India’s Biggest Defence Pavilion Yet Steals the Spotlight at DSA & NSA 2026

At DSA & NSA 2026 in Kuala Lumpur (20–23 April), Additional Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Dinesh Mahur led the Indian delegation, underscoring New Delhi’s intent to expand defence exports. The joint inauguration of the India Pavilion by Shri Mahur and High Commissioner B N Reddy adds weight to the country’s presence.

Defence Services Asia (DSA) National Security Asia (NSA) 2026 is Asia’s largest defence and homeland security exhibition, held from 20–23 April 2026 at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur. It brings together over 1,400 companies from 60+ countries, 500 international delegations, and 50,000 trade visitors, making it a premier global platform for defence exports, technology showcases, and strategic cooperation.

Indian delegation at the 19th edition of Defence Services Asia & Network Security Asia 2026 in Kuala Lumpur marked a major push to expand India's defence exports.

Key Highlights of India Pavilion

• Largest-ever participation: 25 companies showcasing India’s defence capabilities.
• DPSUs present: HAL, MDL, Bharat Dynamics Ltd, Munitions India Ltd, Advanced Weapons & Equipment Ltd.
• Private industry & IDEX startups: Reflecting innovation and competitiveness.
• Strategic significance: Expanding India’s global defence footprint and industry capability.

India’s Pavilion at DSA & NSA 2026

List of Indian Participants

• DPSUs: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Munitions India Limited (MIL), Advanced Weapons & Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), BrahMos Aerospace.
• Private Defence Industry: Indian private defence manufacturers showcasing armoured solutions, UAVs, electronic warfare systems, and cyber defence technologies.
• IDEX Startups: Innovation-driven firms focusing on AI, robotics, unmanned systems, advanced sensors, and cyber security solutions.

Strategic Significance

• Largest-ever participation: 25 companies signal India’s intent to become a major defence exporter.
• Balanced mix: DPSUs, private industry, and startups show comprehensive capability spectrum.
• Regional outreach: Strengthens ties with Malaysia and ASEAN nations.

Note: Official sources confirm six DPSUs + BrahMos Aerospace; names of private firms and startups are part of the 25-company delegation but not fully disclosed publicly.

India Pavilion at DSA: Evolution (Pre‑2014 to 2026)

Pre‑2014 Era

• Limited Delegations: India’s presence was small, led mainly by DPSUs such as HAL, BDL, and MDL.
• Focus Areas: Aircraft platforms, missile systems, and naval shipbuilding.
• Private Industry: Minimal involvement; pavilion was dominated by state‑owned enterprises.
• Innovation: No startups or MSMEs — IDEX ecosystem did not exist yet.
• Strategic Context: India was largely seen as a defence importer, and participation was symbolic, aimed at visibility in ASEAN rather than exports.

2016–2026: Growth Over the Decade

Year	Location	Scale of Participation	Key Highlights
2016 (15th edition)	Kuala Lumpur	Small delegation	HAL aircraft, BDL missiles, naval systems; limited private industry.
2018 (16th edition)	Kuala Lumpur	Expanded DPSU presence	BrahMos Aerospace showcased for the first time; ASEAN outreach.
2020 (17th edition)	Kuala Lumpur	Moderate participation	Pandemic disruptions; focus on “Make in India” products.
2022 (18th edition)	Kuala Lumpur	15+ companies	Mix of DPSUs + private industry; Atmanirbhar Bharat emphasis.
2024 (19th edition)	Kuala Lumpur	20+ companies	MSMEs and IDEX startups included; UAVs, cyber defence, AI.
2026 (20th edition)	Kuala Lumpur	Largest-ever: 25 companies	Led by Shri Dinesh Mahur; joint inauguration with High Commissioner B N Reddy; DPSUs HAL, MDL, BDL, MIL, AWEIL, BrahMos Aerospace, plus private industry and IDEX startups.

Key Trends

• Shift from Importer to Exporter: Pavilion evolved from legacy DPSU showcases to export‑ready systems.
• Innovation Push: Post‑2022, startups and MSMEs became central, highlighting AI, robotics, UAVs, and cyber defence.
• Regional Diplomacy: Participation increasingly used to strengthen ASEAN defence ties.
• Record Scale in 2026: Largest‑ever pavilion with 25 companies, marking India’s ambition to be a global supplier.

In summary: Pre‑2014 India Pavilion was small and DPSU‑centric. Post‑2014 reforms transformed it into a diverse, export‑oriented showcase, culminating in the landmark 2026 participation with 25 companies — India’s biggest and most strategic presence yet.