India and Indonesia are nearing a $450 million deal for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. If finalized, Indonesia will become the second country in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to acquire this missile, following the Philippines.
This development came during Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to New Delhi, where he met BrahMos CEO Jaiteerth Joshi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A delegation led by the Indonesian navy chief also visited the BrahMos facility, signaling Indonesia’s strong interest in the missile.
The BrahMos missile is a joint project between India and Russia, popular among several countries in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Its appeal lies in its versatility, as it can be mounted on ships or stationed on land. Experts suggest that Indonesia’s move to buy the missile reflects its desire to strengthen its naval capabilities amid rising tensions with China.
China has been assertive in the South China Sea, claiming territorial rights that overlap with multiple countries in the region, including Indonesia. Commentators believe that Indonesia’s missile acquisition is a strategic response to these challenges.
Prof. Srikanth Kondapalli from Jawaharlal Nehru University views this deal as a mature response to China’s military build-up. He notes that while India works to improve relations with China, it must also safeguard its interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
India has engaged in confidence-building measures with China since last October, aiming to soothe relations affected by border disputes. This follows a meeting between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit. The two nations have begun resuming direct flights and increasing trade, demonstrating a commitment to improving ties.
Experts like Alka Acharya suggest that the missile deal has been on the table for some time, indicating that it isn’t a reaction to recent tensions. However, it likely won’t go unnoticed by China, which could lead to strong objections from Beijing.
The situation is further complicated by Indonesia’s past confrontations with China over the Natuna Islands. As both nations at times feel threatened by China’s expanding influence, they look toward security partnerships to maintain balance in the region.
Former diplomat Anil Wadhwa notes that defense partnerships are shifting away from traditional reliance on China. Countries like the Philippines have also pursued similar defense systems, viewing them as necessary deterrents against aggressive actions by China.
In summary, the BrahMos deal not only enhances Indonesia’s defenses but also reflects a broader strategy in Southeast Asia to counterbalance China’s influence. As these nations continue to work together, they signal a move towards a more secure and stable region.