Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, will lead an Indian delegation to the Dubai Air Show 2025, scheduled to take place from November 17-18 in the United Arab Emirates. The Ministry of Defence made this announcement in an official statement, highlighting the significance of the event for enhancing defence cooperation and showcasing India’s aerospace capabilities.
The Indian delegation comprises senior officers from the Department of Defence, the Department of Defence Production, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Armed Forces. This diverse representation underscores the comprehensive approach India is taking to engage with global defence partners.
A key highlight of the visit will be a bilateral meeting between MoS Sanjay Seth and his UAE counterpart on the sidelines of the Air Show. This meeting is expected to strengthen the defence ties between the two nations and explore new avenues for collaboration.
In addition to the bilateral meeting, MoS Sanjay Seth will chair an industry round table involving around 50 companies from India, the UAE, Australia, the USA, Brazil, the UK, and Italy. The round table aims to enhance cooperation in defence technology and manufacturing in India, fostering a collaborative environment for innovation and development.
MoS Sanjay Seth will also inaugurate the India Pavilion at the Dubai Air Show. The Pavilion will feature stalls from prominent Indian defence entities such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Corel Technologies, Dantal Hydraulics, Image Synergy Ekxplor, and SFO Technologies. This platform will provide these organisations with an opportunity to showcase their latest advancements and capabilities to a global audience.
Beyond the India Pavilion, 19 Indian industries, including Bharat Forge, BrahMos, Tech Mahindra, and HBL Engineering, will independently showcase their capabilities. Additionally, 15 Indian startups will exhibit their innovative products and solutions, highlighting the vibrant and dynamic nature of India’s defence industry.
The Indian Air Force will participate in the Air Show with the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team and the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team, formed in 1996, is renowned for its precision and skill, being one of the few nine-aircraft aerobatics teams in the world and the only one in Asia. The team has performed over 500 displays in India and abroad, showcasing the professionalism of the Indian Air Force.
The Dubai Air Show is a biennial event that attracts over 1,500 exhibitors and 148,000 industry professionals from 150 countries. Major international aerospace companies such as Bombardier, Dassault Aviation, Embraer, Thales, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Calidus will also participate, making it a premier platform for global defence and aerospace collaboration.
The Indian Air Force contingent, including the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team and Tejas fighters, has already landed at Al Maktoum Airbase for the Dubai Air Show. Their participation is expected to draw significant attention and admiration, reflecting India’s growing prowess in aerospace technology and defence manufacturing.
As the Dubai Air Show 2025 approaches, the Indian delegation’s participation underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening defence ties, fostering technological innovation, and showcasing its capabilities on a global stage. This event presents a unique opportunity for India to engage with international partners, explore new collaborations, and reinforce its position as a key player in the global defence sector.