1 hr ago

India Uses Growing Arms Exports to Expand Strategic Influence

India is selling more military equipment to other countries.

One important deal is to sell BrahMos missiles to Indonesia.

The Philippines and Vietnam have also bought or contracted for the missiles, according to the article.

The author says these sales can help countries protect themselves and build lasting ties with India.

India also sells other equipment, such as aircraft, ships, radars and artillery.

The author believes exports can help India become more influential without making formal alliances or setting up military bases.

But India still faces challenges, including needing Russia's approval for BrahMos deals.

The article also says India must prove it can deliver equipment reliably and compete with larger arms exporters.

Key facts

Indonesia contract: BrahMos Aerospace signed a contract with Indonesia's defence ministry on July 7, 2026.
Other BrahMos buyers: The article identifies the Philippines and Vietnam as the other customers.
Defence exports: Rs 38,424 crore, or about $4.11 billion, in 2025–26, according to the Ministry of Defence.
Annual growth: Nearly 63% in 2025–26, compared with the previous year.
Government target: Rs 50,000 crore in annual defence exports by 2028–29.
Export reach: Indian equipment goes to more than 80 countries, according to the article.
BrahMos approval: The article says BrahMos is an India-Russia joint venture and its contracts require Russian sign-off.
Armenia orders: Indian media put the orders close to $2 billion, but neither Armenia nor India had confirmed that figure, according to the article.

firstpost.com · 1 hr ago