VISV-2026 inaugurated to enhance federal defence capability and global partnerships

Minister of State for Defence Shri Sanjay Seth inaugurated VISV-2026 (VISV-2026) at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, on 30 October 2026. This event was organized by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS). VISV-2026 stands for Vision, Innovation, Synergy and Values. The main theme of this event was kept as "Showcasing Defence Capabilities, Strengthening Global Partnerships".

According to a PIB Delhi report, the main objective of this event is to showcase the country's indigenous defence technology capabilities and further strengthen relations with friendly partner countries. Through this platform, international partners will be familiarized with India's progress in defence research, development and production. Along with this, an effort has been made to bring together representatives of defence institutions, industry, academia and the diplomatic community to explore new avenues for technology-based collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Speaking at the inauguration, Sanjay Seth described the four pillars of VISV - Vision, Innovation, Synergy and Values - as guiding principles for strengthening India's defence capabilities and expanding international cooperation. He explained that Vision paves the way for anticipating future defence needs, while Innovation translates research into effective technologies and solutions. Synergy brings together armed forces, research institutions, industry and international partners, and Values strengthens trust, mutual respect and responsibility in cooperation.

The Minister emphasized the country's commitment to building a technologically advanced and self-reliant defence ecosystem during India's journey towards the goal of 'Viksit Bharat@2047'. He highlighted the role of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' in strengthening indigenous research, design, development and manufacturing capabilities, and stated that technological self-reliance will enable India to make a more meaningful contribution to international partnerships. He also spoke on the importance of turning research and technological advancements into effective solutions to address emerging defence challenges.

To create greater awareness among international collaborators about India's defence solutions and to facilitate engagement with partner countries, Shri Sanjay Seth also released a Foreign Language Compendium of DRDO products in Arabic, Spanish and French languages. A seminar on the topic "DRDO Defence Solutions for Partner Countries: From Technology to Strategic Partnership" was also held during the event.

The technical sessions covered various capabilities of DRDO, including aeronautical systems, land and naval military systems, sensing and communication, missile systems, microelectronics, computational solutions and soldier support systems. In addition, a panel discussion focused on joint collaboration, capacity building and mutually beneficial partnership opportunities between India and friendly countries.

Defence Secretary and Chairman of DRDO Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh emphasized the importance of integration of technological capability and institutional partnership to strengthen India's defence preparedness and global engagement. Department of Defence Production Secretary Shri Sanjeev Kumar stated that India is moving beyond traditional 'buyer-seller' relations towards joint development, co-production and manufacturing partnerships. He further added that high-level invitations are being sent to international counterparts for 'Aero India 2027' to be held in Bengaluru.

Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri emphasized the changing nature of defence diplomacy in the changing geopolitical and technological environment, which includes issues such as strategic autonomy, multi-alignment and trust. An interactive discussion on the topic "Joint Collaboration and Partnership Opportunities" also took place at the event, with representatives from the Department of Defence Production, DRDO, SIDM, Indian industry and defence attachés participating. This platform provided an opportunity to explore areas such as defence exports, technical exchange, product adaptation and co-development.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, HQ IDS, armed forces, DRDO, Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), academia and the Indian defence industry, as well as defence attachés of friendly countries and representatives of foreign diplomatic missions, attended the event. Through VISV-2026, DRDO is making efforts to advance technological self-reliance and strengthen international defence partnerships.