If you thought the Indo-Pacific was all about American ships patrolling the South China Sea and China’s navy flexing its muscles, think again. India is quietly carving a niche as a go-to arms supplier for smaller Southeast Asian nations, and the recent signing of a BrahMos missile deal with Vietnam is proof. Following the Philippines, Vietnam is the second buyer of the supersonic cruise missile, with Indonesia reportedly next in line. Malaysia and Thailand are also said to be interested. This can eventually lead to a chain of BrahMos batteries along the South China Sea coastal region, complicating regional military dynamics.
What makes this trend particularly interesting is the timing. The US under Trump seems to be shifting focus away from the Indo-Pacific region, while Trump has also been equivocal about militarily defending Taiwan. Countries facing China’s assertive posture might start looking for serious backup. India, ramping up its defence production, from missiles to drones to modern radar systems to air defence, has stepped into a vacuum that regional powers are keen to fill with indigenous and friendly-sourced options.
