India and the Philippines are likely to seal the deal for the shore-based anti-ship missile system acquisition project on Friday. This deal would formalise the first export consignment of BrahMos missile of New Delhi, which is jointly developed with Moscow.
As per the ET sources, the Defence Minister of the Philippines Delfin Lorenzana will attend the ceremony and meeting to conclude a contract that will enhance the defence ties of India with South-East Asia to another level. Senior representatives from both nations including those associated with the BrahMos project will also attend the event.
India and the Philippines have enhanced their relations over the past few years, with the expansion of their defence partnership and a preferential trade agreement that is being negotiated. Earlier, India offered a $100 million defence-related LoC to Manila.
The BrahMos order is the maiden major defence export by India. India has had a lot of success promoting its missile system to friendly countries such as the United Arab Emirates. With the Ministry of Defence (MoD) actively promoting exports, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has taken the trouble to talk about a variety of equipment available during bilateral dialogues with friendly countries.
