India Showcases Defence Capabilities at World Defence Show 2026 in Riyadh

The World Defence Show 2026 took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 8 and 9. This event brought together defence officials and companies from around the world to share and showcase defence products and technologies. India participated in this event with great interest. An Indian delegation, led by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, attended the show. The delegation included senior officers from India’s Department of Defence Production and the Armed Forces. This was a special occasion for India because it had its first-ever India Pavilion at WDS 2026. The pavilion covered an area of 400 square meters. It was created to show India’s own defence manufacturing abilities. Many Indian defence companies, nearly 25 in total, took part in the show. These companies included Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited, Munitions India Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, India Optel Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited, and Yantra India Limited. At the pavilion, India displayed many important defence products. These included tanks, artillery gun systems, missiles, ammunition, and radar systems. The display helped show India’s capability to produce advanced defence technology. During the show, the Indian delegation held important meetings with Saudi officials. One meeting was with Khaled bin Hussein Al-Biyari, the Saudi Assistant Minister of Defence. They talked about ways to work together more closely across different armed forces. Another meeting was with Dr. Faleh bin Abdullah Al-Sulaiman, who is the Governor of the General Authority for Defence Development. They discussed the possibility of working together on developing new defence technologies. The delegation also met with Dr. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, the Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries. They talked about strengthening strategic cooperation and improving the supply chain ecosystem for defence products. Women also played an important role at the event. Three women from the Indian Armed Forces, Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth, Colonel Ponung Doming, and Lieutenant Commander Annu Prakash, represented India in seminars. Their participation highlighted the vital role women serve in defence forces. India’s defence exports have been growing steadily. In 2024-25, India’s defence exports crossed 21,000 crore rupees. These exports are sent to more than 85 countries, showing India’s expanded capability to supply defence products globally. India and Saudi Arabia share a strong and expanding defence partnership. Their relationship is based on mutual trust, and both countries want to deepen their cooperation. During the event, discussions also included the possibility of Saudi officials visiting India’s research and development facilities. The visit could help explore opportunities for co-developing new defence technologies. As of February 2026, there has been no official confirmation of specific deals, prices, approvals, or concrete decisions resulting from the discussions and meetings. The event has opened up new opportunities for future collaboration and development. Overall, India’s participation at WDS 2026 was a significant step in showcasing its defence manufacturing capabilities and strengthening strategic partnerships, especially with Saudi Arabia. The event highlighted India’s growing defence industry and its commitment to deepening global and regional defence ties.