India and Indonesia are finalizing a $450-million missile deal as Jakarta seeks to bolster its naval defense
India and Indonesia are in the final stages of negotiating a $450-million deal for the export of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. If finalized, Indonesia will become the second ASEAN nation after the Philippines to acquire this advanced missile system, reported timesofoman.com.
During Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s recent visit to New Delhi as the guest of honor at India’s Republic Day celebrations, he met with BrahMos CEO Jaiteerth Joshi in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Additionally, a high-level delegation led by Indonesian navy chief Admiral Muhammad Ali visited the BrahMos facility, signaling Jakarta’s strong interest in the missile system.
The BrahMos deal aligns with Indonesia’s efforts to counter China’s territorial ambitions
The BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India and Russia, has attracted interest from multiple Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern countries seeking to strengthen their naval and coastal defenses.
Many defense analysts view Indonesia’s procurement as part of a broader strategy to modernize its military and counter China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea
China continues to advance its territorial claims in the South China Sea using military and coercive tactics, despite overlapping claims from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Experts argue that Indonesia’s missile acquisition reflects its concerns over China’s growing influence in the region.
Srikanth Kondapalli, a professor of China studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, noted that India’s negotiations with Indonesia should be seen as a normal defense transaction. “China has transferred nuclear and ballistic missiles to Pakistan and submarines to Myanmar and Bangladesh, affecting India’s security. At that time, China stated it was a deal between sovereign nations. Similarly, China should not have concerns over India’s missile sales to Southeast Asia,” Kondapalli added.
India’s Defense Ministry and Foreign Office have declined to comment on the specifics of the deal.
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