India is currently in early-stage discussions with the United Arab Emirates regarding the potential sale of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, a move that could significantly bolster New Delhi’s ambitions to become a more prominent arms exporter. The talks reportedly also include the possible sale of Akashteer, an automated air-defence command-and-control system developed by India.
The BrahMos missile, a joint development between India and Russia, can be launched from land, sea, or air and travels at speeds up to Mach 3. Analysts suggest that a successful deal with the UAE, a sophisticated defense buyer with access to advanced Western systems, would carry substantial symbolic and strategic weight for India. It would mark a shift from its traditional role as one of the world’s largest arms importers toward a more competitive arms supplier.
A.B. Shivane, former lieutenant general of the Indian Army, emphasized the importance of such a sale as a confidence booster for India’s defense export ambitions. The UAE has reportedly shown interest not only in BrahMos but also in a broader array of Indian military technologies, including Akash surface-to-air missiles, Pinaka rocket systems, precision-guided munitions, and drones geared toward naval or coastal defense. Shivane added that there is potential for joint manufacturing between the two countries under a wider defense partnership that already involves joint military exercises, cybersecurity cooperation, and intelligence sharing.
Political science expert Uday Chandra of Ashoka University noted that an agreement with the UAE could pave the way for Indian weapons’ acceptance by other Middle Eastern states, reinforcing India’s reputation in a competitive market. He pointed out that India tends to compete effectively in mid-tier defense segments, offering attractive combinations of pricing and quality compared to high-cost Western platforms.
The interest in Indian defense systems among Gulf states comes amid recent regional tensions, including missile and drone attacks linked to Iran during its conflict with the United States, which impacted critical sites in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Former Indian Army brigadier Sanjay Iyer described the ongoing talks as “materially bigger and more strategically loaded” than previous deals. He attributed the UAE’s urgency to shore up air defenses to its experience being targeted and emphasized that Abu Dhabi is aiming to diversify its suppliers rather than rely solely on the United States or European nations for future upgrades.
Iyer also suggested that an Indian-UAE defense partnership could serve as a strategic counterbalance to the Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defense pact established in 2023, which stipulates mutual defense obligations between those two countries.
India’s pursuit of greater arms exports aligns with the broader "Act East, Link West" strategy, which seeks to strengthen diplomatic and commercial ties across Asia and the Middle East. In recent years, India has expanded its export footprint, delivering BrahMos missiles to the Philippines in 2024 and reportedly securing a $629 million deal with Vietnam.
According to official data, India’s defense exports increased by 62.6% year-on-year to a record $4.11 billion in the fiscal year ending March. Experts contend that beyond the weaponry itself, factors such as financing, training, maintenance, and reliable delivery are crucial to securing and sustaining foreign defense contracts.
These developments also support the Indian government’s "Make in India" initiative, which aims to reduce reliance on defense imports by fostering domestic production and encouraging export growth. The potential UAE deal could mark a significant milestone in India’s transition from a major defense consumer to an increasingly influential supplier on the global stage.