India’s manufacturing prowess by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private Indian companies was showcased at the first-ever India Pavilion at World Defence Show (WDS) 2026, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, recently. The pavilion marked another attempt by India to highlight its increasing capabilities as a global defence export hub.
On the sidelines of the event, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, who inaugurated the India pavilion, held discussions with Dr Khaled bin Hussein Al-Biyari, assistant minister of defence for executive affairs, Saudi Arabia, on enhancing cooperation and engagement across the armed forces of both the countries.
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Seth 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, the defence ministry stated in a release.
The minister invited GAAD officials to visit the R&D facilities in India to explore opportunities for the co-development of defence technologies.
Seth met with the Governor of the General Authority of Military Industries (GAMI), Saudi Arabia, Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, and discussed common areas of strategic cooperation and strengthening the supply chain ecosystem of both countries.
In his address to heads of Indian and Saudi defence companies, held at the Indian Embassy, Seth 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.