A major highlight of India’s presence at the event will be the inauguration of the first-ever India Pavilion by the Raksha Rajya Mantri. Spread across an area of 400 square metres, the pavilion will serve as a comprehensive showcase of India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem and technological advancements.
Leading public sector defence enterprises will display a wide range of advanced military platforms and systems. These include Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), Munitions India Limited (MIL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), India Optel Limited (IOL), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), and Yantra India Limited (YIL).
The exhibits will feature tanks, artillery gun systems, missiles, ammunition, radars, and other state-of-the-art defence equipment, reflecting India’s growing self-reliance under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
Strengthening India–Saudi Defence Cooperation
On the sidelines of the World Defence Show, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with his Saudi Arabian counterpart. The discussions are expected to focus on expanding defence cooperation, joint manufacturing opportunities, technology transfer, and long-term industrial partnerships.
The RRM will also engage with representatives of leading Saudi Arabian industry bodies and defence companies to explore avenues for collaboration in defence production, maintenance, and supply chain integration.
Strategic Importance of WDS for Indian Defence Industry
The World Defence Show is a biennial international defence exhibition hosted by Saudi Arabia and has rapidly emerged as a key global platform for defence innovation and collaboration. The 2026 edition is expected to host over 700 exhibitors and nearly 400 official delegations from across the world.
For India, participation in WDS holds strategic significance as it provides an opportunity to highlight indigenous defence capabilities, promote exports, and strengthen India’s footprint in the global defence ecosystem.
India’s growing defence manufacturing base, backed by policy reforms and private sector participation, has positioned the country as an emerging defence production hub. Platforms like WDS enable Indian companies to connect with global buyers and partners.
India’s Expanding Role in Global Defence Manufacturing
Over the past decade, India has made significant progress in defence indigenisation, reducing import dependence and increasing domestic production. Government initiatives such as Defence Industrial Corridors, simplified procurement policies, and export incentives have boosted industry confidence.
India’s participation at World Defence Show 2026 aligns with its broader goal of becoming a reliable and competitive defence manufacturing partner globally, while contributing to regional and international security.