Singapore: In a major breakthrough for India’s defence exports, Vietnam has signed a deal to purchase the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, while Indonesia is nearing a similar agreement, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh announced on Saturday. The development marks another milestone in New Delhi’s push to transform India into a leading defence manufacturing and export hub, with Southeast Asian nations increasingly turning to Indian military technology amid shifting regional security dynamics.
Speaking on the sidelines of the prestigious Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Singh indicated that both Southeast Asian nations are moving ahead with plans to acquire the Indo-Russian jointly developed missile system, underscoring India’s growing strategic influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
🚨🇮🇳🇻🇳 BREAKING: India-Vietnam BrahMos missile deal SIGNED
“For Vietnam, I understand that it has already been signed. Probably not publicly announced, but it’s already been signed,” said Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
Vietnam becomes latest buyer after Philippines.… pic.twitter.com/mm5hIIw9rD
— Sputnik India (@Sputnik_India) May 30, 2026
Vietnam Joins BrahMos Club
During an interaction with delegates, Singh disclosed that the agreement with Vietnam had already been concluded, although it has not yet been formally announced in public.
He noted that discussions with both Vietnam and Indonesia were nearing completion, adding that the Vietnamese deal had, in fact, already been signed. Reports suggest the contract could be valued at nearly ₹6,000 crore (around $629 million), covering missile systems along with training and logistical support.
The development marks a significant milestone in defence ties between New Delhi and Hanoi, which have steadily deepened amid evolving security dynamics in the South China Sea and the wider Indo-Pacific.
India has finalized a deal to sell its BrahMos cruise missiles to Vietnam, a top defense official said, weeks after leaders of the two countries pledged to build closer economic ties https://t.co/Vqogcy8TeC
— Bloomberg (@business) May 30, 2026
Indonesia Deal Approaches Finish Line
Singh also confirmed that talks with Indonesia are progressing rapidly, indicating that Jakarta could soon become another overseas operator of the BrahMos missile.
The growing interest from ASEAN nations highlights the increasing appeal of the BrahMos system, widely regarded as one of the fastest operational supersonic cruise missiles in the world. The missile has become a flagship product of India’s expanding defence export portfolio and a symbol of its push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Philippines Set the Precedent
The Defence Secretary recalled that the Philippines became the first foreign buyer of the BrahMos missile system. India delivered the first batch of missiles to Manila in 2024, followed by a second shipment in April 2025.
According to Singh, the rising demand for the missile reflects the trust that partner nations place in India’s defence capabilities and technological expertise.
He stressed that advanced military technologies are generally shared with countries that enjoy strong strategic relations and mutual confidence with India.
India Pushes Trusted Defence Partnerships
Addressing the Shangri-La Dialogue, Singh highlighted India’s commitment to strengthening resilient supply chains, secure maritime cooperation, trusted defence partnerships, and innovation-led collaboration across the Indo-Pacific.
“Resilience has emerged as one of the most important strategic requirements of our era,” he said, emphasizing the need for nations to work together amid increasing geopolitical uncertainties.
The remarks come shortly after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Vietnam, where he held extensive discussions with Vietnamese Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation.
Defence Diplomacy Gains Momentum
On the sidelines of the Singapore summit, Rajesh Kumar Singh also held bilateral meetings with senior representatives from Australia, the European Union, and the Netherlands as part of India’s broader defence diplomacy efforts.
During discussions with Australian Defence Secretary Meghan Quinn, both sides reviewed progress under the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, examined upcoming high-level engagements, and explored new avenues for cooperation in defence and security.
Singh, who is also serving as Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is leading India’s participation at the annual security forum, where New Delhi continues to project itself as a key security and defence partner in the Indo-Pacific.
