India's potential BrahMos missile deal with Indonesia could forge a significant coastal defence network across Southeast Asia. This growing 'BrahMos belt,' already including the Philippines and Vietnam, offers regional powers a potent deterrent against China's maritime assertiveness. As US security assurances waver, these missile deployments provide a crucial, independent defence option, reshaping the military balance in the vital South China Sea.

The BrahMos has more potential buyers than ever, but India’s defense export ecosystem is still a work in progress.

This article is authored by Saroj Bishoyi, senior fellow, Centre for Technology and Scientific Studies, Vivekananda International Foundation, New Delhi.