Opinion | Why India’s BrahMos missile sale to the Philippines is a milestone for both
- The deal can serve as a strategic springboard for expanded defence cooperation between New Delhi and key Southeast Asian countries
- It also sets a major precedent for the Philippines, which is gradually diversifying its pool of defence suppliers after decades of US dependence
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”, goes the famous Chinese proverb ascribed to Taoist philosopher Lao Tzu. In both life and law, a single landmark decision can set in motion a chain of events with major long-term repercussions.
The US$375 million agreement, however, is likely to be the opening act in India’s increasingly defence-oriented “Look East” policy, further propelling the Asian power’s plans to become a major player in the global defence industry.
The sale can serve as a strategic springboard for expanded, hi-tech defence cooperation between New Delhi and key Southeast Asian countries. It also sets a major precedent for the Philippines, which is gradually diversifying its pool of defence suppliers after decades of overdependence on the West.
For a long time, India stood as the world’s largest arms importer. Between 2016 and 2020, it was responsible for almost 10 per cent of total global arms imports, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri).
