Weaponised Soft Power: How Defence Exports Are Becoming India's Foreign Policy Tool

Weaponised Soft Power: How Defence Exports Are Becoming India’s Foreign Policy Tool

Defence deals today aren’t just about deterrence, they’re about diplomacy.

For the longest time, India was known as one of the world’s largest defence importers. But over the past few years, a quiet strategic shift has taken place. India has begun leveraging a different kind of influence: defence exports - targeted, affordable, and politically aligned with its foreign policy goals.

We're not exporting dominance. We're exporting trust. And that’s becoming one of India’s most powerful geopolitical tools.

What does India’s defence diplomacy really look like?

It’s not about headline-grabbing arms deals. It’s about quietly enabling stability. India’s defence engagements include:

  • Coastal radar systems in Indian Ocean nations
  • Fast patrol vessels and naval equipment to island states
  • Military training programs for African partners
  • Export of battlefield systems like rocket launchers and simulators
  • Lines of credit linked to defence partnerships

These initiatives may not grab global attention, but they build long-term credibility.

What is India exporting and why does it matter?

India’s defence exports touched over ₹21,000 crore in FY24 [1]. But more than the numbers, it’s the type of exports that signal India’s evolving strategy.

  • BrahMos missiles to the Philippines: a clear geopolitical message to China.[4]
  • Coastal radar systems to Mauritius, Seychelles, Vietnam: maritime partnerships without making waves.
  • Pinaka rocket launchers to Armenia: a low-cost deterrent in a high-risk region.[2]
  • Patrol boats and training simulators to African partners: giving them tools to secure their waters and borders.[3]

These aren't just exports. They're invitations to closer alignment.

The Philippines deal: A strategic shift

In 2022, India signed a $375 million deal with the Philippines for BrahMos missiles. This marked not just the country’s first major missile export, but a moment of geopolitical positioning. It placed India as a relevant security player in Southeast Asia. It countered China’s presence in the South China Sea. And it was backed by logistics and training, not just hardware.

This was influence delivered at supersonic speed.

Africa: Where India is playing the long game

While the world watches the Indo-Pacific, India has quietly deepened its footprint in Africa.[5]

  • Coastal radar stations in island states
  • Training of African officers at Indian military academies
  • Patrol boats and equipment through concessional financing
  • Defence lines of credit worth millions

India’s approach contrasts with big-ticket Chinese infrastructure projects. Instead, we focus on security capacity and institutional trust, something many African partners increasingly value.

Despite the growing figures, India’s defence manufacturing base has major gaps:

  • Heavy import dependence: Many exported systems are assembled with foreign sub-components.
  • Production bottlenecks: HAL and defence PSUs often struggle with capacity, delaying fulfilment.
  • Weak post-sale infrastructure: Limited MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) capabilities abroad restrict scalability.
  • Policy friction: Export licensing, dual-use restrictions, and coordination delays remain roadblocks.[7]

These factors limit India’s ability to become a go-to supplier, especially when competing with Israel, France, or Turkey.

What’s working in our favour?

India isn’t just showing intent, it’s backing it up.

  • A formal Defence Export Promotion Policy with clear targets
  • Fast-tracked export licensing through coordinated defence cells
  • Support for MSMEs to enter defence manufacturing and exports
  • Export-linked lines of credit, particularly for Africa and Southeast Asia

These mechanisms are helping India punch above its weight, even if we aren’t producing fifth-gen fighters yet.

So, what is India really exporting?

Weapons, yes. But more importantly:

  • Predictability
  • Non-intrusive partnerships
  • Affordable, scalable tech
  • A counterbalance to dominant powers

Defence exports have become India’s diplomatic handshake in regions where influence is usually won with big money or big promises. Instead, India is showing up with systems that work, partners that trust, and a commitment to stay the course.

The challenge now isn’t intent, it’s execution.
Because credibility, like deterrence, is built on what you can actually deliver.

Sources:

[1] Ministry of Defence – Export Dashboard & Annual Reports

[2] SIPRI Arms Transfers Database

[3] India–Africa Defence Dialogue Outcome Reports

[4] BrahMos Aerospace & Philippines DoD Contract Documents

[5] Official MEA Briefings & Exim Bank LOC Records

[6] Observer Research Foundation (ORF) & IDSA Policy Briefs

[7] DGFT SCOMET and MoD Licensing Notifications