The Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) was “in principal” agreed on during Carter’s visit to India in April.
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India and america signed an agreement regulating the mutual use of military assets air and each other’s land for fix, a step toward building defense ties as they seek to counter the growing marine assertiveness of China.
Now, let us look at what the treaty is all about.
A landmark pact which was 12 years in the waiting, LEMoA – a watered down version of the Logistics and Supplies Agreement (LSA), an agreement that the U.S. has with its key North Atlantic Treaty Organisation allies – will facilitate much easier and simpler access to each other’s bases in the form of logistical support, refuelling, supplies and other such services on a reimbursable basis.
Discussing the “Major Defense Partner” designation, the two sides agreed on the importance this framework will provide to facilitate innovative and advanced opportunities in defence technology and trade cooperation.
Will this exchange of resource happen regularly?
Carter said that the agreement is “fully mutual”, with neither nation obligated to do anything for the other, “operating together when we choose to”. Carter said, “When they do agree, this is an agreement that makes it all go so much more smoothly and efficiently”. The United States is also likely to push its case for the manufacture of American fighter jet planed in India under the “Make in India” initiative.
No, it can’t. Neither US nor India can set up base in each other’s country through this deal.
The LEMOA will facilitate sharing of land, air and naval bases for fix and resupply, according to media sources.
Reciprocal logistic support would be used exclusively during authorised port visits, joint exercises, joint training, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.
The agreement will allow the Indian and US navies to have an easier time supporting each other in joint operations and exercises and when providing humanitarian assistance, Parrikar said.
It is a version of the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which the U.S. has with several North Atlantic Treaty Organisation nations, something that has raised concerns.
In face of a rampantly hostile China, this agreement will give usa a credible foothold in China. The US Navy plans to deploy 60 percent of its surface ships in the Indo-Pacific in the near future. This agreement can give USA, an easy access to Indian bases to refuel its fleets. This is a good thing since New Delhi needs to maintain flexibility in foreign policy.
How India gains from the agreement? .
Both Carter and Parrikar further welcomed the signing of LEMOA.
The writing is on the wall and it speaks out clearly that India is fast moving closer to becoming a military ally of the United States, whether it means distancing from Russian Federation or not but certainly angering China.
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“Therefore, India will not lean toward the U.S. because it will not only hurt India’s self-esteem, more importantly, India can gain more strategic benefits by striking a balance between China and the United States”.
