India's recent deal to supply BrahMos and Astra missiles to Indonesia marks its third defense agreement in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting a strategic shift as countries in the region seek to bolster their military capabilities amid rising tensions with China.
The BrahMos missile, known for its supersonic speed and anti-ship capabilities, has attracted significant interest from nations with limited naval forces, particularly those involved in territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Experts note that while Indonesia does not view China as a primary threat, it has ongoing disputes over maritime claims, which may motivate its defense procurement.
The growing military presence of China, exemplified by recent missile tests, is prompting regional countries to strengthen defense ties, creating opportunities for India to expand its defense exports. However, despite these developments, analysts caution that India's overall defense export ambitions remain modest, with current exports accounting for only about 1% of global arms sales.
India's defense exports totaled approximately 384 billion rupees ($4 billion) in the last fiscal year, and it is not ranked among the top 25 arms exporters globally.
Nevertheless, the BrahMos deal is seen as a significant step in establishing India as a credible defense partner in the Indo-Pacific, potentially leading to further collaborations as countries seek alternatives to reliance on U.S. defense support