In this Taiwan Talks exclusive, we are joined by retired Indian General P. R. Shankar, who oversaw the induction, testing and modernization of the BrahMos missile by the Indian military. The supersonic weapon is gaining renewed global attention after a new documentary revealed the extent of its role in Operation Sindoor, the 2025 conflict between India and Pakistan. The missile has since become one of India's fastest-growing defense exports, with the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia all signing deals with New Delhi. As Beijing rapidly expands its military infrastructure in the South China Sea, some analysts are beginning to ask whether a new "BrahMos Belt" is emerging in region. Is India's flagship missile becoming an instrument of regional deterrence and strategic diplomacy? In this episode, we examine the lessons of Operation Sindoor, the growing export success of BrahMos and what India's expanding defense partnerships could mean for the Taiwan Strait and the future balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.
*Recorded on September 1, 2026 at 11am Taiwan Standard Time
Host/Senior Producer: Yin Khvat
Producer: Suvam Pal
Videographer: Celest Kao
Our guests:
P. R. Shankar
- Retired Indian Army Lt. General and Former Director General of the Artillery
Nitin Gokhale
- Media Entrepreneur and Author
K. Tristan Tang
- Taiwan Defense Studies Initiative Co-Founder
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