India and Saudi Arabia will further strengthen the defence cooperation in the long run by conducting their third joint naval exercise, Al Mohed Al Hindi. It follows defence engagements between the two nations increasing, including India’s first defence contract with Saudi Arabia to supply artillery ammunition.
In August 2021, the two countries carried out the Al-Mohed Al-Hindi naval exercise for the first time, and in May 2023, they held the second edition of the exercise. The steady expansion of military collaboration between New Delhi and Riyadh is now underway in preparations for the third iteration. The officials said this illustrated India’s rising potential as a defence partner for the Gulf Nation.
India’s breakthrough in the Saudi arms market also forms a part of the deepening defence ties between the two nations. In February 2024, Indian state Munitions India Limited (MIL) won its first ever defence contract with Saudi Arabia worth a total $225 million for the supply of artillery ammunition. In November of that year, another $80 million agreement for additional supplies was signed.
These deals are small in value, but, as many defence analysts point out, they are significant because they represent India entering the world’s largest military equipment market. The collaboration reflects Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the initiative to localize 50 % of the defence procurement. It also aligns with India’s Make in India program, which encourages and supports sports original defence manufacturing and exports.
According to the official, “Saudi Arabia is diversifying its defence suppliers and it is a big country with good relations with Western defence firms. It is making sense to tap into India. The exercise, to be held on the seas, as well as the rising defence trade, are ushering in a new era of strategic cooperation between the two countries.”
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