Wed Dec 25 16:13:58 UTC 2024: ## India and Saudi Arabia Deepen Defence Ties, Explore Joint Ventures
**NEW DELHI, December 25, 2024** – India and Saudi Arabia are significantly expanding their defence cooperation, with a focus on joint ventures and technology sharing, according to Indian envoy to Riyadh, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan. Speaking at a recent defence industry seminar, Dr. Khan emphasized Saudi Arabia’s position as a top ally and highlighted the alignment between Saudi Vision 2030’s defence localization goals and India’s Make in India initiative.
This burgeoning partnership is evidenced by a $250 million ammunition contract earlier this year and the strong interest shown by Saudi defence companies in collaborations across shipbuilding, electronics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Both nations, traditionally major importers of defence hardware, are now prioritizing localization, with India sharing its domestically developed technologies with its close ally.
Dr. Khan advocated for an “invest, trade, localize” model, citing a successful example of a Saudi firm investing in an Indian basmati rice brand, then importing it, and finally establishing local production in Saudi Arabia. This approach mirrors Saudi Vision 2030’s aim to localize 50% of its defence spending, a goal India is ready to support through partnerships.
The strengthened relationship is underscored by recent high-level visits and joint military exercises, including the inaugural Army exercise ‘Sada Tanseeq’ and participation in the air exercise ‘Tarang Shakti’. Further, reports indicate Saudi Arabia’s procurement of the 155mm ATAGS artillery system from Bharat Forge.
Indian defence companies, both public and private, attended the seminar and have been invited to further discussions on specific projects, including joint ventures in naval and aerospace technologies. This significant expansion of defence cooperation marks a new phase in the already strong bilateral relationship between India and Saudi Arabia.
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