Episode 270: BrahMos: Launchpad to India’s Defence Diplomacy in Southeast Asia

South Asia Chat

In April 2024, India delivered three BrahMos missile batteries to the Philippines as part of a US$375 (S$510 million) million deal, making the Philippines the first export customer of the India-Russia joint venture. This highlights India’s growing role in defence technology exports, with BrahMos embodying the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision. The deal strengthens India-Philippines ties amid rising tensions with China, especially after the 2020 border clashes and South China Sea disputes and reflects increasing India-ASEAN defence cooperation. As India aims to be a key defence exporter, challenges remain in maintaining BrahMos’ competitive edge in the regional arms market. Mriganika Singh Tanwar, Research Analyst, ISAS, speaks with Dr Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan, Resident Senior Fellow, Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Canberra, Australia, on India’s defence diplomacy in Southeast Asia, the BrahMos deal, and its regional security impact.