New Delhi. Amid China's increasing dominance in the South China Sea, the Philippines is preparing to buy another large consignment of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India. According to media reports, talks are going on between the two countries regarding this possible deal worth about 800 million dollars i.e. about Rs 6,700 crore. Earlier in the year 2022, Philippines had signed a BrahMos missile deal worth $375 million with India. The supply of missiles under the first deal is nearing completion.
The growing interest of the Philippines is being seen in its strengthening defense cooperation with India. Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and its Defense Ministry have expressed the need for additional BrahMos systems to increase their military capability. Recently, during the Delhi Defense Dialogue, Philippines Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro participated through virtual medium and presented the needs of his navy before the Indian officials. Manila wants the BrahMos systems to be tailored to the geographical conditions of its coastal areas and island groups.
Philippines' maritime security will be strengthened in front of China
The main concern of the Philippines behind the purchase of BrahMos missiles is the increasing tension with China in the South China Sea. There is a long standing dispute between the two countries in this maritime area. The Philippines has accused Chinese ships of pressurizing its maritime zones, using water cannons and ramming its ships.
The maximum speed of BrahMos missile is around Mach 2.8. Its deployment can enhance the Philippines' strategic capability in coastal defense and maritime areas. This will strengthen its ability to monitor and respond to potential hostile naval activities.
India's defense exports will get a boost
Another important aspect of the potential deal is India's growing defense exports. BrahMos has been jointly developed by India and Russia. The first export agreement with the Philippines has been a significant achievement for India's defense industry. Timely supplies and defense cooperation have strengthened the trust between the two countries.
According to government data, India's defense exports have reached Rs 38,424 crore this year. This has registered an increase of more than 62 percent compared to last year. The Indian defense manufacturing sector is expected to get a further boost with the additional deal with the Philippines.
Apart from BrahMos, interest in Indian defense systems has also been shown from countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, South Africa and Brazil.
Act East policy will get strategic strength
Defense cooperation with the Philippines is also important in the context of India's Act East policy. Under this policy, India is emphasizing on strengthening trade, economic cooperation and security relations with South-East Asian countries.
The BrahMos deal will provide an opportunity for India to enhance its strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region along with defense exports. At the same time, the Philippines will be helped in strengthening its maritime security capabilities.
However, the final agreement regarding the proposed deal of Rs 6,700 crore has not been officially confirmed yet. If this deal goes ahead, it could prove to be another important achievement in the defense relations between India and the Philippines.