India and Indonesia Forge $630 Million Missile Export Deal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jakarta signals a shift in Southeast Asian defense dynamics, as India prepares to finalize a $630 million contract to supply Indonesia with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra air-to-air systems, marking a pivotal expansion of New Delhi’s reach in the Indo-Pacific region.

Editorial·July 7, 2026·reads: 411

India and Indonesia Forge $630 Million Missile Export Deal

This agreement positions Indonesia as the third international buyer of the BrahMos system, a product of the joint venture BrahMos Aerospace. By securing this sale, India bolsters its defense export footprint while deepening ties with the largest economy in Southeast Asia. The deal serves as a strategic counterweight to rising regional competition, specifically regarding maritime influence in the contested waters of the South China Sea.

Beyond military hardware, the partnership reflects a broader economic alignment. Bilateral trade between the two nations reached $28.15 billion in the 2024-25 period, cementing Indonesia’s status as India’s second-largest partner within the ASEAN bloc. During his summit with President Prabowo Subianto, Modi intends to prioritize maritime security and regional coordination, effectively operationalizing India’s long-standing Act East policy through concrete defense integration.