US-India deal on military bases, against Chinese dominance in Asia
The defence ministers of the two countries signed the agreement yesterday. Although never mentioned, China is the main target. Indian and US navies will help each other in military exercises, joint peacekeeping operations and humanitarian assistance. Another aim is to contain extremism in Pakistan.
Washington (AsiaNews) – The United States and India signed an agreement on Monday governing the use of each other's land, air and naval bases for repair and resupply.
The goal is to provide either country with logistical support in what is a milestone in the defence field. It has the explicit goal of containing China's growing maritime assertiveness in Asia and curb terrorist groups in Pakistan.
The military logistics agreement between the two countries was first proposed in 2002 but India did not agree to signing until last April.
The terms were defined last June during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US and then made public yesterday at a conference at the Pentagon.
US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter and Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar took centre stage at the event showing solidarity in intent and objectives.
The signing of the agreement will "make the logistics of joint operations so much easier and so much more efficient," Secretary Carter said.
The agreement will allow the Indian and US navies to have an easier time supporting each other in joint operations and exercises and when providing humanitarian assistance, Parrikar said.
Although not named, the deal was aimed at China, whose influence on the South China Sea is increasingly opposed by both governments. Carter and Parrikar stressed the importance of free maritime trade.
“India and the United States have a shared interest in freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded commerce as part of rule-based order in (the) Indo-Pacific,” Parrikar said.
As for security, US media believe the agreement will also help counter religious extremism.
Concerned about the sectarian slide in Bangladesh after the attack on a Dhaka bar frequented by foreigners, the Pentagon pushed for the agreement.
This will send direct signals to Islamic State militants in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
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