India Expands Missile Sales in Indo-Pacific Amid Growing China Concerns

DATA & FIGURES

The deal marks $4 billion worth of defense exports for India in the financial year ended March 2026, with the country aiming to increase its defense exports in the region. The BrahMos missile has a range of 300 kilometers and an extremely high speed, making it difficult to intercept. India's defense exports have grown over the last 10 years, but the country still lags behind the world's top arms exporters, with the US being the largest supplier of arms with $331 billion in sales.

THE SCENARIO

The Indo-Pacific region is witnessing a significant shift in the balance of power, with China's growing assertiveness prompting countries to strengthen their defense partnerships. India's rise as a defense supplier is seen as a strategic response to this trend, with the country positioning itself as a viable alternative for countries seeking to reduce their reliance on the US.

DIRECT QUOTE

"BrahMos and the air-to-air missiles are the areas that are new in our collaboration [with Indonesia]," — Indian foreign ministry spokesperson

BBN INSIGHT

The Positive Side: India's defense exports are seen as a viable alternative for countries seeking to reduce their reliance on the US, with the BrahMos missile system being a key component of this strategy. The move is expected to strengthen India's position as a defense supplier in the region, with the country aiming to increase its defense exports in the coming years. The Negative Side: Despite the growth in defense exports, India still lags behind the world's top arms exporters, with the country needing to secure major contracts to become a significant player in the global defense market.