India and Chile Forge Ahead in AI-Enabled Defence Cooperation

India and Chile Strengthen Defence Ties through AI-Enabled Technologies

The India–Chile Defence Industry Webinar, held on 8 October 2026, marked a significant milestone in the defence cooperation between the two nations. Organised by the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), in association with the Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence (MoD), and the Embassy of India in Santiago, the webinar brought together government officials, armed forces representatives, and defence industry leaders from both countries to explore opportunities for defence industrial cooperation, technology collaboration, and resilient supply chains.

Building on the growing momentum in India–Chile relations and the shared vision articulated during the 2025 State Visit, the interaction aimed to strengthen ties and facilitate co-development, co-production, and technology partnerships. The webinar provided a platform for valuable perspectives to be shared by experts from both countries, highlighting promising avenues for collaboration in AI-enabled defence technologies, autonomous systems, and emerging capabilities.

Dr. Manish Chand Srivastava, Mr. Oscar Bustos Carrasco, Mr. Shuban Krishen, Mr. Neelesh Tungar, Brig Ashis Bhattacharyya (Retd.), Mr. Patricio Carrasco, and representatives of the Indian defence industry shared their insights on the potential of AI-enabled defence technologies in enhancing the capabilities of both nations. The discussions focused on the development of autonomous systems, which can play a crucial role in modern warfare, and emerging capabilities that can provide a competitive edge in the defence sector.

The webinar also highlighted the importance of resilient supply chains in the defence industry. With the increasing complexity of defence systems, the need for reliable and efficient supply chains has become more critical than ever. The experts emphasized the need for both countries to work together to develop robust supply chains that can meet the demands of the defence industry.

SIDM remains committed to strengthening India–Chile defence industrial ties and facilitating meaningful industry-to-industry engagement towards co-development, co-production, and technology partnerships. The organisation believes that collaboration between the two nations can lead to the development of cutting-edge defence technologies that can benefit both countries.

In conclusion, the India–Chile Defence Industry Webinar marked a significant step forward in the defence cooperation between the two nations. The webinar provided a platform for valuable perspectives to be shared, and the discussions highlighted promising avenues for collaboration in AI-enabled defence technologies, autonomous systems, and emerging capabilities. As the defence industry continues to evolve, it is essential for both countries to work together to develop robust supply chains and cutting-edge defence technologies that can meet the demands of modern warfare.

The SIDM's commitment to strengthening India–Chile defence industrial ties is a testament to the growing momentum in India–Chile relations. The organisation's efforts to facilitate meaningful industry-to-industry engagement will undoubtedly lead to the development of innovative defence technologies that can benefit both nations.