India’s $200 Million Missile Sale to Philippines as Tensions Rise with China

India plans to sell short-range Akash missiles to the Philippines, marking a second major defense deal amid rising tensions with China. This deal, exceeding $200 million, follows a previous sale to the Philippines and exports to Armenia. The transaction reflects India's increasing defense exports and regional influence efforts.

India is poised to bolster its defense export profile by closing a missile sale with the Philippines, valued at over $200 million, sources revealed. This potential purchase signifies New Delhi's second substantial defense deal with Manila amid escalating tensions with China.

Interest in India's Akash missile system, engineered by the nation's defense research body, has been expressed by the Philippines, with a formal order expected in the fiscal year starting April. This surface-to-air system, previously exported to Armenia in a $230-million deal, offers a range of up to 25 km.

As Manila aims to augment its military prowess due to disputes with Beijing in the South China Sea, this acquisition underscores India's strategy to enhance defense exports and curb China's regional influence following the 2020 Himalayan clash.

(With inputs from agencies.)