India showcases indigenous defence technologies to friendly nations at VISV-2026
By Aroonim Bhuyan
New Delhi. India showcased its indigenous defence research, development and manufacturing capabilities to representatives of friendly countries at a major international defence engagement organised by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on October 30, as New Delhi sought to expand strategic partnerships beyond conventional buyer-seller relationships.
Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth inaugurated VISV-2026 (Vision, Innovation, Synergy, Values), organised jointly by the DRDO and the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. The event, themed ‘Showcasing Defence Capabilities, Strengthening Global Partnerships’, featured a seminar on ‘DRDO Defence Solutions for Partner Nations: From Technology to Strategic Partnerships’.
Addressing the gathering, Seth outlined the four guiding principles of the initiative, emphasising their relevance to India’s efforts to strengthen domestic defence capabilities and deepen international cooperation.
He said ‘Vision’ would help anticipate future defence requirements, ‘Innovation’ would translate research into practical technological solutions, ‘Synergy’ would facilitate collaboration among the Armed Forces, research institutions, industry and international partners, while ‘Values’ would provide the foundation of trust, mutual respect and responsibility in international engagements.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to developing a technologically advanced and self-reliant defence ecosystem as part of the national vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. He underlined the importance of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) initiative in expanding indigenous research, design, development and manufacturing capabilities, stating that technological self-reliance would also enable India to make greater contributions to defence partnerships with other countries.
Highlighting the importance of innovation in addressing emerging security challenges, Seth stressed the need to convert scientific research and technological advances into operationally effective defence solutions. He acknowledged the DRDO’s contribution to strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities and noted the growing role of Indian scientists, engineers and the domestic industry in developing advanced military technologies.
In a move aimed at facilitating international outreach, the minister also released a compendium of DRDO products translated into three foreign languages – Arabic, Spanish and French. The publication is intended to familiarise international partners with India’s indigenous defence systems and technologies and facilitate greater engagement with potential partner nations.
Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development, and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh highlighted the importance of bringing together technological expertise, industrial capabilities and institutional partnerships to enhance India’s defence preparedness and international engagement.
Secretary, Defence Production, Sanjeev Kumar highlighted the country’s expanding defence manufacturing base and the scope for developing deeper industrial partnerships with foreign countries. He emphasised the need to move beyond traditional procurement arrangements towards joint research and development, co-production and manufacturing collaborations.
He also said formal invitations were being extended at the highest level to international counterparts for Aero India 2027, scheduled to be held in Bengaluru. The biennial aerospace and defence exhibition will provide another opportunity for India to demonstrate its growing capabilities and explore avenues for international cooperation.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, meanwhile, highlighted the changing dimensions of defence diplomacy amid evolving geopolitical equations and rapid technological advancements. He underscored the importance of strategic autonomy, multi-alignment, mutual trust and cooperation in emerging technology domains in India’s engagement with international partners.
The programme also featured an interactive session on ‘Avenues for Joint Collaborations and Partnerships’, bringing together representatives of the Department of Defence Production, DRDO, CENJOWS, the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), the Indian defence industry and defence attachés.
The discussions focused on identifying potential areas of collaboration, understanding the specific requirements of partner countries and exploring opportunities in defence exports, technical exchanges, adaptation of indigenous products, joint development, co-production and industrial partnerships.
The initiative comes amid India’s efforts to expand its defence exports and establish itself as a partner in the development and production of military technologies, rather than remaining confined to the role of a defence equipment supplier.
VISV-2026 provided an international platform for friendly countries to gain a closer understanding of India’s indigenous defence research, development and manufacturing capabilities and interact directly with key stakeholders in the country’s defence establishment and industry.
The event was attended by defence attachés and representatives of foreign diplomatic missions from friendly countries, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, the three services, DRDO, SIDM, academia and the Indian defence industry.
The gathering reaffirmed India’s emphasis on combining indigenous technological development with international cooperation to build long-term, trusted and mutually beneficial defence partnerships.
