Syeda Mazhar
India’s attempt to soar in the field of logistics seems to be fruitful as it is strengthening its ties not only with the regional super powers, China and Russia; but also with the United States of America. U.S. Defence Secretary Ash Carter visited India’s southern getaway; Goa, for 3 days in April 2016 to discuss Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA). Although the points of the agreement are yet to be clearly chartered (in ‘weeks’ or ‘months’), the general framework has been discussed. Mr. Carter and Manohar Parrikar talked about strengthening the logistic supply and exchange, as well as the defense strategic partnership.
Parrikar said, “As our engagement deepens, we need to develop practical mechanisms to facilitate such exchanges. In this context, Secretary Carter and I agreed in principle to conclude a Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in the coming months.”
This partnership is not only limited to both countries openly dealing arms and nuclear weapons, but the US Navy would be using Indian assets and bases. After the Indo-Us Civil Nuclear Deal, this is the next big step between the two countries in dealing supplies that strengthen India’s foundation in the region. Indian United Progressive Alliance (UPA) is in opposition to Modi’s decision to give in Indian bases to the US navy. UPA was not wrong, to believe that by such a deal, India would be selling its soverignity to the Americans. India will hold the title of a ‘client state’, giving out its secretive military bases and information to USA, which is not an honourable thing to do. Due to this resistance from the Alliance, Carter was unable to discuss details with Parrikar regarding LEMOA.
Following China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea, the maritime collaboration between the two countries is also increasing as they are to set up Maritime Domain Awareness. The commander of U.S. Pacific Command Admiral Harris floated the idea of collaborating with India. Sharing data with commercial shipping traffic was also suggested by Carter. A ‘White Shipping Agreement’ is to be finalized soon regarding the submarine and anti-submarine warfare and a detailed navy-to-navy discussion is soon to take place as US wants to increase its surveillance in the South Asian seas.
Carter is reported to have said that India and the US agreed to two new projects under the Defence Trade and Technology Initiative, which included a tactical biological detection unit.
UPA was also cautious regarding the Chinese and Russian reactions to this new deal. Indo-Russian relations could regress due to Indians increased friendship with USA; especially in the aerospace department where the Russians and Indians seems to work well together. Modi however had his next move in mind. In order to maintain equilibrium, after the deal with Capitalists, Parrikar’s next visit was to China. Chinese Foreign Minister Spokesman, Lu Kang said that Indian decisions regarding who they want to deal with, are respected; however the meeting with Carter did not by any chance go unnoticed by Beijing.
Kang told the reporters on being questioned: “We have noted relevant reports on US Defense Secretary Ash Carter’s visit to India.” He further said; “India is also an influential country in the world and India has been upholding independent diplomatic policy. India will make up its diplomatic policies based on its own interests”.
China’s decision to hold back its verdict to agree with India’s attempt to designate the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed’s Chief Maulana Masood Azhar as a terrorist at the United Nations; gave India negative vibes from China, and the move was not appreciated by Modi’s government. Following India’s cold shoulder towards China after the Pak-China Economic Corridor Agreement, India is now trying to cajole China through Defence Minister and NSA Doval’s visits to allay Chinese concerns.
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval visited China to discuss the border issues regarding the Jaish leader Maulana Masood Azhar. According to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement, “peaceful negotiations to settle the boundary question”. Efforts will be made to reach a “fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution”.
There was a long discussion regarding the LAC (Line of Actual Control), which has been a lasting dispute between the two countries. They decided to talk more about the smilar interests rather than discussing differences so that everything can be solved peacefully.
It is important to note that Indian ambitions and capabilities do not necessarily match. It has undoubtedly signed up for more than it can actually handle; considering that it has a so-called ‘Blue Water Navy’- which means it falls short of operating in the open seas; which is a prerequisite for ‘projecting powers to areas with strategic interest’, that is what India apparently plans to do after the LSA.
In the same week, Indian External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj met her Russian counterpart to discuss the death of Indian students in Russian territory and to question the standard of investigations that are going on to give justice to the students. Mr Lavrov, on his part, said both countries should continue to work closely to further expand bilateral ties. Modi plans to visit Iran in May 2016. Its strategy to encircle Pakistan from all borders is evident; as it is common knowledge that RAW is also operating in Afghanistan. The aim is to discuss Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and a group of world powers on the country’s nuclear program
As Modi tries to keep Indian foreign relations as diplomatic as possible, the world sees India as nothing more than a swinging state. The US definition of a swing state is “swing states are those whose mixed political orientation gives them a greater impact than their population or economic output might warrant.” Like a swing, India is trying to go back and forth, to have friendly bilateral relationship with the communists as well as the capitalist, and try its level best to be the regional hegemonic power.
India being played as an instrument by the US, as US tries to keep a check on the South China sea as well as the CPEC- would eventually cause an unbalance in the natural flow of events within Asia.As much as India is trying to play smart, it should not forget that the last it gave its ports to the Europeans, it ended up being an English colony for 200 years.
