India Set To Arm The Country That Irks Trump With Powerful Akash Missiles | World News
New Delhi: US President Donald Trump expressed his disappointment with Brazil. However, India is preparing to sell its domestically developed Akash missile system to Brazil. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh met Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin in New Delhi and formally proposed the agreement. This development marks an important step in India’s defense diplomacy and arms export strategy.
Akash missile is a surface-to-air missile designed and developed in India. It can neutralize enemy aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles up to 45 kilometers. Developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the missile is affordable and reliable, making it attractive to many countries looking to strengthen their air defenses.
Akash successfully destroyed Pakistani drones and missiles in May 2025 when India launched Operation Sindoor following the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
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The operation showcased India’s indigenous arms manufacturing capabilities and strengthened the country’s position as a potential arms exporter.
Expanding defense cooperation was also emphasized during the meeting between Singh, Alckmin and Brazilian Defense Minister José Múcio Monteiro. The talks also discussed joint development and production of weapons, expanded military exercises, training programs and personnel exchanges. The meeting is expected to strengthen the India-Brazil strategic partnership.
I am pleased to meet the Vice President of Brazil, Mr. Geraldo Alckmin, and the Minister of Defense of Brazil, Mr. José Múcio Monteiro Filho, in New Delhi today.
We had forward-looking discussions on issues related to Defense Cooperation, focusing on expanding Military Cooperation to Military… pic.twitter.com/mkZp4sw1jl— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 15, 2025
India and Brazil are strategic partners working together in groups such as G20 and BRICS since 2003. Brazil is the largest country in South America and its military needs advanced weapons. The Akash missile system could increase the country’s air defense capabilities.
India positions itself as a major arms exporter and targets arms sales worth Rs 25,000 million by 2025. This agreement represents an important step towards this goal.
Why Is Trump Angry About Brazil?
In July 2025, Trump imposed an additional 40% tariff on Brazilian goods, bringing the total to 50%. He expressed concerns about Brazil’s government policies and trade deficit, claiming that Brazil harmed US interests.
Recently, the US president spoke on the phone with Brazilian President Lula and expressed his desire to improve cooperation, but tensions continue. India’s rapprochement with Brazil is a strategic move to assert autonomy despite US pressure.
Why is the agreement important?
This agreement, if concluded, will expand India’s arms export footprint. Akash missile has already been sold to Armenia. The sale to Brazil will mark a new milestone as India is now both a supplier and consumer of advanced weapons. Cooperation in the defense, trade and technology sectors is expected to increase, although challenges such as potential US pressure remain.
Despite Trump’s anger, India is ready to support the Brazilian army. The Akash missile system exemplifies the power of the “Make in India” initiative and highlights India’s emergence as a global leader in defense technology.
