India is in talks with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to sell some of its flagship defence systems, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, according to a Reuters report citing Indian sources familiar with the discussions.
Reuters reported that the talks also include the possible sale of the Akashteer air defence system and are currently at an early stage, although discussions are said to be progressing quickly.
The report said the UAE has shown interest in several Indian-made weapon systems as it seeks to strengthen its defence capabilities following recent instability in the Middle East and growing regional security concerns.
BrahMos, jointly developed by India and Russia, is among the world’s fastest cruise missiles and can be launched from land, sea and air platforms. Akashteer is an automated air defence command and control system developed by India’s state-run defence sector.
Neither the Indian government nor the UAE foreign ministry commented on the reported discussions, Reuters said.
The report noted that any export of the BrahMos missile would require Russia’s approval due to its joint development with India, although sources indicated this is unlikely to be a major obstacle.
Reuters also reported that India has been expanding its defence exports in recent years, with exports exceeding US$4 billion in the financial year ending March 2026. The Philippines remains the only country to have officially purchased the BrahMos missile so far, while India has recently signed agreements to sell the system to Vietnam and Indonesia.
The reported discussions come amid growing strategic and defence cooperation between India and the UAE, which have strengthened ties through trade, energy and security partnerships in recent years. (Newswire)