India has finalized a deal to supply Vietnam with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, its defence secretary announced at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday. The agreement marks a significant step in India's defence exports to Southeast Asia. Rajesh Kumar Singh, India's Defence Secretary, confirmed the pact without disclosing financial or delivery details.
The BrahMos missile is a joint development between India and Russia, capable of supersonic speeds and precision strikes. Singh emphasized India's firm commitment to ASEAN nations, positioning the deal as part of a broader strategic outreach. The announcement came at Asia's premier defence forum, underscoring the geopolitical weight of the transaction.
Singh also revealed that India is in the “final stages” of negotiating a similar BrahMos deal with Indonesia. No specific timelines or contract values for either agreement were provided. The moves signal New Delhi's push to expand its defence partnerships beyond traditional allies.
The deals could reshape regional military balances, giving Vietnam and Indonesia enhanced naval strike capabilities. Analysts view the agreements as a counterweight to China's growing influence in the South China Sea. Both nations have overlapping maritime claims with Beijing, making supersonic missile technology a strategic asset.
India's deepening defence ties with Southeast Asia also open commercial opportunities for domestic manufacturers. However, some observers caution that the lack of transparency around deal terms could strain diplomatic relations with China.