India will try to fast-track its missile programme

Significance India is in talks with Indonesia to sell it the BrahMos, a medium-range supersonic cruise missile developed in cooperation with Russia. India’s missile programme is developing fast. In November, the country tested its first long-range hypersonic missile. Impacts Defence exports to South-east Asia will be a major component of Delhi’s ‘Act East’ policy. The Philippines may be India’s most enthusiastic arms customer in South-east Asia. India will likely avoid US sanctions on exports of missiles jointly developed with Russia.