India has historically been one of the largest arms importers globally, heavily dependent on international suppliers for military modernisation. However, recent advancements indicate a significant shift as the country transitions towards becoming a major arms exporter. This change was highlighted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Indonesia, where collaborative agreements were made on the BrahMos missile system, accompanied by an Air-to-Air Missile Cooperation Agreement.

The BrahMos system has become emblematic of India’s defence export capabilities, but the focus on Astra, an indigenous beyond visual range air-to-air missile, has garnered considerable attention. The Astra missile is poised to play a pivotal role in India’s missile export agenda, following the recent agreements with Indonesia, potentially marking the country as the first buyer of this advanced missile.

To grasp the wider implications of India’s defence export evolution, India Today’s Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) team analysed governmental data and arms transfer records provided by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Their findings reveal that the export footprint extends across at least 23 nations, showcasing a diversification in military equipment beyond previously established flagship systems.

Strategic Agreements and Developments

The recent agreement between India and Indonesia is significant not only for the Astra missile but also for fortifying diplomatic relations with an essential member of the ASEAN bloc under India’s Act East Policy. The Astra Mk1, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is India’s first indigenous beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. Since its induction into the Indian Air Force in 2019, the missile has demonstrated its capabilities against agile aerial targets even under adverse conditions.

Astra Mk1 boasts a strike range exceeding 100 km and has been successfully integrated into the Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft. The missile underwent successful flight trials in July 2025, validating its indigenous seeker technology and demonstrating its effectiveness against high-speed aerial targets.

While Astra is gaining traction, the BrahMos missile system remains the cornerstone of India’s defence exports. A collaboration between India and Russia, BrahMos was the first major weapon system to secure international contracts, expanding its reach with recent agreements involving the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Such developments enhance India’s stature as a supplier of high-tech weaponry in the Indo-Pacific region.

Diverse Portfolio of Defence Exports

India’s missile export portfolio is diversifying beyond offensive systems, now encompassing air defence capabilities, notably the Akash Weapon System. Developed by DRDO, this surface-to-air missile system represents India’s first strategic export in air defence and has marked Armenia as its inaugural foreign customer.

Additively, the Pinaka Weapon System, also developed by DRDO, is making its way into global markets. This advanced multi-barrel rocket launcher is designed for rapid fire support, with Armenia identified as its first international recipient. The variety of India’s defence offerings extends well beyond missiles, with a substantial presence in naval and maritime platforms across several Indian Ocean nations.

Institutions like SIPRI document India’s export activities in various sectors, including naval aircraft, patrol vessels, and helicopter systems to several countries. Notably, Armenia has emerged as a pivotal defence ally, accounting for a significant portion of its military procurement from India. Recent data indicates that India constitutes 43 per cent of Armenia’s total arms imports, representing a lucrative partnership bolstered by India’s strategic commodities in military hardware.

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