You should reconsider your assumption that the Indo-Pacific was solely about China's navy showcasing its might and American ships cruising the South China Sea. The recent sealing of a BrahMos missile deal with Vietnam is evidence that India is quietly establishing itself as the preferred arms supplier for smaller Southeast Asian countries. Vietnam is the second buyer of the supersonic cruise missile after the Philippines, with Indonesia supposedly coming next. Thailand and Malaysia are reportedly interested as well. This might eventually result in a chain of BrahMos batteries along the coast of the South China Sea, which would complicate the military dynamics in the area.

The timing of this tendency is what makes it so intriguing. Under Trump, the US appears to be turning its attention away from the Indo-Pacific area, and he hasn't been clear on whether or not to defend Taiwan militarily. When confronted with China's forceful stance, nations may begin to seek real support. India has filled a gap that regional nations are eager to fill with domestic and friendly sources by increasing its defence output, which includes missiles, drones, advanced radar systems, and air defence.

As the US retreats, a new market may emerge
Through formal alliances or the implicit security guarantee provided by US presence in the South China Sea, Southeast Asian countries were able to rely heavily on the US for deterrence for decades. However, a perceived gap may result from Trump's shifting positions and the US's emphasis on the Middle East. Both big and small countries in the area have started to publicly express the necessity of investing in their own capacities.

BrahMos: Not only a missile
A key component of this approach is the BrahMos missile. The fastest supersonic cruise missile in the world, it was developed in collaboration with Russia and can travel at about three times the speed of sound. It gives countries choice in how they incorporate it into their current defensive architecture because it may be launched from land, ships, submarines, and aircraft. A fleet of BrahMos missiles offers Vietnam, which frequently encounters incursions in the South China Sea, a physical deterrent that is challenging for any enemy to eliminate.

The BrahMos agreement enhances regional security networks in addition to its physical capabilities. India integrates itself into its partners' daily operations by providing repair, operator training, and logistical assistance. This eventually builds a network of mutual knowledge and interoperability that extends much beyond the sale of a particular military system. This appeals to nations like Malaysia and Thailand, which have apparently shown interest. In addition to selling missiles, India contributes to the development of sustainable defence ecosystems.

Self-sufficiency in regional defence
Southeast Asian countries may come to see the dangers of depending entirely on foreign forces. A rising consensus on nations rapidly increasing their own defence capabilities was brought to light by the recent Shangri-La Dialogue. While Malaysia and Thailand are investigating cutting-edge radar and electronic warfare technologies, countries like Indonesia and Vietnam are investing in contemporary battleships, drones, and missile systems.
India is a perfect fit for this new paradigm. Its defence sector is no longer solely concerned with home manufacturing. It is now prepared for export. Systems like BrahMos, domestically manufactured drones, and cutting-edge radar and air defence technologies are made for both domestic and international use.

India provides buyers with a mix of performance, cost, and political alignment that Western suppliers occasionally find difficult to match. Because of this, countries looking to maintain strategic independence from the US while balancing deterrence against China find Indian defence exports to be an appealing alternative.
The Act East strategy of India
There is more to India's expansion into Southeast Asia than just business. It is a purposeful expansion of its Act East policy. India enhances long-term strategic relationships by integrating defence technology and operational know-how into partner nations. Dependency is created by maintenance networks, training initiatives, and logistics support—not in a coercive sense, but rather as a framework for collaboration and mutual gain. At a time when US promises are seen as increasingly transactional and unpredictable, this places India as both a strategic partner and a security supplier.

This strategy also aids India in offsetting China's expanding power. India is establishing a network of allies committed to a rules-based regional order by forging connections with nations in China's sphere of influence. In addition to strengthening India's diplomatic position, this creates future chances for cooperative technology development, intelligence sharing, and joint exercises. Therefore, the defence partnerships are just as much about business as they are about influence.
An arms race in the region?
A wider trend might be sparked by the BrahMos sales to Vietnam and the Philippines. Demand is expected to increase as adjacent nations become aware of the operational benefits these systems offer. Thailand and Malaysia have apparently expressed interest, and Indonesia is supposedly in advanced negotiations.Additionally, this pattern aligns with more general strategic themes. US officials have urged regional players to take on greater responsibility for their own security. Smaller countries are increasingly looking for options that combine capability and flexibility, while more established allies like Australia and Japan still depend on the US. India can intervene at this precise moment, providing high-quality systems at scale, thanks to its quickly growing production base.
There are obstacles in addition to the opportunities. China may see an increase of BrahMos systems along its maritime borders as a threat, thus India must manage its sensitivities. Operational secrecy and technology transfer must be carefully managed when exporting sophisticated missiles.However, India has shown a methodical approach, making sure that technology is exclusively shared with reliable partners while averting the dangers of proliferation.
The dynamic character of regional defence cooperation is another factor. Southeast Asian countries are experimenting with coordinated maintenance, cooperative drills, and joint procurement as they become more interoperable. In addition to selling systems, India needs to become part of these networks, offering reliable assistance and adjusting to the operational philosophies of other armed forces. A successful outcome here will solidify India's standing as a trustworthy long-term ally.

The strategic-business moment in India
A period of tremendous transformation is about to begin in the Indo-Pacific. China is making its mark, regional states are investing in self-reliance, and US attention is divided. India is in a unique position to close the deficit because to its expanding defence industrial base, adaptable alliances, and strategic vision. BrahMos missiles to the Philippines and Vietnam are only the beginning. India's defense-industrial complex, which is fuelled by exports, can find a growing military market with drones, radars, and other contemporary technologies. Strategic and business objectives can support one another.
Establishing new export markets is beneficial trade that increases diplomatic and strategic clout, which in turn stimulates additional defence trade. This self-reinforcing cycle has the potential to make India a major actor in regional security for many years to come.