India has officially sealed a defence agreement to provide BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to Vietnam, while a comparable contract with Indonesia is reportedly on the verge of completion. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh disclosed these developments during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, underscoring India’s expanding role as a missile manufacturer and exporter in the region.
The BrahMos missile, a joint venture between India and Russia, is already operational in the Philippines, which received the first batch in 2024 and a second shipment in early 2025. This marks a significant milestone as the Philippines became the first international customer for the supersonic cruise missile. India’s outreach to ASEAN countries illustrates a strategic commitment to strengthening defence ties and sharing advanced technology with friendly nations.
Recent diplomatic efforts further cement these relations. Earlier in the month, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Hanoi and held extensive talks with Vietnamese officials, including General Phan Van Giang, focusing on maritime security, defence industry cooperation, and regional stability. Singh’s visit coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam, recently elevated to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership following a state visit by Vietnam’s President To Lam.
During the Singapore conference, Defence Secretary Singh affirmed India's intention to continue expanding defence exports, projecting that they may reach 50,000 crore rupees by 2030. Experts see this expansion as part of New Delhi’s broader geopolitical strategy to deepen influence in the Global South, particularly through defence collaboration with key regional players.