India delivers BrahMos cruise missiles to Philippines
India has initiated the delivery of supersonic cruise missiles to the Southeast Asian nation Philippines amid escalating tensions with China over maritime disputes in the South China Sea.
Under a 375 million US dollar deal signed in 2022, the Philippines is acquiring BrahMos missiles from India, marking a significant milestone in their defense partnership.
Produced through a joint venture between India and Russia, these missiles are shore-based anti-ship systems boasting a range of 290 kilometers. Reports from domestic media in New Delhi indicate that India will supply three versions of the missile system as part of the agreement.
Jonathan Malaya, assistant director-general of the Philippine National Security Council, informed reporters in Manila that the missiles will be deployed by the Philippine Marines, enhancing the country's defense capabilities.
The deepening defense cooperation between India and the Philippines comes amidst growing apprehensions in both nations regarding China's assertive stance in the region. Tensions between the Philippines and China have heightened, particularly due to Beijing's insistence on historical rights, which encroach upon areas within Manila's exclusive economic zone. Efforts to resolve India's longstanding military standoff with China along the disputed Himalayan border have yielded limited progress, further underscoring the urgency for strategic collaboration among regional powers.
New Delhi analysts say India wants to be part of a larger pushback against China in the South China Sea as concerns rise over Beijing’s territorial ambitions.
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