India Joins Hands with China’s Two Regional Rivals; BrahMos Deal to Shake the South China Sea

New Delhi: India has strengthened its strategic footprint in Southeast Asia by moving closer to a landmark defense deal with Vietnam and Indonesia, two nations wary of China’s growing influence in the South China Sea. The deal, centered on BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, marks a significant step in India’s expanding defense diplomacy and could potentially alter regional power dynamics.

$450 Million Missile Deal

According to defense sources, India is finalizing export agreements worth over ₹4,000 crore (approximately $450 million) with Vietnam and Indonesia. This deal highlights India’s emerging role as a supplier of advanced weapon systems to friendly nations in the region.

Green Light from Russia

Since BrahMos is a joint development between India and Russia, any export requires Moscow’s approval. Russian authorities have reportedly given consent for India to supply the missiles to Vietnam and Indonesia. This assurance was confirmed during a recent delegation-level meeting between Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov. India is now awaiting the formal no-objection certificate from Russia before signing the contracts.

Strategic Impact in the South China Sea

The new deal comes as Vietnam and Indonesia, like the Philippines, face mounting strategic pressure from China’s growing presence and aggressive maneuvers in the South China Sea. With this agreement, both countries will join the Philippines in deploying high-speed, precision-strike missile systems supplied by India, enhancing regional deterrence against China.

BrahMos: Enhanced Capabilities

The BrahMos missile, currently capable of Mach 2.8 speeds and a strike range of 450 km, has already been successfully integrated with Su-30MKI fighter jets. India plans to extend its range to 800 km by 2028, further solidifying its long-range precision strike capability. The missile has been operationally tested during Operation Sindhur, demonstrating its effectiveness.

Expanding India’s Defense Exports

Beyond BrahMos, India is actively offering Akash Air Defense Systems and Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Systems to friendly nations, including the UAE and Brazil. Despite being a major weapons importer, India exported ₹24,000 crore worth of defense equipment to nearly 80 countries in FY 2024-25, reflecting its growing stature in the global defense manufacturing sector.