India has taken a major step to strengthen its defense partnership with Brazil, with a special focus on the Akash missile system. On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh met with Brazilian Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin in New Delhi.
The meeting took place at the Manekshaw Centre, a well-known venue for high-level defense discussions. Also present was Brazil’s Defense Minister José Múcio Monteiro Filho, as the two sides discussed expanding cooperation, including India’s proposal to supply the Akash missile system to Brazil.
Strengthening Defense Ties Between India and Brazil
During this meeting, both sides discussed a wide range of topics related to defense cooperation. According to the Indian Defense Ministry, the two nations “identified priority areas” for joint work. These included possibilities for co-development and co-production of defense equipment — a key area of interest for both countries.
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It has been learnt from reliable sources that India pitched the supply of its indigenous Akash missile system to Brazil. The Akash missile system was developed by India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). It is a surface-to-air missile capable of targeting enemy aircraft and drones at medium range. This missile has already been inducted into India’s defense forces. It is considered one of the country’s most successful home-grown defense technologies.
India and Brazil have long shared a strategic partnership. This partnership covers not just defense but also areas like trade, science, and environmental cooperation. The latest meeting highlights how both countries are expanding collaboration in defense manufacturing and technology exchange. It marks an important moment in their bilateral ties.
India’s Pitch for the Akash Missile System
During the detailed talks, India expressed its interest in supplying the Akash missile system to Brazil. People familiar with the meeting said that India presented the capabilities and performance record of the missile system as part of its proposal.
The Akash missile system is designed to intercept multiple aerial targets at the same time. It can engage aircraft, helicopters, and drones up to a range of 25 kilometers. The system uses an all-weather radar to track and destroy incoming threats. The missile can be launched from both mobile and stationary platforms, making it highly versatile for different defense conditions.
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The Indian Ministry of Defense has often highlighted that the Akash missile system represents India’s progress in indigenous defense production. It has already been exported to a few friendly countries, and talks are ongoing with others for potential sales. For Brazil, this offer comes at a time when the country has been looking to modernize its air defense network. It also aims to enhance its overall military readiness.
According to an official statement from India’s Ministry of Defense, the leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to advance defense cooperation. They focused on military-to-military exchanges, including joint exercises and training visits. The statement further noted that both sides reviewed the progress of ongoing defense initiatives. They also agreed to identify priority areas for further collaboration.
The meeting reflected India’s growing role as a defense exporter. The government has been actively promoting the export of made-in-India defense systems to friendly nations. By offering the Akash missile system to Brazil, India aims to deepen its defense-industrial ties. This is within the larger framework of South-South cooperation, a term used to describe collaboration between developing nations.
Strategic Value of the Akash Missile System for India-Brazil Partnership
The Akash missile system plays a vital role in India’s defense export strategy and stands as a symbol of technological self-reliance. It is one of India’s first indigenous systems capable of defending against aerial threats at medium ranges, and its success has motivated India to promote it globally.
India and Brazil share close ties that extend beyond defense cooperation. Both are members of international groups like BRICS and IBSA, where they collaborate on global issues including trade, technology, and energy.
In recent years, both nations have shown strong interest in boosting defense manufacturing together. Brazil’s advanced aerospace industry and India’s growing defense production capabilities make collaboration practical, with the Akash missile system emerging as a key part of that partnership.
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The meeting between Rajnath Singh and Geraldo Alckmin highlighted the deep trust between the two countries. Officials emphasized that cooperation covers not just defense equipment but also includes joint training, exchange of expertise, and defense exercises.
The presence of Brazil’s Defense Minister José Múcio Monteiro Filho reinforced the importance of these talks. As cooperation grows, India’s defense exports—especially systems like the Akash missile system—continue to promote self-reliance and strengthen India’s role in the global defense market, while offering Brazil reliable, field-tested technology for its modernization goals.