India’s emergence as a net security provider in Southeast Asia is reshaping the regional defence landscape. Vietnam has become the second buyer of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile after the Philippines, while Indonesia is reportedly close to finalising a similar agreement.

Malaysia and Thailand have also expressed interest, potentially expanding India’s defence footprint across the South China Sea. This chain of BrahMos batteries could complicate regional military dynamics and alter the balance of power in maritime Asia.

The timing of this development is significant. With the United States under Trump appearing to shift focus away from the Indo-Pacific and showing equivocation about defending Taiwan, regional nations facing China’s assertive posture are seeking reliable alternatives.

India, ramping up its defence production across missiles, drones, radar systems and air defence platforms, has stepped into this vacuum.

By positioning itself as a friendly defence partner, India offers not only hardware but also training, maintenance and logistical support, making its exports long-term partnership tools rather than one-off sales.

The BrahMos missile is central to this strategy. Jointly developed with Russia, it is the fastest supersonic cruise missile in the world, capable of flying at nearly three times the speed of sound. Its versatility across land, sea, air and submarine platforms makes it a flexible deterrent.

For Vietnam, which faces frequent incursions in the South China Sea, BrahMos batteries provide a tangible and credible deterrent. Beyond its physical capabilities, the deal embeds India into Vietnam’s operational routines through training and support, strengthening regional security networks.

For Malaysia and Thailand, this model of sustainable defence ecosystems is particularly appealing.

Southeast Asian nations are increasingly aware of the risks of relying solely on distant powers. The recent Shangri-La Dialogue highlighted a consensus on scaling up indigenous defence capabilities. Indonesia and Vietnam are investing in warships, drones and missile systems, while Malaysia and Thailand are exploring radar and electronic warfare platforms.

India’s export-ready defence industry fits neatly into this paradigm, offering affordability, performance and political alignment that Western suppliers sometimes struggle to match. This makes Indian systems attractive for nations balancing deterrence against China while maintaining autonomy from the US.

India’s push into Southeast Asia is also a deliberate extension of its Act East policy. By embedding defence technology and operational know-how into partner countries, India strengthens long-term strategic ties.

Logistics support and training programs create cooperative dependencies that enhance mutual benefit. This approach positions India as both a security provider and strategic partner at a time when US commitments are perceived as transactional and less predictable. It also helps India counterbalance China’s influence by building a network of partners invested in a rules-based regional order.

The BrahMos sales to the Philippines and Vietnam could spark a broader regional arms race. As neighbouring countries observe the operational advantages, demand is likely to grow. Indonesia is already in advanced talks, while Thailand and Malaysia have shown interest.

Each sale strengthens India’s position as a trusted supplier and reinforces a regional shift toward diversified defence sources. This dovetails with US calls for regional actors to shoulder more of their own security responsibilities, while India’s expanding production base allows it to step in with high-quality systems at scale.

Challenges remain. India must manage Chinese sensitivities, as Beijing may view the proliferation of BrahMos systems along its maritime periphery as a threat. Exporting advanced missiles requires careful handling of technology transfer and secrecy.

India has so far demonstrated discipline, sharing technology only with trusted partners. Another challenge lies in integrating into evolving regional defence collaboration, where nations are experimenting with joint procurement, shared exercises and coordinated maintenance. India must adapt to diverse operational doctrines to cement its role as a reliable long-term partner.

The Indo-Pacific is entering a phase of rapid change. With US attention divided and China asserting itself, regional powers are investing in self-reliance. India, with its growing defence industrial base and flexible partnerships, is uniquely positioned to fill the gap.

BrahMos exports are just the beginning. With drones, radars and next-generation systems, India can expand its defence market while reinforcing strategic influence.

This creates a self-reinforcing loop where commerce, diplomacy and security converge, transforming India into a key player in regional stability for decades to come.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)