India and the United States have signed Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement

In a significant departure from its policy of not entering into a military agreement with any major power, India has signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) with United States which will allow their militaries to work closely and use each other’s bases for repair and replenishment of supplies.
•    The LEMOA, which sets a precedent for other future military pacts between the two countries, was signed Monday in Washington between Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and US counterpart Ashton Carter to facilitate opportunities for “practical engagement and exchange.
•    Agreement does not create any obligation on either party to carry out any joint activity and does not provide for the establishment of any bases or basing arrangements.
•    Maintaining that reciprocal logistic support would be used exclusively during authorised port visits, joint exercises, joint training, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts”, it did underline that “logistics support for any other cooperative effort shall only be provided on a case-by-case basis through prior mutual consent of the parties, consistent with their respective laws, regulations and policies.