (GAMI), Saudi Arabia, Mr. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali. They both held discussions with regard to common areas of strategic cooperation and strengthening the supply chain ecosystem of both countries. During the meeting, Mr Seth 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, Mr Seth 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.
