The recent utilization of Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Islands by a USA Navy P-8A long range Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) for refuelling activities has made headlines. The report marks the first usage of A&N by the USA under the parameters of the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), further indicating the progression of military collaboration between India and the USA.
Understanding LEMOA
Signed by India in 2016, LEMOA is an agreement that permits both nations to utilise each other’s designated military facilities for refuelling and replenishment purposes. This is instrumental in enhancing the efficiency of military operations.
Additional Military Communication Agreements with the USA
Apart from LEMOA, India has also signed the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) in 2002. GSOMIA enables militaries to share intelligence collected by them. Additionally, the Industrial Security Annex (ISA) signed in 2019 bolsters this agreement, providing a foundation for the exchange and protection of classified military information between the USA and Indian defence industries. Separately, the Communications and Information Security Memorandum of Agreement (COMCASA) signed by India in 2018, which is valid for 10 years, aims to streamline interoperability between the armed forces of the two countries.
Pending USA-India Agreement: BECA
The Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geo-Spatial cooperation (BECA) is another significant agreement which the USA anticipates India will sign soon. BECA will provide India with access to the geospatial maps of the USA, thus significantly improving the accuracy of automated hardware systems and weapons such as cruise and ballistic missiles.
Strategic Importance of A&N Islands
The A&N Islands have emerged as a significant component of India’s “Act East Policy”. These islands are strategically located near the Strait of Malacca and global sea lanes of communication. Their potential extends to enabling Indian maritime power projection into the Indo-Pacific and even beyond into the south-west Pacific.
Increased Maritime Interactions with Quad Countries
India has been actively involved in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), an informal strategic dialogue between India, USA, Japan, and Australia aimed at endorsing a “free, open and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region. There has been a notable uptick in India’s maritime interactions with the Quad countries around information sharing for improved Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) in the Indian Ocean Region and Indo-Pacific.
The Road Ahead
The augmentation in India’s maritime interactions with the Quad countries will bolster India’s position in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region. To forge a successful Comprehensive Strategic Global Partnership, it is crucial for India and the USA to complete the remaining agreements while maintaining strategic balance in their bilateral relationship.
