New Delhi: India and Vietnam are moving closer to a major defence partnership as both countries begin discussions on the possible sale of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile during the ongoing visit of Vietnamese President To Lam to India. The talks are seen as an important step in strengthening strategic ties between the two nations at a time of growing security concerns in the Indo Pacific region.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the proposed deal could be worth around 629 million dollars. The agreement, if finalised, would include not only the supply of the missile systems but also training and logistical support for Vietnamese forces. However, officials indicate that a final agreement is unlikely to be signed during this visit, and negotiations are expected to continue in the coming months.
The BrahMos missile, developed jointly by India and Russia, is one of the fastest cruise missiles in the world. Known for its precision and versatility, it can be launched from land, sea and air platforms. India has been actively promoting the missile as part of its efforts to expand defence exports and strengthen partnerships with friendly countries.
Vietnam has shown increasing interest in improving its defence capabilities, especially in coastal security. The country has ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, which has pushed it to modernise its military and seek reliable partners. India, which has its own concerns about regional stability, sees Vietnam as a key partner in maintaining balance in the region.
The possible BrahMos deal is also part of a broader push by India to establish itself as a major defence exporter. In recent years, India has signed similar agreements with other countries in Southeast Asia. The Philippines became the first country to purchase the BrahMos system, and Indonesia has also moved forward with procurement discussions. A deal with Vietnam would further strengthen India’s presence in the regional defence market.
Beyond defence, India and Vietnam have been steadily deepening their relationship in areas such as trade, energy and technology. Bilateral trade between the two countries has grown significantly and now stands at more than 16 billion dollars annually. Both sides have also increased cooperation in maritime security and capacity building.
India has already supported Vietnam’s military modernisation in the past. In 2023, India handed over a missile corvette to Vietnam, marking a significant milestone in defence cooperation. Training programmes and exchanges between the armed forces of both countries have also become more frequent.
The current visit by President To Lam is expected to further strengthen these ties. Leaders from both sides are holding discussions on a wide range of issues, including regional security, economic cooperation and connectivity.
Experts say that while the BrahMos deal may take time to finalise, the ongoing discussions reflect a clear intent by both nations to enhance their strategic partnership. The move is also likely to draw attention from other countries in the region, particularly China, which closely watches defence developments involving Vietnam.
As negotiations continue, the possible agreement represents more than just a defence deal. It signals a growing alignment between India and Vietnam in addressing shared security challenges and building a stable regional order.