India and Saudi Arabia Bolster Defense Ties at World Defence Show 2024
Riyadh witnessed a significant stride in defense relations between India and Saudi Arabia as Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt led the Indian delegation to the World Defence Show (WDS) 2024, which started on February 4 and will run until February 8. The event, held in Riyadh, is a global platform that showcases the latest in defense technology and fosters international collaboration among participating entities.
During his visit, Shri Ajay Bhatt engaged in pivotal discussions aimed at deepening the defense cooperation between the two countries. Notably, on February 6, he met with Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, discussing various facets of bilateral defense collaboration. Further talks with Dr. Khaled Al-Bayari, Assistant Minister of Defence of Saudi Arabia, revolved around strengthening ties through joint training exercises, technology transfer, and expertise exchange, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the existing partnership.
A key meeting with Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, Governor of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), highlighted discussions on future collaborations in defense production, Research & Development, and niche technologies. Shri Ajay Bhatt’s visit to the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) pavilion emphasized the keen interest in fostering closer ties in defense manufacturing and innovation.
Also Read: Rare Phone Call: Saudi and Iran Discuss Israel-Hamas War
The interactions between Indian and Saudi officials underscored a mutual understanding of the evolving security dynamics and a shared commitment to bolster defense cooperation across various sectors. This collaborative spirit is seen as pivotal in contributing to regional stability and global security. Shri Ajay Bhatt expressed optimism that the defense partnership between India and Saudi Arabia would continue to flourish, reinforcing the mutual benefits of a robust alliance.
The Raksha Rajya Mantri also took the opportunity to engage with Indian defense companies present at the WDS 2024, lauding their innovative technologies and solutions. The participation of these companies is pivotal in expanding India’s defense industry footprint and fostering lasting partnerships that align with both countries’ defense industry aspirations.
A notable highlight of the visit was the signing of an MoU between Munitions India Limited and its Saudi partner, alongside Shri Ajay Bhatt’s attendance at a business networking event with prominent Indian and Saudi business figures. These engagements serve to further solidify economic and defense ties between the two nations.
India’s self-reliance initiative ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and Saudi Arabia’s ‘Vision 2030’ share common goals of technological advancement and capability enhancement. The discussions during the World Defence Show have opened new avenues for cooperation, particularly in co-development and joint production of defense technologies.
Shri Ajay Bhatt’s visit to Riyadh for WDS 2024 has not only reinforced the strong bilateral ties between India and Saudi Arabia but also set the stage for an expanded and mutually beneficial defense collaboration. This partnership, rooted in shared strategic interests and commitment to regional peace, marks a significant milestone in the defense relations between the two countries, promising a safer and more secure future.