Bhatt explores collaboration in defence production at Riyadh show
Pune-based Munitions India Ltd (MIL) has signed a US$225 million contract to supply artillery ammunition to Saudi Arabia at the World Defence Show (WDS) 2024 in Riyadh.
The contract was signed with partner Nadrah Company of Saudi Arabia on 6 Feb in the presence of Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt, MIL CMD Ravi Kant, and Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, Governor of the General Authority of Military Industries, Saudi Arabia.
The deal will add around Rs.400 crore worth of export orders to MIL which is supplying ammunitions just to the Middle Eastern countries.
Bhatt also held a meeting with Defence Minister of Saudi Arabia Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud on the sidelines of the WDS to discuss various aspects of the bilateral defence cooperation.
“Ajay Bhatt also held talks with the Assistant Minister of Defence of Saudi Arabia Dr Khaled Al-Bayari, with whom he discussed ways to further strengthen the long-standing and multi-faceted defence cooperation between the two countries,” the Ministry of Defence said on 7 Feb.
The discussions centred around exploring avenues for collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including increasing the scope of joint training exercises, technology transfer and exchange of expertise.
The Minister also held a meeting with the Governor of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Ohali to discuss the way ahead towards collaborating in varied areas of defence production, Research & Development, and niche technologies, the Ministry informed.
Both sides in all discussions shared a deep understanding of the evolving security landscape and resolved to increase bilateral defence cooperation in multifarious sectors while also recognising the mutual benefits of a strong partnership in safeguarding regional security.
Bhatt expressed confidence that the India-Saudi Arabia partnership will continue to grow from strength to strength, contributing significantly to regional stability and global security.
The Minister also interacted with the representatives of Indian defence companies participating in the Defence Show and congratulated them for their impressive cutting-edge technologies & innovative solutions.
“The participation by Indian defence companies will not only contribute towards an increase in footprint but further develop the defence industry in both countries by forming lasting partnerships,” said the Ministry. Fiinews.com
