India’s defence exports have crossed Rs 23,000 crore, nearly $3 billion, and continue to grow steadily. With global demand for reliable and cost-effective military equipment rising, New Delhi is now turning its focus toward West Asia, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a strategic market. As part of this push, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth is arriving in Riyadh along with representatives from around 30 Indian defence manufacturing companies drawn from both the public and private sectors.
The visit is aimed at showcasing India’s expanding defence manufacturing capabilities at a major defence exhibition in Saudi Arabia. The event provides Indian firms an opportunity to present their products directly to international buyers and build long-term partnerships in a highly competitive global arms market.
Expanding India’s Defence Export Footprint
India has already made a mark in defence exports with the sale of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system to the Philippines. This deal marked a significant milestone, establishing India as a credible exporter of advanced missile technology. In addition, discussions are ongoing for potential BrahMos exports to Vietnam and Indonesia. Much of the groundwork for these deals has been completed, though final approvals, including clearances linked to the missile’s Indo-Russian co-production structure, are still awaited.
Beyond missiles, India is actively promoting other indigenous defence platforms. The Akash air defence system is among the key products being positioned for export, reflecting India’s broader ambition to diversify its defence export portfolio beyond a few flagship systems.
Saudi Arabia: A Challenging but Strategic Market
Saudi Arabia has traditionally sourced a large portion of its defence equipment from the United States and recently announced fresh defence-related agreements with Washington. This makes Riyadh a challenging market for new entrants. However, defence exhibitions offer a valuable platform for engagement with a wide range of regional and international buyers, not limited to the host country alone.
For Indian manufacturers, such events allow direct interaction with military officials, procurement agencies, and industry partners from multiple countries. These engagements are seen as critical for building trust, understanding operational requirements, and positioning Indian products as viable alternatives in the global market.
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Role of Public Sector and Private Industry
Among the Indian participants is Munitions India Limited, which manufactures a range of ammunition, including 155 mm artillery shells. These shells are widely used, as 155 mm artillery guns are standard across many armed forces worldwide. This compatibility gives Indian ammunition manufacturers a practical advantage in export markets where interoperability is a key consideration.
The delegation also includes private sector players such as Bharat Forge, reflecting the growing role of Indian private industry in defence manufacturing. The combined presence of public sector units and private companies highlights India’s evolving defence ecosystem, which now emphasizes scale, quality, and competitiveness alongside self-reliance.
Defence Cooperation Anchored in Strong Bilateral Ties
Indo-Saudi defence relations continue to deepen alongside broader strategic and economic engagement. Saudi Arabia’s Chief of General Staff, Air Chief Marshal Fayyadh al Ruwaili, visited India recently, underlining the importance both sides attach to military-to-military dialogue. Further high-level interactions, including possible naval engagements, are also expected to strengthen institutional ties.
At the political level, relations between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud have remained strong since their first meeting in Argentina several years ago. This personal rapport has supported closer cooperation across sectors, including defence, trade, and investment.
Beyond Defence: Trade and Investment Opportunities
Defence exports form part of a wider economic engagement between India and Saudi Arabia. Indian investments in the Kingdom are increasing, while trade opportunities continue to expand across energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and services. The defence exhibition in Riyadh is therefore not just about weapons sales, but also about positioning India as a long-term strategic and industrial partner.
As India looks to sustain and expand its defence export growth, engagement with markets like Saudi Arabia signals a clear intent to play a larger role in the global defence industry, backed by indigenous manufacturing and steady diplomatic outreach.
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