India-Indonesia Defense Ties Strengthen with Upcoming BrahMos Missile Deal

Giving the indigenous defense industry a major boost, India and Indonesia are all set to sign the deal for BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. Defense sources said almost all the negotiations for it have been completed, and only approvals from the Russian side are pending to ink the contract. India has jointly developed the missile with Russia, which also has a stake in the missile-manufacturing company.

The deal has been under discussion between India and Indonesia for quite some time. It was discussed during the visit of a high-level delegation of top Indonesian diplomats to New Delhi in January this year. India has already sold these missiles to the Philippines and is now looking to expand the market for this unique weapon system. This missile proved its capability during the India-Pakistan conflict in May.

Recently, senior Indian military leaders, including CDS Anil Chauhan, visited Indonesia. The CDS's visit to Indonesia further strengthened defense ties between India and Indonesia. President Prabowo Subianto's state visit to India in January this year also paved the way for closer cooperation between the Indian and Indonesian militaries. A few years ago, India signed an agreement with the Philippines worth approximately ₹3,500 crore and sold missiles and essential systems.