The visit, their sixth official interaction to date, demonstrates the importance both sides place on strengthening defence ties across many areas: from strategic and regional cooperation, to deepened military-to-military exchanges, to expanded collaboration on defence technology and innovation, it said.
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“Signing of LEMOA is a fundamental departure from India’s time-tested policy of strategic military neutrality”, Congress party spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said.
The first handshake is strategic, as the USA rebalances to the Asia-Pacific, and India extends its reach towards east, in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
Talking about the LEMOA in a joint press conference, Carter said it will be a “very substantial enabler” for the two countries to work together.
“The decision has been taken in an opaque manner by stealth as also unilaterally without national consensus”, says Congress. The logistics support, supply and services include food, water, billeting, transportation, petroleum, oils, lubricants, clothing, telecommunication services, medical and storage, training, repairing and other maintenance services, he said.
However, an editorial by state-run Global Times, which was written ahead of the signing of the logistics agreement in Washington, said India may loose strategic independence if it leans towards the US.
India and the U.S. signed an agreement on sharing military logistics, in a major step forward in closer bilateral defence cooperation, though both sides clarified it will not involve setting up of military bases.
He has made closer military ties with India a priority, and established a special unit within the Pentagon past year to promote cooperation with the country, whose ties with the United States are, he said on Monday, “destined to be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century”.
“All patriotic Indians will reject such a subordinate role to United States imperialism”, says CPM. Mr. Parrikar said no timeline has been set for discussing these. “We agreed to continue efforts to establish a fast and efficient framework to encourage tie-ups between our defence companies”, Parrikar said.
They welcomed the progress achieved under the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) so far.
LEMOA only provides an additional means to fund necessary support and requires the approval of both countries on a case-by-case basis.
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China on Tuesday downplayed the crucial Indo-US logistics defence pact as “normal cooperation” even as its state media warned that India’s attempts to join US’ alliance could “irritate” China, Pakistan or even Russian Federation and bring “strategic troubles” for New Delhi.
