India and Saudi Arabia are increasingly focused on strengthening defense and strategic ties, with a significant emphasis on the possibility of joint manufacturing of military hardware. This move signals a deepening partnership built on mutual trust and a shared vision for enhanced security and defense capabilities.

Discussions surrounding joint manufacturing took place during the 7th meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC) in New Delhi on August 28, 2025. During this meeting, India showcased its growing defense manufacturing capabilities and presented advanced, Made-in-India equipment. Opportunities for the co-development of defense technologies were also explored.

The discussions in New Delhi covered a wide range of areas, including training, industrial partnerships, maritime cooperation, and military exercises. India has offered to provide training to the Saudi armed forces and has explored collaboration in domains such as cyberspace, information technology, disaster management, and tactical communication. Both delegations have reviewed training requirements and have agreed to deepen knowledge-sharing in emerging defense domains.

This potential collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to localize 50% of its defense spending, and India's "Make in India" initiative, promoting self-reliance and indigenous defense production. By working together, both countries aim to reduce their dependence on defense imports and boost local production.

In recent years, India and Saudi Arabia have steadily expanded their defense ties. This cooperation was further formalized with the creation of a Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation under the Strategic Partnership Council during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Saudi Arabia in April 2025.

The deepening defense cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia also includes joint military exercises. The inaugural Army exercise, "Sada Tanseeq," was held in Rajasthan in January 2024. In addition, the two navies have a bilateral exercise called "Al Mohed Al Hindi," which commenced in 2022. Saudi Arabia also participated as an observer in India's largest air exercise, "Tarang Shakti". Furthermore, the first Army-to-Army Staff Talks were held in New Delhi in April 2025, focusing on the Annual Defence Cooperation Plan, which includes Joint Exercise Sada Tanseeq, military training and education, and collaboration in operational logistics.

The naval cooperation between the two countries was further strengthened by the recent visit of Indian Naval Ships Tamal and Surat to Jeddah in August 2025. These ships participated in various activities, including meetings with the Western Fleet of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces.

India and Saudi Arabia's growing defense partnership reflects a high level of mutual trust and confidence. This collaboration has the potential to enhance strategic autonomy through joint ventures and cooperation in cutting-edge technologies like AI and cybersecurity.