“It is possible that the Modi administration is trying an unconventional way to lean toward the USA with the logistics agreement”, it said.
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According to the statement, the defence ties between the two countries is based on their shared values and interests, and their abiding commitment to global peace and security.
But experts warned that India’s ability to build jet engines or acquire UAV technology from the United States would further weaken Pakistan’s conventional defence capability as well.
The agreement will allow the Indian and USA navies to have an easier time supporting each other in joint operations and exercises and when providing humanitarian assistance, Parrikar said.
Alleging that forces across the border are fomenting trouble in Kashmir, Defence Minister of India, Manohar Parrikar, has said that “a small percentage” of people in the Valley is holding the majority to ransom.
Carter further said the agreement will be a “very substantial enabler” for the two countries to work together.
One of these foundational agreements was signed between the U.S. and India in 2002 – the General Security of Military Information Agreement.
The tweets added that LEMOA “does not create any obligations on either party to carry out any joint activity”, “does not provide for the establishment of any bases or basing arrangements”, and “significantly enhances operational capacity of our armed forces, including in response to humanitarian crises or disaster relief”.
Contacted by IANS, former Defence Minister Antony said: “I will not comment unless I read the agreement”.
The US military has made clear it wants to do more with India, especially in countering China, which US officials say is risking stoking conflict through its claims in the South China Sea, a vital trade waterway. It’s taken this long to sign just two because India’s afraid that this may take away from its strategic autonomy.
“This is undoubtedly a leap forward in US-India military cooperation”.
“China and Pakistan beware – this week, India and U.S. sign major war pact”, warned the Forbes magazine in an article.
“This agreement will also cause serious misgivings, unless explained and justified, among India’s traditional partners and time tested allies, regionally and globally”, he said.
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“The contents of the agreement be placed in public domain or at least shared with leadership of opposition parties as this decision has been taken in an opaque manner by stealth as also unilaterally without national consensus”, he added.
