SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
India finds itself in a complex situation regarding the sale of its BrahMos supersonic cruise missile to Indonesia. This missile, developed as a joint venture with Russia, has seen increasing demand from countries looking to bolster their maritime defense capabilities. However, the U.S. has reportedly expressed concerns over the potential sale, adding layers of diplomatic and strategic calculations for India.
The BrahMos missile, known for its pinpoint accuracy, has a range of 300 kilometers and is effective in anti-ship warfare. Capable of hitting both land and sea targets, the missile is highly sought after for its speed and precision. Indonesia, with its vast archipelagic territory, has been interested in acquiring the BrahMos to protect its maritime boundaries, particularly as tensions rise in the South China Sea.
For several years, India and Indonesia have held discussions on the possible sale of BrahMos. However, despite protracted talks, India has yet to approve the deal. Sources within India’s Ministry of Defense indicate that diplomatic, geopolitical, and regulatory concerns have all contributed to the delay.
Key Factors Influencing India’s Decision
1. Strained India-Indonesia Relations
While India and Indonesia have traditionally enjoyed cordial relations, recent developments have put a strain on their partnership. Indonesia’s increasing proximity to China, with whom India has territorial disputes, complicates matters. India may be cautious about providing advanced military technology to a nation that could align more closely with China in regional disputes. Moreover, Indonesia’s strategic positioning in the Indo-Pacific could have far-reaching implications for India’s own security considerations.
2. U.S. Pressure and the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)
According to sources, the United States has raised objections to the potential sale of BrahMos to Indonesia. As both India and the U.S. are signatories to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), Washington has reportedly cited MTCR provisions in expressing its concerns. While the BrahMos falls within MTCR compliance due to its range, the high-stakes regional rivalry with China may have spurred the U.S. to discourage further weaponization of Southeast Asia.
The U.S. may be apprehensive about introducing sophisticated missiles in the region, fearing it could escalate regional tensions and prompt a corresponding Chinese response. Additionally, the U.S. has been advocating for increased defense collaboration with Indonesia itself and could prefer American-made systems be prioritized.
3. Russian Involvement and Joint Venture Requirements
The BrahMos missile is jointly developed by India and Russia, and any export agreement requires Russian approval. With Russia’s own complex relationship with China and strategic interests in Southeast Asia, gaining consent for the sale to Indonesia could be challenging. Russia may weigh its own interests before greenlighting a transfer to Indonesia, especially if it anticipates any backlash from Beijing, which it views as a critical ally.
Comparison with the Philippines BrahMos Sale
India successfully sold three batteries of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines for $375 million, including nine missiles and 12 launchers. The first shipment was delivered to Manila in April this year, marking a significant milestone in India’s defense exports. Unlike Indonesia, the Philippines has a more overtly tense relationship with China, especially concerning the South China Sea. Strengthening its defense ties with the Philippines aligns with India’s Indo-Pacific strategy to counterbalance China’s regional influence.
In contrast, Indonesia’s relatively balanced stance between the U.S., China, and India complicates its position as a buyer. Despite Indonesia’s interest in the BrahMos, India’s relationship with Jakarta is fraught with more caution, underscoring the geopolitical and diplomatic considerations at play.
With India’s strategic relationships in the Indo-Pacific growing, every defense export decision carries symbolic weight. Supplying BrahMos to Indonesia could signal India’s commitment to supporting Southeast Asian nations against any potential assertiveness from China. However, doing so without U.S. or Russian approval might strain India’s relations with these critical allies.
On the other hand, delaying or withholding the sale could risk weakening India’s growing defense export footprint. India’s recent agreement in principle to supply additional BrahMos units to the Philippines demonstrates its commitment to boosting regional security partnerships. A decision on the Indonesia sale could further consolidate India’s role in the Indo-Pacific, aligning with its broader strategy of countering China’s influence.
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes. Websites doing illegal reproductions will get DMCA and Legal Notices.