The India-Saudi Defence Industry Seminar 2024, held on 28th November in Riyadh, was jointly organized by the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), the Indian Ministry of Defence, the Saudi Ministry of Defence, the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), and the Embassy of India in Riyadh.
The seminar focused on key areas like Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and Ammunition. It featured 22 Indian companies, showcasing cutting-edge defence technologies. Networking sessions enabled meaningful engagements, fostering collaborations between Indian and Saudi stakeholders.
The event demonstrated the growing impact of India’s defence expertise on international collaborations and further strengthened ties with Saudi Arabia, Indian media reported.
The event highlighted India’s growing defense manufacturing capabilities and its commitment to fostering international defense collaborations under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative, Indian Defence Research Wing (IDR) reported.
The program, facilitated by the Indian Embassy, is part of a broader initiative to bolster defense cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia. It reflects the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations, which extends beyond trade and energy into defense and security.
Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s largest defense markets, has been keen on diversifying its suppliers and fostering industrial collaborations as part of its Vision 2030 initiative. The presentation by Indian companies aligns with Saudi Arabia’s goals of strengthening local defense manufacturing while exploring advanced, cost-effective, and reliable solutions from global partners.
India’s defense exports have been growing steadily, reaching new markets worldwide. Engaging with Saudi Arabia provides a significant opportunity for Indian private defense companies to tap into the Middle Eastern defense market, known for its robust investment in advanced military technologies.
The showcased systems, particularly UAVs and loitering munitions, are areas where Indian companies have demonstrated rapid development and innovation. Their cost-effectiveness and adaptability to various operational scenarios make them attractive options for nations looking to enhance their defense capabilities without relying solely on traditional suppliers.
This initiative is a step toward deeper military and industrial cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia. Beyond product offerings, the program opened avenues for potential joint ventures, technology transfers, and collaborative R&D projects.
Since its inception in 2017, the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) has evolved into India’s premier and sole defence industry association, serving as an advocate, catalyst, and facilitator for the defence sector’s growth and capability building. The Society represents the entire spectrum of Defence and Aerospace manufacturers in India, spanning both the public and private sectors. Its membership includes large companies, MSMEs, start-ups, FOEMs, and academic institutions, with representation across all states and regions of the country.
SIDM maintains robust engagement with the Ministry of Defence, Indian Armed Forces and other stakeholders, consistently addressing industry concerns to improve the ease of doing business. Through strategic MoUs with the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, SIDM provides a vital platform for industry-military collaboration, enabling manufacturers to meet the evolving requirements of the Indian Armed Forces.
In pursuit of global excellence, SIDM has expanded its international footprint by establishing partnerships with leading defence industry associations worldwide. These include collaborations with ISIC (Japan), GIFAS (France), KDIA (Republic of Korea), NDIA (USA), SOFF (Sweden), AIDN (Australia), ABIMDE (Brazil), UKIBC (UK), BDSV (Germany), TEDAE (Spain), and EDCC & EDGE (UAE), creating robust channels for bilateral trade and technological cooperation. (IDR; SIDM; Photo © X)
