Modi deepens defence ties with Asia, Africa at BRICS Summit talks

India's defence and security cooperation with countries across Asia and Africa took centre stage as Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, with indigenous defence exports and strategic partnerships dominating the agenda.

Mr. Modi held separate discussions with Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Ugandan Vice President Jessica Rose Epel Alupo, Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima Mustapha, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the President of Burundi and chairperson of the African Union, Évariste Ndayishimiye.

Philippines emerges as key defence partner

The meeting with Mr. Marcos assumes particular significance for India's defence outreach in Southeast Asia. The two leaders agreed to further deepen cooperation in defence and security, along with trade and investment, space, railways, fintech, education, science and technology and innovation.

The Philippines, which became a strategic partner of India in August 2025, is also a key defence partner in the region. The country has emerged as an important customer for Indian defence equipment, particularly the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system.

It is the first foreign customer for BrahMos under a $375-million deal, with deliveries and training underway. The BrahMos system continued to draw interest from other Southeast Asian nations during the summit diplomacy.

Central Asian, Malaysian engagement

Defence and security also figured prominently in Mr. Modi's discussions with Kazakhstan President Tokayev, with the two sides reviewing cooperation in these fields as well as in connectivity, energy, critical minerals and emerging technologies. Kazakhstan remains an important Central Asian partner for India amid New Delhi's efforts to expand strategic and security engagement with the region.

The defence dimension of India's engagement with Malaysia also received attention during BRICS-related diplomacy. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said exploratory discussions were underway on Kuala Lumpur acquiring the BrahMos missile system, though no final decision had been taken.

African security cooperation expands

With Nigeria, Mr. Modi discussed defence and security alongside trade, investment, energy, agriculture, health and digital technologies. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership.

The broader engagements also underlined India's push for greater security cooperation with African partners. Discussions with Uganda focused on technology partnerships, capacity building and private-sector collaboration, while the meeting with the African Union Chairperson covered development partnership and capacity building.

Taken together, the meetings highlighted New Delhi's effort to leverage the BRICS platform to reinforce defence partnerships, capacity building and indigenous defence exports, while expanding India's strategic footprint across the Indo-Pacific, Central Asia and Africa.

Source: The Hindu