VOI World/ Astha Pandey
India and Indonesia have moved, further a step closer to deepening their defence partnership. Currently with talks around the potential export of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile gaining momentum during a high-level visit to New Delhi.
Indonesia’s Defence Minister, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, arrived in India this week for a round of strategic discussions that spanned military cooperation, regional stability, and defence industrial collaboration. At the centre of these conversations was the possible acquisition of the BrahMos missile system, which is one of India’s most sought-after defence exports.
The BrahMos, developed jointly by India and Russia, has long been on Indonesia’s radar as a system capable of strengthening its maritime defences. Recent interactions between the country’s representatives including briefings by Indian offi cials, technical overviews and prior visits by Indonesian naval leadership to BrahMos Aerospace, have sharpened Jakarta’s interest. Several earlier assessments have placed the potential contract value at around USD 450 million, though negotiations are still in progress and no formal agreement has been finalised.
During the India dialogue, the two nations also reviewed broader defence initiatives, including proposals for joint R&D, technology partnerships, and expanding cooperation under a structured defence-industry framework. For India, which has been pushing to scale up its defence exports and establish itself as a serious global supplier, Southeast Asia remains a priority region as it is both strategically and economically important.
Although, Indonesia’s evaluation of BrahMos comes at a moment when regional security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific are evolving rapidly. As the world’s largest archipelagic nation, Indonesia sits at the crossroads of major maritime routes, making long-range, high-speed, precision weapons systems particularly relevant to its security posture.
If the deal materialises, Indonesia would also join a select group of countries operating the BrahMos, reinforcing India’s rising profile as an exporter of advanced military hardware.
For India such partnerships will not only boost indigenous defence capabilities but they will also deepen India’s infl uence in ASEAN, strengthening cooperation with one of the region’s most pivotal nations.
While procedural clearances and partner-nation approvals remain, the latest round of talks indicates that both sides are moving with intent. For India, this engagement underscores its evolving role in shaping Indo-Pacific security through credible defence diplomacy and for Indonesia, it highlights growing trust in India’s defence manufacturing strength
