India, Oz sign key defence logistics deal, 6 more pacts
Modi, Morrison upgrade partnership, bonhomie at ‘virtual summit’
India and Australia on Thursday announced two bilateral strategic declarations for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and signed seven agreements, including a key defence Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) that will see either country’s defence platforms, including ships and aircraft, being able to use the other’s bases for repair and replenishment of supplies, including fuel and spare parts. India has already signed similar deals with the United States, France and Singapore. The MSLA inked Thursday is designed to “increase military inter-operability through defence exercises”, with both saying they will “deepen and broaden defence cooperation”, especially through “navyto-navy cooperation”.
The two declarations and seven pacts in defence, cyber, mining
and other sectors were announced after a 70minute “warm, cordial and highly productive” India-Australia Virtual Summit Thursday morning in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian PM Scott Morrison decided to elevate bilateral ties from the current Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The MSLA’s signing is seen as significant, given the growing Chinese military assertiveness in the maritime Indo-Pacific region, and also when India is locked in a military standoff with China in Ladakh. However, briefing reporters in a virtual briefing MEA secretary (east) Vijay Thakur Singh said there was no discussion about China at the summit. But in a possible veiled reference to Beijing, Mr Modi told Mr Morrison: “It is our sacred responsibility to uphold and protect the values of global welfare, such as democracy, rule of law, freedom, mutual respect… Today, when these values are challenged, we can strengthen them by strengthening mutual relations.”
Besides the MSLA, another pact on cooperation in defence science and technology was also signed, with Mr Modi inviting Australian companies to participate in the “Make in India” initiative. Another important pact was on cooperation in mining and processing of critical and strategic minerals, including lithium and cobalt.
To strengthen trade ties, it was decided to restart talks on a bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. A framework pact on cyber and cyberenabled critical technology was also inked.