On February 8 and 9, 2026, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth will lead a prominent Indian delegation to Saudi Arabia for the third edition of the World Defence Show (WDS). This event is set to attract over 700 exhibitors and around 400 official delegations from various countries.
The Indian team will include senior officials from the Department of Defence Production and members of the Indian Armed Forces. A key highlight of India’s participation is the launch of the first dedicated India Pavilion, covering 400 square meters. This pavilion aims to showcase India’s growing capabilities in defence manufacturing and technology.
Prominent public sector companies participating in the pavilion include Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), among others. They will present a variety of defence products, such as tanks, missiles, and radar systems.
Alongside the exhibition, Seth intends to meet with his Saudi counterpart, focusing on strengthening defence cooperation and industrial partnerships. This event is significant for both countries as they look to enhance collaboration in the defence sector. According to recent statistics from the Global Defence Industry Report, the global defence market is expected to grow to $2 trillion by 2027, indicating increasing opportunities for international partnerships.
Historically, Saudi Arabia has become a hub for defence exhibitions since the first WDS in 2020, which aimed to diversify its economy. As both India and Saudi Arabia seek to expand their defence industries, events like this play a crucial role in facilitating dialogue and collaboration.
In recent discussions on social media, many experts and analysts have highlighted the importance of such exhibitions in shaping future defence strategies and fostering innovation. Enhancing ties at forums like WDS can lead to enhanced security and technological advancements for both nations.
The World Defence Show continues to be a vital platform for Nations to bolster their defence capabilities and explore business opportunities within the industry.Learn more here.
