A potential US$450 million BrahMos missile deal between India and Indonesia highlights Jakarta’s bid to enhance its naval power, as both nations seek to strengthen and diversify defence ties in response to China’s growing territorial ambitions in the region, analysts said.
During a recent state visit to India, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to expand cooperation in defence manufacturing and maritime safety, culminating with Subianto attending India’s Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest.
Modi said that strengthening ties with Indonesia would be crucial in “maintaining peace, security, prosperity and rules-based order in this entire region”.
While neither leader specifically mentioned China, Modi stressed that India and Indonesia were committed to promoting “freedom of navigation” under international law – the principle that ships can move freely through international waters without interference. The phrase is often invoked in response to Beijing’s expansive maritime claims and growing assertiveness in the South China Sea and other key waterways.
Leading up to the meeting, speculation grew that Jakarta would finalise its purchase of BrahMos cruise missiles, co-produced by India and Russia. If completed, Indonesia would become the second country, after the Philippines, to procure the shore-based version of the mid-range missiles, as well as a variant for warships.
Although the missile deal was not finalised during Prabowo’s visit, Indian media reports citing government sources said talks were now in “advanced stages” after years of prolonged negotiations.
