Finance
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.
Source: PIB
