Chaitali Bag
The pulse of India’s defence ambitions reverberated powerfully on the second day of Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth’s visit to Dubai on November 18, 2025. Chairing a high-energy Industry Roundtable on the theme “Defence Technology Collaboration and Manufacturing in India,” Shri Seth transformed the event into a vibrant showcase of India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities, its thriving innovation ecosystem, and its invitation to the world: Come, collaborate, and co-create the future of defence in India.
The roundtable, attended by 50 distinguished participants from global and Indian defence industries, served as a confluence of expertise, ideas, and ambitions. Representatives hailed from across the globe—the UAE, United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Italy, and, of course, India—reflecting the truly international character of this dialogue. Also present were the Ambassador of India to the UAE, Shri Deepak Mittal, and Joint Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Amit Satija, both of whom underscored India’s diplomatic and policy commitment to deepening industrial partnerships.
From the outset, the Raksha Rajya Mantri’s address set an enthusiastic tone. He spoke proudly of India’s steady transformation from a defence importer to a defence innovation hub and manufacturing powerhouse. Within just a decade, India’s defence industrial base has expanded dramatically— from a handful of public sector units to nearly 200 manufacturing companies today. Even more impressive is the explosion of innovation in the private sector. Where there were fewer than 80 defence startups in the defence ecosystem a few years ago, India now boasts more than 1,600 defence startups and MSMEs. Many of these young enterprises, nurtured under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) programme, have already developed prototypes that have secured both domestic and export orders worth over ₹3,200 crore. These figures are not just statistics—they are the heartbeat of a nation determined to redefine its role in global defence manufacturing.
Throughout the roundtable, Shri Seth passionately encouraged industry participants to explore opportunities for joint ventures and collaborative research. His message was clear and compelling: India offers fertile ground for co-development, co-production, and technology-sharing ventures. The advantages are compelling— a strong policy framework, a rapidly expanding defence infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and a government that is actively promoting Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) while remaining open and eager for international partnerships. In essence, the Minister invited the world to be part of India’s success story— one where innovation meets collaboration and ambition meets action.
The roundtable unfolded as a dynamic platform for open dialogue, building upon earlier engagements, such as those conducted at IDEX 2025. Participants discussed ongoing projects, addressed operational challenges, and identified areas where policy and procedural interventions could streamline production and development processes. The emphasis was on synergy— strengthening joint defence production capacities, fostering technology transfer, and advancing interoperability between industries from different nations.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the session was the recognition given to startups and emerging tech innovators. Institutions like DRDO and DPSUs shared the spotlight with fresh, agile enterprises developing cutting-edge technologies across land, naval, air, and cyber domains. Raksha Rajya Mantri encouraged the delegates to visit Indian exhibits at the Dubai Airshow—particularly the Indian Pavilion, which was a spectacular tableau of India’s capabilities. Spread across exhibits from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), DRDO, Corel Technologies, Dantal Hydraulics, Image Synergy Ekxplor, and SFO Technologies, the Pavilion was a testament to India’s engineering genius and design ingenuity. Visitors experienced firsthand the sophisticated systems and futuristic equipment that define India’s defence ambitions.
Adding to the excitement, the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team and the indigenously developed LCA Tejas fighter jet took to the skies, captivating audiences with breathtaking displays of precision and power. These performances went beyond aerial artistry— they were visual testaments to India’s technological mastery, its commitment to indigenous capability, and its readiness to share knowledge and collaborate internationally.
On the first day of his visit, Shri Sanjay Seth also held a bilateral meeting with his UAE counterpart, Mr. Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, on the sidelines of the Airshow. Their discussions highlighted the robust relationship between India and the UAE, with both sides emphasizing institutional cooperation, training linkages, and joint research opportunities. The bilateral meeting laid the groundwork for deeper strategic engagement across the defence spectrum, reinforcing the mutual trust that has become a hallmark of India-UAE relations.
Beyond industry corridors and airshow glamour, the Raksha Rajya Mantri also took time to engage with the vibrant Indian community in the UAE. His interaction was a heartfelt moment— a celebration of the diaspora’s role as ambassadors of India’s culture, enterprise, and excellence. Shri Seth lauded their contributions in strengthening the bridge between India and the host nation, describing them as “the living embodiment of India’s spirit abroad.”
As the roundtable drew to a close, the atmosphere was one of inspiration and forward momentum. Participants walked away with a profound sense of purpose— that collaboration with India is not just an opportunity but a strategic imperative for the collective advancement of global defence innovation. The message resonated deeply: India is not merely participating in the global defence conversation—it is helping to define it.
In summation, the Industry Roundtable, chaired by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth during his Dubai visit, exemplified the vibrant synergy of vision and action that defines India’s modern defence outreach. The event built bridges between continents, between traditional manufacturers and startups, and between policy and practical innovation. With its rising technological prowess, comprehensive industrial ecosystem, and unwavering commitment to global cooperation, India stands poised to become not just a hub of defence manufacturing but a partner in shaping the future of international security.
The Dubai Airshow 2025 thus became more than an exhibition; it became a stage on which India’s defence aspirations took flight—guided by vision, powered by innovation, and inspired by collaboration. Under the leadership of Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, India sent a resounding message to the world: The future of defence is collaborative, and that future is being built in India.
