Indian Defense Minister Ajay Bhatt has expressed India's interest in collaborating with Saudi Arabia on joint defense projects and technology transfers.
Bhatt highlighted the importance of this bilateral defense partnership in the overall strategic relationship between the two countries, stating that it is progressing steadily as part of their defense cooperation efforts.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Bhatt said: “By combining India's 'Make in India' initiative and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, we can work together to create joint projects and technology transfer agreements for defense equipment manufacturing.”
“Both nations are also collaborating on new defense technologies,” revealed the minister.
Bhatt, who is heading an Indian delegation to the World Defense Show 2024 in Riyadh, highlighted the cooperation between Indian and Saudi armed forces through the Joint Committee for Defense Cooperation (JCDC).
“Last year, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited India, marking significant improvement in relations,” said the minister.
Bhatt also noted collaboration in new defense technologies between India and Saudi Arabia. He mentioned a recent seminar organized by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, supported by Saudi agencies.
While the Strategic Partnership Council between India and Saudi Arabia aims for long-term cooperation, Bhatt emphasized a growing partnership in defense.
He anticipated continued collaboration, especially in research and development for advanced defense technologies like ammunition, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
Bhatt acknowledged India’s efforts to strengthen domestic defense production and Saudi Arabia’s focus on localizing industries.
At the World Defense Show, Bhatt had productive meetings with Saudi officials, expressing gratitude for their hospitality. He highlighted the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Munitions India Limited and its local partner.
The minister highlighted that the defense deals signed reflect the ongoing collaboration between Indian and Saudi companies in defense.
Bhatt noted that his visit to the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) booth at the defense exhibition in Riyadh was fruitful for future cooperation.
Defense Industry Insights
“In line with our strengthening bilateral ties, Indian firms are keen to showcase their defense products in the Saudi market,” remarked Bhatt.
“With trust between us, the Indian government fully backs these efforts. At the World Defense Show, many Indian companies are participating, accessing Saudi Arabia's defense market.”
“During my visit, I saw top-notch Indian products drawing interest. This platform will boost Indian companies’ visibility,” added the minister.
He stressed that the World Defense Show offers ample opportunities for cooperation, including technology transfer and research.
Collaborative Programs
Bhatt mentioned ongoing joint ground forces exercises in India and regular naval exchanges. He highlighted the importance of reciprocal visits in strengthening ties and exploring new cooperation avenues, citing recent high-level exchanges between Indian and Saudi military leaders.
“In early January 2024, Saudi Navy Commander Admiral Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Ghafili visited India for four days. He interacted with top Indian military leaders and government officials,” mentioned Bhatt.
He noted that the visit positively impacted the Saudi Navy Commander’s engagement with Indian defense firms. He got hands-on experience with Indian training institutes in Kochi and visited the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
“We also have substantial cooperation in medical fields between our armed forces through specialized exchanges,” added Bhatt.
“We aim to keep up this momentum in bilateral defense ties, exploring new avenues in the future,” he affirmed.
Security in the Red Sea Navigation
Speaking about threats in the Red Sea, Bhatt said: “India stands for freedom of navigation in the Red Sea but is concerned about attacks on commercial ships, which disrupt trade and endanger sailors’ lives.”
“India closely watches developments there and has naval ships in the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea, actively supporting commercial vessels and crew,” he added.
