India has concluded a major defence export agreement with Vietnam for the supply of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, while a similar pact with Indonesia is now in its “final stages,” Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said during the Shangri‑La Dialogue in Singapore. The announcement marks one of India’s most significant strategic breakthroughs in Southeast Asia, reflecting growing regional demand for advanced missile systems amid rising maritime tensions.
Singh confirmed that the Vietnam agreement has already been signed, though it may not yet have been publicly announced by Hanoi. Responding to a question from a Vietnamese delegate, he stated that his understanding was that the deal was complete and awaiting formal disclosure. He added that discussions with Indonesia were progressing rapidly, with both sides close to finalising terms for the acquisition of the Indo‑Russian‑developed BrahMos system.
According to Singh, Southeast Asian nations have shown increasing interest in the BrahMos, viewing it as a credible deterrent in contested waters. Both Vietnam and Indonesia have been engaged in advanced negotiations for years, and the latest developments signal India’s expanding role as a defence supplier in the Indo‑Pacific.
The Defence Secretary highlighted that the BrahMos export push aligns with India’s broader strategy of strengthening defence partnerships with ASEAN countries, many of which face pressure from China’s assertive activities in the South China Sea. He noted that the missile’s speed, precision and versatility make it an attractive option for nations seeking to bolster coastal and maritime security.
Singh also emphasised India’s growing defence‑industrial capabilities, stating that the country is now able to meet export commitments while continuing its own military modernisation. He described the BrahMos agreements as a significant step in India’s emergence as a reliable and capable security partner in Southeast Asia.