India sells Akash air-defense systems to Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, expanding Central Asia foothold

India confirmed sales of its Akash surface-to-air missile system to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, marking a strategic expansion of its defense exports into Central Asia. The move challenges Russian and Chinese influence in the region's arms market and signals India's ambition as a global arms exporter. The full scope of the deal and potential follow-on buyers remain undisclosed.