Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Indonesia has reinforced India’s defence export ties with Southeast Asia, as New Delhi signed deals to offer the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the Astra air-to-air missile to Jakarta. The agreements illustrate a deepening strategic partnership and a shift towards higher value missile and air-defence sales.

A Moneycontrol analysis found that India’s defence exports have become increasingly concentrated in the Indo-Pacific, with three Southeast Asian buyers—Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam—accounting for 70.1 per cent of exports during 2020-2025. That share rose sharply from 16.5 per cent during 2014-2019 and 14.7 per cent during 2008-2013.

Myanmar remained the largest destination in 2020-2025, accounting for 36 per cent of total defence exports, while the Philippines emerged as the second largest beneficiary with 27 per cent following the BrahMos sale. Vietnam accounted for a further seven per cent, underscoring the region’s growing importance.

The geography change has been accompanied by a shift in the types of equipment exported. Ships accounted for the largest slice at 45 per cent during 2020-2025, down from 66 per cent in 2014-2019. Exports of artillery and missiles expanded rapidly to 18 per cent and 16 per cent respectively, while aircraft exports fell to 3.9 per cent from 71 per cent in the earlier period.

Air-defence systems also emerged as a new export category, contributing 7.4 per cent, and sensors remained more diversified with Southeast Asia taking 20 per cent of those sales. The region dominated newer platforms, accounting for 85.5 per cent of missile exports, 77.9 per cent of artillery exports and 90.2 per cent of ship exports in 2020-2025.

Analysts said the trend reflects a deliberate policy pivot eastwards and growing demand for maritime and coastal defence capabilities among Indian partners. The PM’s engagements are likely to open further opportunities for domestic firms and for cooperative production, while sustaining a focus on higher technology transfer and export readiness.