Collaboration in defence between India and Saudi Arabia is reaching new heights as both nations explore joint ventures and partnerships across critical sectors like shipbuilding, electronics, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity.
The deepening ties were highlighted during a recent defence industry seminar in Riyadh, where Indian envoy Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan emphasized Saudi Arabia’s priority status as one of India’s closest allies. The event underscored the growing importance of defence-industrial cooperation in the broader strategic partnership between the two nations.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to localize 50% of its defence spending, aligns seamlessly with India’s “Make in India” initiative, focused on fostering indigenous production. Dr. Khan highlighted the numerous investment opportunities available in India’s defence sector, citing successful collaborations like the $250 million ammunition contract signed earlier this year with Munitions India Limited, a Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU).
“Defence cooperation between our nations is built on a solid foundation of mutual trust and confidence,” Dr. Khan said. “We are eager to share localized defence products and technologies with close allies like Saudi Arabia. These partnerships have the potential to transform defence production in both countries.”
Saudi defence companies have shown a keen interest in partnering with Indian firms in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, shipbuilding, and advanced electronics. Officials noted that these discussions reflect Saudi Arabia’s strategic ambition to transition from a defence consumer to a producer under Vision 2030.
The seminar brought together key players from India’s public and private defence sectors. The talks have set the stage for joint ventures in advanced naval and aerospace technologies, with Indian firms invited to take these conversations forward.
India and Saudi Arabia, historically among the largest importers of defence hardware, are now prioritizing local production. Dr. Khan acknowledged the challenges involved in indigenization but expressed optimism about the progress made so far.
“Indigenization is painstakingly slow, but we’ve reached a stage where we have significant localized inventory. These technologies are shared only with trusted allies, and Saudi Arabia tops that list,” he remarked.
The bilateral defence relationship has flourished in recent years, becoming a cornerstone of India-Saudi ties. High-level visits and regular military exercises underscore the growing trust and cooperation between the two nations.
Several notable events have marked the progress in India-Saudi defence cooperation:
- The inaugural Army exercise ‘Sada Tanseeq’ was held in January at Mahajan ranges in Rajasthan.
- Saudi Arabia was one of 18 observer countries in the Indian Air Force’s ‘Tarang Shakti’ exercise in August.
- The two navies continue to build on their bilateral exercise ‘Al Mohed Al Hindi,’ launched in 2022.
Saudi Arabia’s procurement of India’s 155mm Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) and other military equipment demonstrates the trust placed in Indian defence capabilities.
Dr. Khan urged Saudi companies to embrace the mantra of ‘invest, trade, localize,’ citing examples of successful collaborations in other industries, such as a Saudi firm’s investment in an Indian basmati rice brand.
“This model fits perfectly into Saudi Vision 2030. By investing in India’s robust defence ecosystem, Saudi companies can bring technology back home, trade in these innovations, and localize production to build a sustainable defence industry,” he said.
Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt’s visit to Riyadh in February further reinforced this collaborative spirit. His discussions at the World Defence Show (WDS) centered on joint training exercises, technology transfer, and expertise sharing, paving the way for future collaborations.
India and Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning defence partnership reflects their broader strategic relationship, encompassing trade, energy, and cultural exchanges. The rapid progress in defence cooperation showcases the commitment of both nations to mutual growth and security.
As Saudi Arabia works to localize its defence spending and India continues its indigenization journey, the convergence of Vision 2030 and Make in India creates unparalleled opportunities. With trust and confidence as their foundation, India and Saudi Arabia are poised to redefine defence collaboration in the 21st century.
This partnership not only strengthens bilateral ties but also positions both nations as global leaders in defence innovation and technology.
