The VISV-2026 inauguration at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi on Friday came with a practical step for India's defence outreach, as Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth released a compendium of DRDO products in Arabic, Spanish and French.

The foreign-language compendium is meant to build awareness of Indian defence solutions among international partners and support engagement with partner nations, according to the Ministry of Defence.

VISV-2026, short for Vision, Innovation, Synergy and Values, was organised by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS). Its theme was Showcasing Defence Capabilities, Strengthening Global Partnerships. The day carried a seminar titled DRDO Defence Solutions for Partner Nations: From Technology to Strategic Partnerships, and the programme announced ahead of the event listed DRDO sessions on aeronautical, land and naval systems, sensors, missiles, microelectronics and soldier support systems.

Sanjay Seth links self-reliance to Viksit Bharat at VISV-2026 inauguration

Addressing the gathering, the Minister of State for Defence described the four pillars of VISV as the guiding principles for building India's defence capabilities and widening international cooperation.

Vision, he said, gives direction for anticipating future defence requirements. Innovation turns research into effective technologies and solutions. Synergy brings the Armed Forces, research institutions, industry and international partners together. Values anchor that cooperation in trust, mutual respect and responsibility.

He reiterated India's commitment to a technologically advanced and self-reliant defence ecosystem as part of the journey towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the minister noted, is strengthening indigenous research, design, development and manufacturing capabilities. Technological self-reliance, in his assessment, will allow India to contribute more meaningfully to international partnerships.

Minister credits DRDO scientists, engineers and industry

On innovation, Seth called for research and technological advances to be translated into effective solutions for emerging defence challenges. He acknowledged DRDO's contribution to India's indigenous defence capabilities and the growing role of Indian scientists, engineers and industry in developing advanced defence technologies. DRDO's domestic industry outreach was last on show at the VIMARSH Industry Synergy Meet in September.

Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vikram Misri set out the partnership case

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, who is also Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman DRDO, spoke on integrating technological capability, industrial capacity and institutional partnerships to strengthen India's defence preparedness and global engagement.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed the changing nature of defence diplomacy in an evolving geopolitical and technological environment. He emphasised strategic autonomy, multi-alignment, trust and cooperation in emerging technology domains.

Aero India 2027 invitations go out to foreign counterparts

Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar said high-level formal invitations are being extended to international counterparts for Aero India 2027 in Bengaluru. The 16th edition of the air show is scheduled at Air Force Station Yelahanka from February 8 to 12, 2027.

The Defence Production Secretary also pointed to India's expanding defence manufacturing capabilities, and to the opportunity of moving beyond conventional buyer-seller relationships towards joint development, co-production and manufacturing partnerships.

Defence Attaches and industry discuss exports and co-production

The VISV-2026 inauguration drew Defence Attaches and representatives of foreign diplomatic missions from friendly countries, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of External Affairs, HQ IDS, the Armed Forces, DRDO, the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), academia and Indian industry. The Manekshaw Centre had hosted 65 defence attaches from 50 countries earlier this month at the Army's Foreign Service Attaches Briefing.

An interactive discussion on Avenues for Joint Collaborations and Partnerships followed.

The Department of Defence Production, DRDO, CENJOWS, SIDM, Indian industry and the attaches exchanged views on partner-country requirements and explored opportunities in defence exports, technical exchanges, product adaptation, co-development, co-production and industrial collaboration, the ministry said.