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India’s BrahMos Missile Exports: Strengthening Defence Diplomacy in Southeast Asia
Context:
India’s BrahMos missile exports mark a significant stride in its ambition to emerge as a global arms exporter and a strategic counterbalance to China in Southeast Asia. By integrating defence diplomacy with its Act East Policy, India is reshaping regional power dynamics, fostering security collaborations, and asserting its geopolitical influence.
BrahMos Missile: A Technological Marvel
- Development and Key Features
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- Joint Collaboration: Co-developed by India and Russia, based on the Russian P-800 Oniks missile.
- Supersonic Speed: Reaches speeds up to Mach 2.8, enabling rapid target engagement.
- Stealth Technology: Radar-absorbent coating ensures low detectability.
- Precision and Versatility: Multi-platform adaptability for deployment on land, sea, air, and underwater platforms.
- Export Versions: Capped at a 290 km range to comply with Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) guidelines.
- Operational Utility
- Inducted into Indian armed forces in 2007, becoming a cornerstone of India’s strategic defence capabilities.
- High precision, stealth, and adaptability make it a preferred choice for coastal and maritime defence.
Strategic Importance of BrahMos for India in Southeast Asia
- Countering Chinese Influence
- Anti-Ship Capabilities: Offers recipient nations an effective deterrent against China’s naval activities in contested areas like the South China Sea.
- Regional Tensions: Addresses security concerns arising from China’s militarisation of artificial islands and aggressive territorial claims.
- Strengthening Maritime Defence
- Philippines: Enhances defence along critical areas like the Scarborough Shoal.
- Vietnam: Fortifies its position in disputed waters, including the Spratly Islands.
- Indonesia: Secures vulnerable chokepoints such as the Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok Straits.
- Enhancing Defence Diplomacy
- Long-Term Collaborations: Agreements include training, maintenance, and logistical support.
- SAGAR Doctrine: Aligns with India’s vision of “Security and Growth for All in the Region” to promote regional stability.
- Expanding Global Defence Footprint
- BrahMos as a Benchmark: Establishes India’s capabilities in high-end defence systems.
- Broader Exports: Acts as a springboard for other indigenous arms exports.
India’s Defence Export Success
- Major Deals in Southeast Asia
- Philippines: Signed a USD 375 million contract in 2022 for three missile batteries, with deliveries completed in 2024. Additional systems are under negotiation.
- Vietnam: Nearing finalisation of a USD 700 million deal for five missile batteries, signalling a diversification from Russian-origin Yakhont systems.
- Indonesia: Engaged in a USD 450 million deal, leveraging national currency transactions to deepen bilateral trade ties.
- Expanding Opportunities
- Malaysia and Thailand: Exploring potential procurement, reflecting growing regional interest.
- Reduction of Russian Influence: BrahMos deals highlight a shift in defence procurement patterns, reducing reliance on Russia amid global uncertainties.
Strategic Implications for China
- Escalating Tensions
- Deterrence Effect: BrahMos deployments create a significant deterrent against Chinese naval platforms, including aircraft carriers and coastguard vessels.
- Security Concerns: Target areas like the Spratly Islands directly challenge China’s territorial claims.
- Regional Stability Risks
- Arms Race: China views BrahMos proliferation as fuelling militarisation in Southeast Asia.
- Grey-Zone Tactics: Reports since 2024 indicate increased Chinese activities aimed at countering BrahMos’ strategic impact.
Challenges and Policy Shifts
- Initial Barriers
- Competition: Faced rivalry from Russian Yakhont missiles during the 2010s.
- Intellectual Property Disputes: Early conflicts with Russia over technology sharing.
- Cautious Diplomacy: India’s initial hesitance to avoid provoking China.
- Post-Galwan Policy Shift
- Assertive Strategy: Galwan clashes in 2020 prompted India to adopt a robust defence export approach.
- Indigenous Inputs: Technological advancements reduced dependency on Russian support, enhancing self-reliance.
Future Prospects for BrahMos
- Technological Advancements
- BrahMos-II Development: Hypersonic version (Mach 5+) under development will further enhance India’s offerings.
- Indigenous Upgrades: Strengthened technology transfer agreements to benefit recipient nations.
- Expanding Defence Market
- New Buyers: Potential deals with African and Middle Eastern nations.
- Economic Growth: Defence exports surged from ₹686 crore in 2013-14 to ₹21,083 crore in 2023-24, reflecting a robust growth trajectory.
