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China downplays Indo-US logistics defence deal

Attempts by India to join US’ alliance could “irritate” China, Pakistan or even Russian Federation and bring “strategic troubles” to New Delhi while making it a centre of geopolitical rivalries in Asia, China’s state-run media commented today.

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“We have noted the relevant report”.

The Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) allows India and United States militaries to access each other’s military facilities for refuelling and replenishment.

“For such normal cooperation between the two sides we are glad to see it happen, ” she said.

Kirby’s remarks followed the Second India-US Strategic and Commercial Dialogue co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and US Secretary of State John Kerry in New Delhi.

The Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement signed between India’s Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter facilitates provision of logistical support, supplies and services between the US and Indian militaries.

“Due to its non-alignment policy, India has been given attention from all the major powers such as the U.S., Japan, China and Russian Federation in recent years”. It cautioned that the deal would bring “strategic troubles” to Delhi and “make itself a centre of geopolitical rivalries in Asia”. “For years, there has been tremendous misinformation put out into the Indian press about these agreements”, said Schwartz, now with the US-India Business Council, which promotes trade ties between the two countries.

The agreement signed between United States and India on Monday will only govern the use of each other’s land, air and naval bases for fix and resupply but does not foresee exclusive bases.

The editorial, however, conceded that the LEMO agreement is definitely a leap forward in US-India military cooperation. The signing of the agreement will “make the logistics of joint operations so much easier and so much more efficient”, U.S. defence secretary Ash Carter said in a news briefing with defence minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday.

“If India hastily joins the USA alliance system, it may irritate China, Pakistan or even Russian Federation”, said China’s state-run media.

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The US stand on India’s role in the Asia-Pacific region comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s expected visit to Vietnam, another country Beijing has disputes with, on his way to China for the G20 Summit early September.

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