Signalling a strategic shift, India agreed to reopen talks with the US on a pact to allow each other access to their military bases and ports. Earlier, India was ambivalent about such a step to avoid conveying an impression of a military alliance.
The proposed pact, also called the Logistics Support Agreement (LSA), will allow both sides to make changes to each other’s facilities in a way that it allows for easier conduct of military exercises. It also allows expanding their scope and ambition. The main aim is to raise trust levels for the US to share more high-end technology with India, which is critical to spur military co-production between both countries.
Under the UPA government, the Defence Ministry had taken a hard line against signing any such agreement with the US. The reason given by the ministry was that any such pact would go against India’s posture of military neutrality, conveying in the process a more provocative message to China. This was also one of the major reasons why the UPA government never wanted a third country to be involved in Indo-US military exercises, particularly when conducted on Indian waters.
The US had agreed to keep this restricted to military exercises and for the conduct of any other ‘mutually agreed’ action just to address Indian concerns that it’s not misconstrued as a “blank cheque” to the US to use Indian bases for any operations it undertakes across the globe. It is now expected that US will present a fresh draft soon.
This would make it easier for both sides to carry out joint exercises and operations together. However, the Indian side has been concerned about the access this may give the US to Indian systems. This, according to some analysts, works both ways as India would also get access to US systems. Security protocols can be developed between the two countries to facilitate this agreement.
Author Profile
![India Writes Network](https://www.indiawrites.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IW-screen-2-150x31.jpeg)
- India Writes Network (www.indiawrites.org) is an emerging think tank and a media-publishing company focused on international affairs & the India Story. Centre for Global India Insights is the research arm of India Writes Network. To subscribe to India and the World, write to editor@indiawrites.org. A venture of TGII Media Private Limited, a leading media, publishing and consultancy company, IWN has carved a niche for balanced and exhaustive reporting and analysis of international affairs. Eminent personalities, politicians, diplomats, authors, strategy gurus and news-makers have contributed to India Writes Network, as also “India and the World,” a magazine focused on global affairs.
Latest entries
India and the WorldSeptember 7, 2024West Asia conflict only strengthens case for India-Middle East Corridor: Jaishankar
DiplomacySeptember 7, 2024India, Maldives continue reset, revive defence cooperation
DiplomacySeptember 5, 2024FOCAC Summit: Xi Jinping Meets African Leaders, focuses on Global South
India and the WorldAugust 23, 2024A new dawn: India, Poland elevates ties to strategic partnership