The US had in February said it plans to supply Pakistan with eight F-16 fighter aircraft worth Dollars 699.04 million.
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But New Delhi said United States troops would not be stationed in India. “We don’t have an agreement like that with other countries”. “India is also an influential country in the world, and India has been upholding independent diplomatic policy”. “We too have suffered from terrorism emanating from the territory, more specifically Afghanistan”, he further stated.
India had earlier protested sale of the combat planes to Pakistan, saying, “We disagree with their rationale that such arms transfers help to combat terrorism”. What does it mean for both India and United States, in context to regional dynamics? The logistics agreement will allow India and the United States to share and exchange logistics. This will also enable both militaries to use each other’s assets and bases for fix of platforms and replenishment of supplies. A defence ministry official, who did not wish to be named, said the agreement would have in-built safeguards to stop providing logistics support to the U.S. military if it worked against India’s interests.
But after years of delays, the two sides said an agreement was in hand, although not yet ready for signing.
U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter, center right, laughs with Indian naval officers as he arrives at the Karwar naval base in India to visit the Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, April 11, 2016. Carter emphasized India’s importance to the U.S.by noting that this trip, which will last until Wednesday, is his longest visit to any country – including other close allies – as defense secretary. China is also a close ally of India’s arch rival, Pakistan.
China’s growing influence in the region, especially in South Asia, is of concern to India, which has a festering border row with its neighbour.
“We agreed in principle to conclude the LEMA in the coming months”, he said.
“There’s increasing recognition on the Indian side that there’s real mutual benefits to doing them, so I do think that the prospects are good”, the official said, on condition of anonymity.
Carter says the two countries expect to soon reach a second pact to improve the sharing of information on commercial shipping, in a move to beef up security on the seas. India wants American knowhow on building more sophisticated launch technology that would allow it to deploy heavier aircraft on the vessels than existing carriers allow.
With a view to take forward high technology cooperation under the Defence Technology Trade Initiative (DTTI), two more projects have been added to the initial four path finder projects which include digital helmet mounted displays and biological tactical protection systems.
Taking note of developments in South China Sea and developments in the region Mr. Parrikar said that they have also chose to enhance our on-going Navy-to-Navy discussions to cover submarine-related issues.
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The leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in the area of maritime security.
