The BrahMos missile system has emerged as an important element of defence cooperation between India and the Philippines, according to Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma Theresa P. Lazaro. Her remarks came during her visit to India around the 18th BRICS Summit, as the two countries continue to expand their strategic and security engagement in the Indo-Pacific.
Lazaro described BrahMos as an important aspect of the defence relationship between the two countries. However, she did not comment on whether Manila is considering additional purchases, joint exercises, logistics cooperation or deeper defence-industrial collaboration, stating that such matters fall under the responsibility of the Philippines’ Department of National Defense.
The BrahMos programme has become a notable milestone in India-Philippines defence relations. In April 2024, India delivered the first batch of the BrahMos shore-based anti-ship missile system to the Philippines under the bilateral agreement. The Philippines became the first foreign customer for the BrahMos system, marking a significant step in India’s defence exports to Southeast Asia.
The missile deal has also contributed to wider defence engagement between New Delhi and Manila. The two countries have been developing cooperation in areas including maritime security and defence, with their relationship gaining greater strategic importance amid evolving security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. India and the Philippines have also discussed expanding cooperation in defence, security and other strategic sectors.
Lazaro’s comments also came alongside her assessment of India’s role in the 18th BRICS Summit. She praised the summit as a successful gathering and highlighted South-South cooperation as an important component of the expanded BRICS framework. The summit was held in New Delhi on September 12–13, 2026, bringing together leaders and representatives of the expanded grouping.
The Philippine Foreign Secretary’s remarks underline the growing role of defence cooperation in India-Philippines relations. While future procurement and military cooperation decisions remain with the relevant Philippine authorities, BrahMos continues to represent a major component of the defence partnership between the two countries.