India and US signed a key defense pact – the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in Washington this year, which is a significant step towards deeper Indo-US ties.
Background:
There are 3 agreements that US enters into with its close defense partners and allies. These are –
1. LSA – Logistics Support Agreement
2. CISMOA – Communications Interoperability and Security Memorandum of Agreement
3. BECA – Basic Exchange and Co-operation Agreement for Geospatial Co-operation.
The purpose of these agreements is to build a basic framework of common standards and systems to promote interoperability between the militaries. They are also meant to facilitate sale and transfer of high end defense technology.
LEMOA is an India-specific LSA designed to facilitate logistical co-operation and support between India and US. It is a bilateral agreement that makes providing logistical support (like refueling ship and making payment for the same) very convenient.
History:
In 2002, India had signed the GSOMIA (General Security of Military Info Agreement). Ever since then, USA has been pursuing India to sign the rest of the three agreements viz. LSA, CISMOA and BECA. However, subsequent governments have been very cautious with the negotiations.
Key provisions of this agreement
1. It will give both the countries access to each other’s designated military facilities for supplies, repairs, refueling and replenishment.
2. It will designate officials who will be the nodal point of contact for either country.
3. It will institute a mechanism of book-keeping and payments on a reimbursable basis to avoid the long, cumbersome process of payments being followed currently.
4. It covers four areas of co-operation –
a) Port calls
b) Joint exercises
c) Training
d) Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
For any other requirements, decision will be taken on a case-to-case basis.
What LEMOA does not imply:
1. The agreement does not make logistical support automatic or obligatory for either party.
2. LEMOA does not allow “military bases” i.e. there will be no bases for US troops or assets on Indian soil.
Reason:
There was an apprehension that signing the agreement would make India a part of the US military bloc by turning us into a US military base. There was fear of the far reaching effects it could have on the independence of India’s strategic autonomy and foreign policy.
Benefits to India:
1. It will increase India’s operational reach and sustainability.
2. It will boost Indian Navy’s outreach to regions beyond its current scope i.e. Indian Ocean Region and may facilitate our efforts to become Blue Water Navy.
3. It will also strengthen maritime security and maritime domain awareness.
4. It will enhance the capability of our armed forces in evacuation missions like Operation Raahat, Operation Safe Homecoming, disaster reliefs like in the recent Nepal earthquake and other causes like anti-piracy relief.
5. India and the US have many joint military exercises during which payments are done through a tedious and cumbersome process. LEMOA puts in place a proper mechanism for payments where the countries can use each other’s military facilities on a reimbursable basis.
6. It will give us access to America’s military bases in strategic locations like Diego Garcia and Djibouti.
Benefits to the US:
1. It will give the US a strong foothold in South-east Asia.
2. It will help the US counter maritime assertiveness of China.
3. It might act as a “political symbol” to deter the regional dominance of Russia and China.
4. It will enhance the US’s Pivot to Asia strategy.
Criticism:
1. It might irk Russia and facilitate its already increasing inclination towards Pakistan.
2. It does not help our sour relations with China, rather adds fuel to the fire.
3. It raises concerns about getting too close to the US and ending up losing autonomy in foreign policy.
This agreement can be a mutually beneficial pact that enhances practical co-operation in areas of mutual interest. It has the capability to further Indian Navy’s increasingly large footprint. It also comes at a time when China’s growing assertiveness is making both India and the US extremely uncomfortable. A growing view among the strategic commentary is that stronger India-US relationship can promote peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region. This agreement is a significant step towards that direction.
This Article is a part of ForumIAS Mains 2016 Initiative. For a list of all articles that will be published on ForumIAS Portal for Mains visit https://forumias.com/portal/mains2016
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