In a significant blow to India’s defence ambitions (Akash missiles), Brazil has halted negotiations to purchase India’s Akash air defence missile system, despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi being awarded the South American nation’s highest civilian honor by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia on Tuesday.
The news is yet another setback for India’s growing defence industry, which had touted the Akash system as a key export success, especially after it was widely praised by BJP-led media outlets.
Sources suggest that Lula’s government, instead of moving forward with the Akash deal, has shifted its focus to acquiring the Enhanced Modular Air Defence Solutions (EMADS) system from Italy. This decision comes at a time when India’s military and diplomatic prestige is facing numerous challenges on the global stage.
For months, India’s defence systems, particularly the Akash missile, were aggressively promoted by Modi’s government as a major success story, with media outlets under BJP leadership often citing Brazil as a potential buyer.
False hope of air dominance via Akash missile systems
However, with the halt in negotiations, Brazil’s move to opt for an Italian system instead signals a major international setback for India’s defence manufacturing claims.
This decision comes amid a series of humiliations for India, both on the military and diplomatic fronts. During this year, India suffered significant losses, including the downing of four Rafale fighter jets, which were seen as one of the cornerstones of India’s military modernization.
The acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 air defence system, another key component of India’s air defence strategy, has also faced setbacks, including logistical challenges and delayed deliveries. These incidents have painted a picture of a defense infrastructure that, despite ambitious claims, continues to struggle on the global stage.
India’s overblown boasts about the potency of its homegrown defence systems have been increasingly exposed. The halt in Brazil’s missile negotiations marks the latest chapter in India’s struggle to convince the world of the effectiveness of its military technology.
The Akash missile, despite being marketed as a reliable and capable air defence solution, is now facing international rejection, further fueling questions about its true capabilities.
As the global spotlight shifts, India’s recent military losses, including the embarrassing Rafael and S-400 setbacks, coupled with the halt in Brazil’s purchase of Akash missiles, stand as stark reminders of the growing gap between India’s self-proclaimed strength and the reality on the ground.
While the BJP-led government continues to push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the recent string of failures highlights the challenges India faces in achieving true military independence.
The Modi government’s rhetoric about strengthening India’s position on the global stage is now increasingly seen as hollow, as global players like Brazil make their decisions based on more reliable and proven defence systems.
