India–Indonesia Make Progress on BrahMos Deal at Defence Ministers’ Dialogue

Context:

• India and Indonesia held the 3rd Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in New Delhi, marking a significant step in deepening defence cooperation under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

• The dialogue witnessed progress on the proposed BrahMos supersonic missile deal, alongside reaffirmation of shared commitment to Indo-Pacific stability.

Key Highlights:

Defence Ministers’ Dialogue

• The dialogue was co-chaired by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Indonesia’s Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.

• Both sides reviewed the expanding defence engagement, with particular focus on missile cooperation and industrial collaboration.

Progress on BrahMos Missile Deal

• Discussions indicated forward movement on the proposed export of BrahMos missiles to Indonesia.

• The deal is aligned with India’s policy of defence exports and strategic partnerships in Southeast Asia.

• BrahMos, a supersonic cruise missile, enhances maritime and coastal defence capabilities.

Indo-Pacific Vision and Strategic Alignment

• Both countries reiterated commitment to a free, open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

• Emphasis was laid on respect for sovereignty, international law, and freedom of navigation.

• India and Indonesia acknowledged the convergence between:

  • ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)

  • India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)

Defence Industrial Cooperation

• Indonesia welcomed India’s proposal to establish a Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee.

• The committee would focus on:

  • Technology transfer

  • Joint research and development

  • Defence manufacturing collaboration

Expanding Areas of Cooperation

• Both sides agreed to enhance collaboration in:

  • Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)

  • Cyber resilience

  • Joint operational readiness

• Cooperation through multilateral platforms such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) was highlighted.

Relevant Prelims Points:

• Issue: Strengthening India–Indonesia defence cooperation.

• Causes: Shared maritime security challenges, Indo-Pacific strategic competition.

• Key Initiatives:

  • BrahMos missile export

  • Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee

• Benefits: Enhanced deterrence, defence exports, strategic trust.

• Challenges: Technology transfer sensitivities, regional security dynamics.

• Impact: Strengthened maritime security and India’s role as a net security provider.

Relevant Mains Points:

• Key Concepts:

  • BrahMos: India–Russia jointly developed supersonic cruise missile

  • Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI): India’s framework for maritime security and cooperation

  • ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP): ASEAN’s inclusive Indo-Pacific vision

• International Relations Dimension (GS II):

  • Strategic partnerships in Southeast Asia

  • Defence diplomacy and regional stability

• Internal Security Dimension (GS III):

  • Maritime security, cyber threats, joint preparedness

• Way Forward:

  • Early finalisation of the BrahMos deal

  • Institutionalisation of defence industrial cooperation

  • Greater synergy in multilateral maritime platforms

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):

• GS II: International Relations, Indo-Pacific strategy, defence diplomacy

• GS III: Internal Security, defence exports, maritime security

• Prelims: BrahMos, IPOI, AOIP, IORA