In a major step toward expanding bilateral defense cooperation, the United States and India have signed a military logistics agreement that allows the two countries to use each other’s land, air and naval bases for supplies, repair and other services.
Citing strong cooperation in defense and technology and in peace and security, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said the U.S.-India relationship is “destined to be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.”
The United States and India share a common vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, Carter said, according to Pentagon, in a joint news conference at the Pentagon with Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar.
About the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement, Carter said it would facilitate a deeper engagement between the two militaries.
Analysts see Monday’s accord on military logistics as part of the US “pivot” to Asia to counterbalance China’s expansion as a military power.
According to a joint statement released by the Department of Defense, Parrikar and Carter discussed India’s “Major Defense Partner” designation, announced during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Washington in June.
“They agreed on the importance this framework will provide to facilitate innovative and advanced opportunities in defense technology and trade cooperation. To this end, the United States has agreed to elevate defense trade and technology sharing with India to a level commensurate with its closest allies and partners.
“Secretary Carter welcomed India’s membership in the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and reaffirmed U.S. support for India’s membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG),” the statement added.
