India has signed an agreement with Vietnam to export the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and is also close to finalising a similar deal with Indonesia, according to Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The announcement was made during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, an important international meeting where global leaders and defence officials discuss security and defence matters.
The move is seen as an important step for India as it increases defence cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia and expands its military exports to friendly nations.
The BrahMos missile is one of India’s most advanced defence systems and has already attracted interest from several countries around the world. Officials say India wants to become a reliable defence manufacturing and export partner while building stronger international partnerships.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said India has already completed a deal with Vietnam for BrahMos missile exports.
Although the agreement has not yet been officially announced by Vietnam, Singh said his understanding is that the deal has already been signed.
He also said negotiations with Indonesia are now in the final stages.
According to Singh, discussions with both countries have progressed significantly.
He explained that while some details are still not public, the agreement with Vietnam appears complete.
Officials from Vietnam and Indonesia have not yet released official details about the agreements.
However, India’s statement signals growing defence ties between India and Southeast Asian nations.
The development is important because it reflects India’s growing role in regional defence and security cooperation.
The BrahMos missile is a powerful supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia.
It is known for its speed, accuracy and ability to hit targets on land and at sea.
The missile can travel much faster than sound and is considered one of the fastest cruise missile systems in the world.
It can be launched from different military platforms, including:
Land-based launch systems
Warships
Aircraft
Some mobile military systems
Because of its speed and strike capability, many countries have shown interest in purchasing BrahMos for defence purposes.
India sees the missile as an important export product in its growing defence manufacturing sector.
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Before Vietnam, the Philippines became the first country to buy BrahMos from India.
In 2022, India signed a contract worth about USD 375 million with the Philippines for the missile system.
Deliveries of the missile system have already started.
The agreement with the Philippines was seen as a major milestone for India because it marked the country’s first large overseas missile export.
Now, India appears ready to expand these exports further across Southeast Asia.
Vietnam and Indonesia may become the next countries to receive the missile system.
India has been increasing defence cooperation with countries belonging to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
ASEAN includes several countries in Southeast Asia that work together on trade, security and regional cooperation.
India wants stronger defence partnerships with these nations as part of broader regional engagement.
Selling BrahMos missiles to ASEAN countries may help India deepen military cooperation and improve regional security partnerships.
At the same time, experts believe these developments are closely watched by China, which has strong strategic interests in the region.
China has influence in many parts of Asia and is involved in territorial disputes in nearby waters.
Because of this, defence cooperation between India and Southeast Asian countries receives significant attention.
According to officials, interest in BrahMos is not limited to Vietnam and Indonesia.
Several countries have reportedly shown interest in purchasing the missile.
These include:
Malaysia
Singapore
Brunei
Thailand
South Africa
Qatar
Oman
Brazil
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
India sees this growing interest as a sign of trust in its defence technology and manufacturing capabilities.
Officials believe defence exports can help India strengthen diplomatic ties while also supporting economic growth.
At the Singapore meeting, Rajesh Kumar Singh also spoke about the importance of trusted defence partnerships and stronger global supply chains.
He said recent global events have shown that countries cannot depend too heavily on weak or limited supply systems for defence needs.
According to him, nations now need secure, trusted and diversified defence production systems.
He said India is ready to work with friendly countries to create resilient supply chains and support innovation in defence manufacturing.
The Defence Secretary also said disruptions in maritime trade routes and global tensions are changing the international security environment.
Because of this, countries are looking for dependable defence partners.
Singh also highlighted India’s growing defence industry.
He said India is becoming a reliable centre for defence manufacturing and maintenance.
The country now produces different defence systems including:
Missile systems
Fighter aircraft
Main battle tanks
Military equipment and support systems
India has also focused on increasing domestic manufacturing under policies aimed at reducing dependence on imports.
Officials say the long-term goal is to make India a global defence production centre.
According to Singh, India’s objective is not to create exclusive military groups but to build trusted and reliable partnerships with many countries.
He said stronger cooperation can improve collective security and reduce global risks.
The BrahMos agreement with Vietnam and the likely deal with Indonesia show India’s growing position in the international defence market.
As more countries show interest in Indian military systems, defence exports could become an important part of India’s global strategy.
While official announcements from Vietnam and Indonesia are still awaited, India’s latest statement signals strong progress in expanding defence ties across Southeast Asia and beyond.
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