Desk Report: Amid the ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States, several Arab nations have reportedly expressed interest in purchasing advanced weapons systems from India. According to sources, discussions are being facilitated through the Ministry of External Affairs, although no official confirmation has been issued so far.
India, in collaboration with Russia, is currently producing the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile domestically. The missile has been highlighted for its role in recent military operations, where it was reportedly used to target and destroy terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan during “Operation Sindoor.” In addition, the Akash air defence system is considered highly effective in neutralizing drone attacks and protecting strategic assets.
Countries Expressing Interest
Sources suggest that several Arab countries are keen on acquiring India’s short- and medium-range missile systems, particularly the Akash and BrahMos platforms. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Qatar are among the nations that have reportedly initiated contact regarding potential defense procurement.
While no official statements have been made, sources indicate that multiple smaller countries have already shown interest in purchasing these missile systems. The BrahMos missile, in particular, is seen as a key strategic export product for India.
Limited Global Sales So Far
India has consistently promoted defense exports to friendly nations. So far, the Philippines remains the only country to have formally purchased the BrahMos missile system. However, reports suggest that nearly half a dozen additional countries are already in various stages of discussions for acquiring the system, and the recent interest from Arab states adds to this growing list.
The BrahMos missile is believed to have a strike range of approximately 300 kilometers, while the Akash air defence system can engage targets at distances of around 50–60 kilometers.
Saudi Arabia’s Position Unclear
According to sources, Saudi Arabia has not initiated any formal engagement with India regarding these weapons systems, reportedly due to its strategic understanding with Pakistan. Although Riyadh signed a mutual defence agreement with Pakistan last year, questions remain over whether Saudi Arabia is considering future arms procurement from Islamabad.
At the same time, after Iranian strikes on US-linked installations in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan’s response was reportedly limited, leaving uncertainty over the depth of its defence cooperation. As a result, it remains unclear whether Saudi Arabia will explore options beyond Pakistan for its defence requirements.
Operation Sindoor Background
On April 22 last year, terrorists attacked tourists in the Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, killing 26 civilians. In response, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on the morning of May 7.
Under this operation, Indian forces targeted and destroyed terrorist infrastructure located inside Pakistan. The operation triggered a retaliatory response from Pakistan, leading to a military escalation that lasted nearly four days. Eventually, a ceasefire was declared following a request from the Pakistani side.