India Defence Agreements
India, being one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, has a significant interest in strengthening its defence capabilities to secure its territorial integrity and maintain peace in the region. In recent years, India has been signing crucial defence agreements with various countries to enhance its defence capabilities, boost its military infrastructure and promote security cooperation. In this article, we shall discuss some of the noteworthy defence agreements that India has signed with different countries.
India-US Defence Agreements:
The India-US defence partnership has been gaining momentum over the years, with both countries sharing a common interest in maintaining regional stability. To strengthen the bilateral defence cooperation, India and the US have signed several agreements, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016, Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018 and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) in 2020.
LEMOA allows the two countries to use each other`s military facilities for refuelling, repair and maintenance of their warships and aircraft. COMCASA facilitates secure communication between the two countries` defence establishments, while BECA allows for the exchange of geospatial intelligence for navigational and missile targeting purposes.
India-Russia Defence Agreements:
India and Russia have a long-standing defence partnership, dating back to the Cold War era. The two countries have signed several defence agreements, including the Inter-Governmental Agreement on the Sukhoi Design Bureau`s production of SU-30MKI fighter aircraft in India and the procurement of S-400 air defence systems.
The Sukhoi agreement has enabled India to indigenously manufacture one of the world`s most advanced fighter planes, while the S-400 system will provide India with enhanced air defence capabilities against aerial threats. India is also collaborating with Russia on the development of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, which is considered one of the world`s fastest missiles in its class.
India-France Defence Agreements:
India and France have been strengthening their defence cooperation in recent years, with key agreements signed between the two countries. The two countries have signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement for the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft and an agreement on the construction of six Scorpene submarines in India.
The Rafale fighter aircraft deal has given India a much-needed boost to its air power, while the Scorpene submarines will enhance India`s maritime capabilities. India and France are also collaborating on the development of the Short Range Surface to Air Missile (SR-SAM), which will provide India with a reliable defence against airborne threats.
India-Japan Defence Agreements:
India and Japan have been working on enhancing their defence cooperation in recent years, as both countries share a common interest in maintaining regional stability. The two countries have signed a defence agreement that will allow for the transfer of defence equipment and technology between the two countries.
India is also partnering with Japan on the development of the US-2i amphibious aircraft, which will provide India with enhanced search and rescue capabilities. Japan is also expected to participate in the annual Malabar naval exercise with India and the US, which will further strengthen the trilateral strategic partnership between the three countries.
In conclusion, India has been signing crucial defence agreements with various countries to enhance its defence capabilities, boost its military infrastructure and promote security cooperation. These agreements have enabled India to improve its defence preparedness and maintain regional stability, thereby contributing to its national security.