Vietnam’s BrahMos plans spotlight India’s rising security role in Southeast Asia

Developed by BrahMos Aerospace – a joint Indo-Russian venture – the supersonic cruise missile can reach speeds of Mach 2.8, or nearly three times the speed of sound, and cover distances of up to 900km (560 miles).

India’s sale of the missiles to Vietnam would serve both countries’ strategic interests amid concerns about China’s “assertive behaviour” in the region, according to Walter Ladwig, an international-relations lecturer at King’s College London.

“Coming on the heels of the deal with the Philippines, it also demonstrates that India’s role as a strategic and security player in Southeast Asia is expanding,” Ladwig said.