India, US military logistics pact |
India and the US have announced the signing of Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) between the two countries during Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s three-day visit to the US. LEMOA, a tailor-made version of the Logistics Support Agreement (LSA) signed by the US with other countries, “establishes basic terms, conditions, and procedures for reciprocal provision of Logistic Support, Supplies, and Services between the armed forces of India and the United States”. LEMOA would make it easier for Indian armed forces to carry out joint activities, such as training and exercises, as well as HADRmissions. Parrikar told the media in the presence of the US defence secretary, Ashton Carter.The military logistics agreement between the two countries was first proposed in 2002 but India did not agree to signing of the pact till earlier this year. In April, during Carter’s visit to Delhi, the two sides announced an in-principle agreement to sign the pact. Following further negotiations and due approvals by various ministries, the pact was finally signed on August 29.
|
|
|
|