Prelims: Current events of national and international relations | Defense
India’s BrahMos exports to Southeast Asia are creating a “BrahMos Belt” to strengthen regional deterrence against China in the South China Sea.
- BrahMos Belt – The term refers to India’s expanding network of BrahMos missile partnerships with countries having strategic or maritime concerns involving China.
- It is not a formal military alliance.
- Philippines was the first foreign buyer of BrahMos in 2022, through a deal worth about $375 million.
- Vietnam and Indonesia have subsequently signed deals.
- Malaysia and Thailand have also shown interest/evaluated the system.
BrahMos Missile
- BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile.
- Nomenclature – Name derived from Brahmaputra + Moskva rivers.
- Developed by – BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia.
- It is primarily an anti-ship/land-attack cruise missile.
- Features – High speed, precision and fire-and-forget capability.
- It can be launched from Land, Warships, Aircraft, Submarine-launched variants have also been developed/tested.
- Its export and deployment enhance coastal defence and maritime deterrence.
- Strategic Significance for India –
- Strengthens India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific engagement.
- Enhances defence cooperation with ASEAN countries.
- Provides India with greater strategic influence without direct military deployment.
- Supports a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
- Helps build regional capabilities against potential maritime coercion.
South China Sea
- One of the world's major maritime trade routes.
- China claims around 90% of the South China Sea through its Nine-Dash Line.
- China has strengthened its presence through island-building, patrols and military infrastructure.
Important Waterways
- Malacca Strait – Connects the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean.
- China’s dependence on it is often referred to as the “Malacca Dilemma.”
- Luzon Strait – Lies between Taiwan and the Philippines.
- Connects the South China Sea with the Pacific Ocean.
Reference
India Today| Brahmos Belt strategy
