‘US–INDIA DEFENCE RELATIONS’ –

What is the recent development?
The three-day visit of U.S. Defence Secretary Ashton Carter concluded on April 12, 2016.

Q A
What is the recent development?
  • The three-day visit of U.S. Defence Secretary Ashton Carter concluded on April 12, 2016.
What was agreed on LEMOA during the visit?
  • By agreeing to sign the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), India has sent out a clear signal that it has no inhibitions about being bound in strategic engagements with the U.S.
  • Once concluded, the agreement would give American aircraft and warships access to Indian military bases for logistical purposes, including refuelling and repair. In turn, India’s military will enjoy similar access to U.S. bases. This would qualitatively transform India’s relations with the U.S.
What was agreed on South china sea during the visit?
  • While the joint statement refers to ensuring freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has been careful to avoid the U.S.’s repeated references to ‘joint patrols’.
  • Even the agreement on sharing data on commercial shipping traffic that Mr. Carter had expected to conclude during his visit will be the subject of another round of talks.
  • The pause is wise. New Delhi must take a considered view of the repercussions that such a strategic alliance may have for India’s relations with other countries.
What about India’s concerns on transfers to Pakistan?
  •  Significantly, India’s concerns about continued American military funding and defence transfers to Pakistan still remain unaddressed.
What was agreed in other areas?
  • Meanwhile, Mr. Parrikar and Mr. Carter have agreed to expand collaboration under the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative, infuse greater complexity in their military engagements and maritime exercises, commence discussions on submarine safety and anti-submarine warfare, and initiate a bilateral maritime security dialogue that would include diplomats and the defence establishments.

WORD FROM TEAM GS-SCORE –

Relevant for

IR of GS:2; internal security of GS:3
For further detail Refer article titled “A firm handshake, not an embrace” from dated April 14, 2016

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