Minister Ajay Bhatt attends 'World Defence Show 2024' visit to Riyadh

Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt is on a visit to Riyadh as the head of the Indian delegation for the World Defence Show (WDS) 2024. This five-day WDS is being organized in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 4 to 8 February 2024.

A platform for international defence cooperation:

• Show highlights defence tech advancements, fosters global collaboration among companies.

Minister Bhatt's meeting with Defence Minister of Saudi Arabia:

• Minister Ajay Bhatt held a meeting with Saudi Arabia's Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. During this, various aspects of bilateral defence cooperation were discussed.
• Bhatt also spoke to Dr. Khaled Al-Bayari, Assistant Defence Minister of Saudi Arabia. Bhatt and Al-Bayari explored how to enhance bilateral defense cooperation. The discussions between the two sides focused on the following issues:
  • Joint Training Exercise
  • Technology Transfer
  • To explore avenues of cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including enhancing the scope of exchange of expertise.

Meeting with Defense Minister of Saudi Arabia:

• Bhatt held a meeting with Ahmed Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, Governor of Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI).
• They discussed ways to move forward in cooperation in various areas of defence production, research and development besides specific technologies.
• Ajay Bhatt also visited the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) pavilion on the occasion of WDS 2024.
• Both sides shared a mutual deep understanding of the evolving security scenario. Also resolved to increase bilateral defence cooperation in various areas by recognizing the mutual benefits of a strong partnership in the field of regional security.
• Bhatt expressed confidence that the India-Saudi Arabia partnership will continue to grow from strength to strength and contribute to regional stability and global security.
• Bhatt also witnessed the signing of an MoU between Munitions India Limited and its partner at a separate event on the sidelines of the WDS.
• He also participated in a business networking event in Saudi Arabia with prominent Indian and Saudi business personalities.

Emphasis of both countries on indigenous capabilities:

• India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and Saudi Arabia's 'Vision 2030' are national programmes that can be mutually beneficial for both sides.
• Both these initiatives give priority to technological progress, indigenous capabilities and knowledge sharing.

About Saudi Arabia:

• This dry, sparsely populated state in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is ruled by the Saud family, which formed an alliance with the strict and conservative Wahhabi Islamic movement in the 18th century.
• Hejaz is located in the western highlands of Saudi Arabia, along the Red Sea. It is the birthplace of Islam and the site of that religion's holiest cities, Mecca and Medina.
• Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the Crown Prince, is the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, acting on behalf of his elderly father King Salman.
• Capital: Riyadh
• Currency: Saudi Riyal
• Prime Minister: Mohammed bin Salman